For those running a square setup, how do you like it?
 

I'm thinking about going 8" all around, and was wondering what to expect. I've read that going square helps address the car's tendency to understeer - is that others' experience? After going to a square setup, are you happy, or are you thinking about going back to a staggered configuration?

What you read would be logical, a wider tire up front or narrower tire in rear would combat understeer...., wouldn't be my 1st line of defense but yes, it would.

Early on, we used to run the forged 944TS wheels for their strength and lightness but it didn't take long to switch back to the phone dials.

Being able to rotate tires front to back gives you the ability to move the most abused tire around the car, giving us at least 1.5-2 times peak performance, not to mention more predictable handling, which lessens at track tuning and compensation adjustments. Other than for track bumpiness/smoothness, we never make a handling change at the track with exception to tire pressure.

Unless you have enough power to break the rear end loose (with lsd) on throttle exit to the point that it's slowing you down, 4 x the same wheel/tire is the way to go.
All above comments are on 8V 944 NA SP2 race car,
On the 968, we run same philosophy, but 9.5" wheels with 275/17 on all 4 corners.

T

I have 7J square setup on my street NA. If anything I get oversteer more than anything due to my sway bar setup and coilover settings. It's definitely nice being able to rotate the tires. And I can cheaply find decent tires to suit.

Good info! SO a follow up, are those stock body cars, or widebody? 275 is quite a bit of rubber and about where I am hoping to go with my car, just did not intend/want to do a widebody kit.

1992 968 stock body. They barely clear so we are checking for clearance before racing in this configuration for 1st time week after next.

We have new 275 Z214 C51 Hankook set as well as slightly narrower wheel with new 245 R7 Hoosier mounted to trial and test.

On an NA 8v 944, anything over 245/16 is overkill and probably slower over a lap.

T

Stagger is more appropriate with turbo engine and a soft rear sway bar to avoid oversteer from apex to corner exit

BTW - I probably have 2 complete sets (7.5 + 9) of the forged Trubo S clubsports in track wheel shape, (painted or powder coated black) if anybody looking for those.

T

Is it strictly because of the extra power of the turbo, or how the power comes on?

I am building a high horsepower car and want to get a good setup. I like the idea of square for rotation and longevity as this will be a street car. But I also want it to perform and handle as it is being built as a twisty mtn road car.

Love it! 17x9 with 255/40 NT-01 all around for several years now.

While not an apples to apples comparison, keep in mind Porsche ran a square wheel setup on the 924GTP Lemans, but slightly different tire sizes-

https://www.porsche.com/uk/accessori...p-restoration/

Wheels: BBS rims front and rear: 11.75 x 16
Dunlop Racing, front: 275/600 x16
Dunlop Racing, rear: 300/825 x 16

Not advocating one way or another. Just a data point for consideration.

Imho the 50/50 weight distribution really lends itself to a square tyre setup. If you are building a high power car then get yourself at least 9" wide wheels all round. Personally I run 265/35r18 semi slicks all round and really like it.... enough rear grip for putting the power down out of corners, and enough front grip to put the big reds to good use while braking. Thinking of moving to some 17 inch slicks for track work this year though.