CrookedRacer

Hello again,

I'm here to solicit your advice on tires for my track toy.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/for.../105890/page1/

This car came with a complete set of EIGHT cookie-cutter wheels, all in 16x8 with a 52.3 offset, all fitted with Nitto NT01's in a 245-50/16 size.

I have no idea how the previous owner found eight of the same exact wheels (rears from a late model 944 Turbo, from what I can tell), but I'm absolutely loving the square setup they provide.

<img src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5496ee4ae4b01fe317eac8f3/t/5601f4dce4b09308c0648220/1442968797182/?format=1500w"</img>

In the picture below, you can see the condition of the tires, and I've only run three DE weekends on the set on the left. It's probably about time to get new rubber for the set on the right.

<img src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5496ee4ae4b01fe317eac8f3/t/55e36e8be4b04175f47e75aa/1440968338877/?format=1500w" height=693 width=390</img>

This year I'm going to do what it takes to pass tech and get its NASA logbook so I can drive it in a comp licensing school in June.

http://www.nasaracing.net/june-24-26-2016-dominion/

Since 16" wheels are not legal for NASA Spec 944, I will probably run in GTS-1. In that class, using DOT-legal tires means I can be a little heavier.

It's not as much about being competitive in this car as it is about getting that license so I can drive in other cars. This car will return to DE duty after this year, most likely.

I absolutely love the Nitto's because they have epic grip despite their questionable age and unquestionably high number of cycles. The nittos are still available in this size in limited quantities.

Some 944 guys at the track have commented that I might be better served by a lower overall diameter by getting a lower profile tire.

I do have the short 5th gear since it's an '88. However, I doubt I'll ever really be in danger of maxing out revs on most of the tracks, since the car is so stinking slow anyway.

What do you guys think about other brands and sizes that might fit this setup, particularly with respect to availability, durability, and the possibility of gaining a bit more torque by reducing the overall diameter?

Thanks!

Dimi 944

The wheels you have are not Cookie Cutter but Phonedials.
I used to run the same size and type of wheel on my track car but with Hoosier 245/45/16 tires which are a Definite upgrade over the NT01s. I recommend them as well as the BFGoodrich R1.

Btw, I have a low heat cycled (8) set of Hoosiers for sale as I am changing wheel sizes. Send me an e-mail if interested. I am local to you as well.

CrookedRacer

DOH!

I must have had cookies on the brain when I wrote that.

<img src="http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/iannielli-legend/images/6/6e/Cookie_monster.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150918140937">

Thanks for the Hoosier idea. I'll pm you..

g-50cab

Nittos will run well until they cord - one of my favorite DE tires - the left set have plenty of heat cycles to go - around a long course - you'll be a couple of seconds faster in the hoosiers - but they have twice the wear rate than the Nitto Nt01's

BTW - - once the tread becomes worn - you can flip the NTo1's and get more wear out of the shoulders -

JustinL

I was pretty happy with Hankook z214 in 245/45/16... but I just checked tire rack and the size options have pretty much disappeared. Toyo RR would be another option in that size. We're going to be running RE-11 on our endurance racer (chumpcar) that also come in that size.

Turbodan

Nitto s are the best bang for the buck and you can drive to the track and even leave them on in summer time...I usually leave them on all summer until the temps start dropping.

philstireservice

What class are you going to be running in? You might want to consider running a tire that you would be competing on.

CrookedRacer

Thanks everyone!

Phil: GTS-1, I think, simply because the car is legal for that class. Unfortunately, I am pretty sure I'll be the only one out there in that class. I'm not sure there's anywhere I'll actually be competitive without a lot more modding or removal of mods I already have.

So the Nittos are great. They have proven, in my limited time with them, to give gobs of grip even though they are at least 4 years old. That is just great value for me. I just wish they came in a 245/45 instead of that tall 50 sidewall.

Used Hoosiers is a great idea. I'm not made of money.

And it is nice to know there are quite a few brands that offer dot racing tires in 245/45-16.

Phil, If you'll be at NASA-MA @ Summit Point in April, maybe you could flip that set on the right and I could get another few DEs or races out of them? Would it be worth it?

CrookedRacer

I've settled on Toyo Proxes RR's in 245-45/16 which I'll be breaking in this weekend at Watkins Glen (NASA-NE on Monday and Tuesday).

Although this weekend is just a DE weekend, I'll be running in GTS-1 or PTE this fall at VIR, and the PTE points math works out. With my current setup, and all planned mods, I will land in PTE class with 2 or 3 points to spare.

My current Nitto NT-01's cost 6 points.

The Toyo Proxes RR's cost 7 points.

I'm so excited to see how the car handles with new shoes! (The Nittos were over four years old and heavily used when I got them a year ago)

wildcat077

I used up two sets of TOYO RR's this season where everybody was running Hoosier R7's, result was about 2-3 seconds slower per lap and a few scary moments when i was pushing too hard to catch up / follow the pack !
Another thing was that the TOYO 225/45/15 is a lot narrower than a Hoosier R7 in the same size.Sure , the TOYO's would probably last a lot longer but in a racing environment it was a bad decision ...

CrookedRacer

Thanks for the comment wildcat!

I should mention that in PTE the Hoosiers would cost 22 points, throwing me into PTD most assuredly.

But you are right, they'd be way faster and make me far more competitive in GTS-1... If only there was another car in that class with me!

I was in a class of one at dominion raceway last month in GTS-1.

It was all good though because my whole goal is just making it through my first several races without incident.