wheel/tire choice for return to HPDE

[Sphinx]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

17x9's on stock struts will limit your camber options, 8's and 225's will be cheaper and more camber via a pair of bolts to make those tires last longer, if you're just having fun and don't care about lap times I'd go for the 8's. If you know you'll want the extra grip then don't faff around and go for the 9's.

Falken RT660's are closer to RE71R/A052 then they are to Hankook RS4's
The cheap long lasting Falken is the RT615k+

Nankang AR1's and CR1's are getting some good reviews as cheap and grippy. AR1 even though softer should be more stable over a session.
Goodyear Supercar 3's I think are the other under the radar tire right now.

And I second Firehawks as a cheap 300tw tire, but they're not quick at all and I understand some people think they're frustrating to drive on.

Edit; and yes, 17x9's fit in the rear of the car with the seat down, three across the rear seat, one in the trunk, should have enough space for a jack and pair of stands, small toolkit, and helmet.

Explain that a bit more. So, with 17x9 and 245's on a stock suspension, where should I expect tire rub? Fenders or inside the wheel well?

[strat61caster]

With the right offset and alignment there shouldn't be any rub.

[Sphinx]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

With the right offset and alignment there shouldn't be any rub.

What's the right offset?

If I want to stick with the OEM 17x7.5 rim, what's the widest tire I can go on it without rubbing? 225?

[strat61caster]

idk I've only ever run stock wheels (17x7) with stock suspension

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15007

[Sphinx]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

idk I've only ever run stock wheels (17x7) with stock suspension

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15007

I've got a track car already (a Spec Miata). So, I need to buy some rims to run autocrosses (don't care if I'm not competitive) and some dedicated track tires for an occasional track day. I don't want to "build" the car into either a track or autocross car other than to just slap R-compound tires on it (200TW is fine) - maybe an alignment within stock ranges of adjustment, at most.

So, buying a set of 17x9 would be ideal but not if it's going to cause alignment and rubbing issues. So, I'm totally ok to stick buy an extra set of stock performance pkg rims and go wider on the tire.

[TommyW]

What is your experience level on track.
Are you on track to improve or just bomb around out there a couple times a year?

[Sphinx]

Originally Posted by TommyW

What is your experience level on track.
Are you on track to improve or just bomb around out there a couple times a year?

Fairly experienced. Been road racing since 2004. But not enough consistent seat time.


The desire is to improve.


Love your pic of the corkscrew. Raced there a few times when I lived in the SFBA.

[TommyW]

Originally Posted by Sphinx

Fairly experienced. Been road racing since 2004. But not enough consistent seat time.


The desire is to improve.


Love your pic of the corkscrew. Raced there a few times when I lived in the SFBA.

then I wouldn’t go with a super sticky tire especially since you don’t know this car on track yet. Maybe get something middle of the road performance wise for your first set then go to something stickier the next set. I ran the stockers on for the first few days with this car and it really lets you feel the handling characteristics.

Yes Laguna is a great track for sure!

[Sphinx]

Originally Posted by TommyW

then I wouldn’t go with a super sticky tire especially since you don’t know this car on track yet. Maybe get something middle of the road performance wise for your first set then go to something stickier the next set. I ran the stockers on for the first few days with this car and it really lets you feel the handling characteristics.

Yes Laguna is a great track for sure!

I was reading another thread and I think I'm going to source another set of stock PP rims and put some 225s. I'll need to figure out a good hybrid tire good for autox and lapping. So, no A7.

Actually, will go out in the next couple of weeks, if the weather cooperates, on the stock tires.

[cmiovino]

Originally Posted by Sphinx

I was reading another thread and I think I'm going to source another set of stock PP rims and put some 225s. I'll need to figure out a good hybrid tire good for autox and lapping. So, no A7.

The Hankook RS4 is pretty much the go-to for a hybrid 50/50 autox and track day tire. Decent enough for autox to have fun and put down ok times, but enough to hold up to HPDE or track days for fun too.


If you were doing more autox and less track, lets say 80/20, you might be able to swing something like the RT660's for the price. I'd still recommend the RS4 to start.