How to screw up your cars handling and ride - step by step!

[ZDan]

225/40-18 probably your best size, 235/40-18 also possible but a bit larger in diameter. Best tire depends on your wants/needs and usage envelope.
Possibility you might need to drive in snow?
Street only, or some track or autoX?
Comfort and low noise or responsiveness and ultimate grip?
Do you want/need 30k+ miles out of tires or is 8k fine?

Whatever the case, study tire tests at www.tirerack.com to aid in figuring out what is the best tire for you.

happy solstice holiday

Originally Posted by jkamelo

Merry Christmas!

I’m plotting out my spring purchases and want to make sure I won’t ruin my car’s stock handling. I’m currently on stock everything, so I plan to pick up:

- Enkei TSR-X 18x8.5 +45 square setup (wheel is 20.4lbs)
- CSG Flex A or RCE SS1
- Tires (TBD)

Am I on a decent track here? I’m trying to balance looks and performance. And what should I avoid when picking my tire?

[jkamelo]

Originally Posted by ZDan

225/40-18 probably your best size, 235/40-18 also possible but a bit larger in diameter. Best tire depends on your wants/needs and usage envelope.
Possibility you might need to drive in snow?
Street only, or some track or autoX?
Comfort and low noise or responsiveness and ultimate grip?
Do you want/need 30k+ miles out of tires or is 8k fine?

Whatever the case, study tire tests at www.tirerack.com to aid in figuring out what is the best tire for you.

happy solstice holiday

Snow is possible. Some track - probably 4 track days a year. But comfort/low noise is important too. I’d also love 30k+ miles. So it sounds like the 235 is best?

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by jkamelo

Snow is possible. Some track - probably 4 track days a year. But comfort/low noise is important too. I’d also love 30k+ miles. So it sounds like the 235 is best?

225/40-18 is closer to stock 24.7" diameter at 25.1". 235/40-18 is a bit bigger at 25.4". Probably fine either way...
Given possible snow usage and desire for long life, you're gonna wanna go with UHP all-season tires. A few track days won't kill them but you might limit yourself to a handful of laps at a time to avoid overheating and chunking them. Check tire test results and customer survey reviews to see what you think will work best for ya:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...er=18#allTitle
Filter by category/performance/ultra-high-performance all-season

[jkamelo]

Originally Posted by ZDan

225/40-18 is closer to stock 24.7" diameter at 25.1". 235/40-18 is a bit bigger at 25.4". Probably fine either way...
Given possible snow usage and desire for long life, you're gonna wanna go with UHP all-season tires. A few track days won't kill them but you might limit yourself to a handful of laps at a time to avoid overheating and chunking them. Check tire test results and customer survey reviews to see what you think will work best for ya:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...er=18#allTitle
Filter by category/performance/ultra-high-performance all-season

Thanks so much! I decided on the Pilot Sport A/S 4’s.

I’m guessing that the 225 will handle better but be a bit harsher, right? And the 235 will be a touch more comfy but not as direct?

[Jdmjunkie]

Originally Posted by jkamelo

Thanks so much! I decided on the Pilot Sport A/S 4’s.

I’m guessing that the 225 will handle better but be a bit harsher, right? And the 235 will be a touch more comfy but not as direct?

Thats what I was going to recommend!

[God_speed]

Hi guys! I'm running a stock '13 GT86 (just upgraded the tyres to PS4 and did the brakes). I've also driven the BRZ in the past, and the difference in suspension is clear to me, the GT86 is (too) hard at the back and therefore very tail happy. I would like this to be more neutral. What would you guys suggest, go towards BRZ dampers or is there even a better alternative? I strictly use the car on the road for sporty drives in the Ardennes etc (with often mediocre road quality).

Thx in advance!

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by God_speed

Hi guys! I'm running a stock '13 GT86 (just upgraded the tyres to PS4 and did the brakes). I've also driven the BRZ in the past, and the difference in suspension is clear to me, the GT86 is (too) hard at the back and therefore very tail happy. I would like this to be more neutral. What would you guys suggest, go towards BRZ dampers or is there even a better alternative? I strictly use the car on the road for sporty drives in the Ardennes etc (with often mediocre road quality).

Thx in advance!

The dampers are the same between the different models although they have changed over time. It's the springs that are different between BRZ and GT86.

The original 2013 dampers were stiff for all cars and by now they may be old and worn out as well.

Bilstein B6 is a great option to use with any of the factory springs. Better ride quality than factory and more control. You might like the 2017 and later springs from either the BRZ or GT86. The springs after 2017 are much closer in terms of stiffness and they are softer than the earlier springs.

- Andrew

[God_speed]

You're right, thank you so much for the advice! B6 dampers and newer springs it is!

[Cephas]

Or get a set of RCE Yellows to get rid of that horrific wheel gap.

[sygfrid]

IMO, save some more & get lighter wheels.
WedsSport is super light at 16.4lbs for 18x8.5 +43.
Enkei PF01 18x8.5 +48 is at 18.5 lbs if I remember correctly.
Motegi MR140 18x8.5 +45 is at 19.7lbs

Originally Posted by jkamelo

Merry Christmas!

I’m plotting out my spring purchases and want to make sure I won’t ruin my car’s stock handling. I’m currently on stock everything, so I plan to pick up:

- Enkei TSR-X 18x8.5 +45 square setup (wheel is 20.4lbs)
- CSG Flex A or RCE SS1
- Tires (TBD)

Am I on a decent track here? I’m trying to balance looks and performance. And what should I avoid when picking my tire?

Thanks!

[God_speed]

Hi guys, as stated earlier I've got a suspension upgrade planned (got delayed due to urgent medical matters). Was thinking about swapping my standard '13 GT86 kit for B6 dampers and newer springs to have a more compliant damping and more neutral handling. But now I'm reading and hearing so much positive stuff regarding the handling of the GR86 (by Evo for instance:

) that I'm wondering if putting GR86 dampers and springs under my '13 GT86 might not be the best solution in the end. Does anyone have experiences with such an upgrade? (my early GT86 is of course a less stiff car than the new GR86...)

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by God_speed

that I'm wondering if putting GR86 dampers and springs under my '13 GT86 might not be the best solution in the end. Does anyone have experiences with such an upgrade? (my early GT86 is of course a less stiff car than the new GR86...)

I used 2nd generation BRZ dampers + springs on my 1st gen for a few months.

It's good, better than 1st generation. But not great. If you're able to find a good quality used set for not too much money I would do it, but I'm on Bilsteins right now (with different springs) and I like the Bilsteins more.

- Andrew

[God_speed]

Good to know, thx! You would even prefer the Bilstein to the newer GR86 ones?

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by God_speed

Good to know, thx! You would even prefer the Bilstein to the newer GR86 ones?

The 2nd gen shocks might be a little more comfortable than Bilsteins but I have not done a back to back direct comparison. I prefer the Bilsteins for handling.

- Andrew