Wider vs narrower tires

[ruturaj001]

Hey guys,

I recently got 2023 BRZ. I never had RWD manual transmission car. I have Kia Stinger which is rear biased AWD and had multiple manual cars in past. I thought it would be nice car to learn advance driving techniques on

My main goal is to learn to
1. rotate
2. handle car when it looses traction (not the goal to loose traction but I have seen too many videos where people do I want to learn how to handle that)

I assume narrower tires mean I can learn those things at lower speeds? I don't push car on roads but planning to start with autocross. I have already ordered and received camber bolts but haven't installed them.

My current choices are widths between 215, 225, 235 and 245

TIA

[x808drifter]

Stock tire size but shittier cheaper harder compound.

[soundman98]

Stock used tires complement the characteristics of the car very well. They also like to make noise near the limit faster than an ex wife if you even hint that the alimony check might be late.

[ruturaj001]

Thanks, I have limited model so pilot sport. I will swap with someone with primacy.

[ZDan]

Just use the Pilot Sports IMO. You’ll be sliding them soon enough in autoX. At least see how you like it on them first before bothering with dumbing down with slower tires…

[SCFD]

Don't worry about changing tires. Just use what came with the car until they wear out. More important than the tires -- where do you plan to practice/learn these skills?

[ruturaj001]

Originally Posted by SCFD

Don't worry about changing tires. Just use what came with the car until they wear out. More important than the tires -- where do you plan to practice/learn these skills?

Thanks, I was thinking about starting at autocross.

[foshjowler]

The stock tires are more than good enough to learn at autocross with. The PS4 is a decent tire for the street, but at autocross, it's considered low grip or a rain tire. My biggest advice to newcomers is, don't buy things for the car before you've done at least a few events. You don't know if you're going to continue with it, and there are major classing implications for even small modifications that you may regret once you learn more about the sport.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by foshjowler

The stock tires are more than good enough to learn at autocross with. The PS4 is a decent tire for the street, but at autocross, it's considered low grip or a rain tire. My biggest advice to newcomers is, don't buy things for the car before you've done at least a few events. You don't know if you're going to continue with it, and there are major classing implications for even small modifications that you may regret once you learn more about the sport.

Changing things for the sake of changing things is a waste of time and money.
Get some experience THEN start changing what you don't like.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Definitely go to an autocross or several with the car as it is now. You'll learn a lot.

On topic, tire compound/type is more important than tire width.

- Andrew

[SCFD]

Originally Posted by ruturaj001

Thanks, I was thinking about starting at autocross.

Frankly speaking, if you're just starting out you'll likely need 2 full seasons of autocross at a minimum before you're able to make any reliable decisions about what to change for the car setup. The only exception is if you've had years of other types of motorsports experience (i.e. karting). Put all your focus in attending every event possible, attending some driving schools, and investing in the the ability to record in-car videos.

It's a big mistake to start fiddling around with setup when you don't know what you're doing and run out of funds for things that really matter. All of those I mentioned above will probably already run you $1,500 in costs.

[ruturaj001]

Thanks, I just wanted to make sure tires won't cover my mistakes or give me feel of inconsistency. I also have Kia Stinger which is quipped with AWD and staggered tires, so I might have caught bad habits. With current post I was only trying to find out what is best for fast progression (beginner setup). Seems like stock set up is pretty good for that.

I already have semi aggressive brake pads and fluid which I haven't installed yet, so probably for later. I already installed dash cam and have a go pro as well. I will be taking lessons for sure.

[foshjowler]

Your first handful of events will mainly be about getting around the course without issues. You should have an instructor in the car with you to help guide you. I remember getting 100% lost at my first event.

On the brake pads, I will note that I prefer street pads for autocross events as they typically allow for easier modulation than true track pads. The brakes aren't used enough to overheat them anyway. If the fluid was more than a few years old, I'd recommend changing it, but that obviously isn't the case here.

[ruturaj001]

Originally Posted by foshjowler

Your first handful of events will mainly be about getting around the course without issues. You should have an instructor in the car with you to help guide you. I remember getting 100% lost at my first event.

On the brake pads, I will note that I prefer street pads for autocross events as they typically allow for easier modulation than true track pads. The brakes aren't used enough to overheat them anyway. If the fluid was more than a few years old, I'd recommend changing it, but that obviously isn't the case here.

Thanks, saw few videos of autocross, it does look confusing and will take time getting used to. Will get an instructor for sure. I actually did one autocross and didn't even know it was autocross, it was Kia Stinger event in NJ and I drove like grandma.

The pads I ordered are street pads, Hawk HPS 5.0 pads. The car is few months old, so fluid is good but I thought I was ordering high temperature fluid when I wasn't.