Autocross tire suggestions
#18
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You usually run a 245/45/16. The 265 has the same aspect ratio of 45 but a wider tread means a taller sidewall.
This means your gearing will be higher and youll most likely rub.
This means your gearing will be higher and youll most likely rub.
#19
You want the shortest possible sidewall as that effectively lowers the gear ratio which for autox in a 951 is a GOOD thing. Just run a 245/45R16 all around, it is a good fit.
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#20
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I am only 17 and have autocrossed 4 times. All 4 times I have run on street tires and I also went to a High performance driving clinic with street tires. I have heard tires are the most important upgrade in autoxing next to driver experience. My 944 has completely stock suspension and I would like to learn how to drive it as it is before I upgrade anything.
Is 225 the widest you can fit on an n/a?
Is 225 the widest you can fit on an n/a?
#21
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Of the tires I've tried (Hoosier#3, Kumho Victoracer and Ecsta V700, Toyo RA-1 and Yoko A048 and A032R) the Hoosier was consistently faster "under optimal conditions". The sizes I used were either 225/50-15 or, when available, 225/45-15 (lowers gearing, great for AX) always on Porsche OE 15x7 wheels. Optimal conditions vary, as do specific setups and courses. I was most happy with the long term performance of the Victoracer - it gripped well, didn't need as much camber as the Hoosier, and last a good ong while (started shaved to 3/32" - most others started at 4/32".) On the track, I really do love the Toyo RA-1 for it's long lasting even performance. It truly does feel just as good after 20 minutes as it does after 5. I have not tried the new #4 Hoosier, nor do I want to based on the increased care-and-feeding they seem to need over the #3 Hoosiers. Though, the very worst tire in the wet was the Hoosier - by far. The best, I think, was the A048 - but, I only drove on it once and not in my car. The worst overall tire was the Kumho V700 Ecsta - worthless pile from what I experienced. The two tires I have yet to try but will soon are the new Kumho V710 (mod1) and the seriously sticky Avon Tech-R (should give the Hoosier a run for the money - considering they are nominally $20/ea less expensive and also come as stock with only 4/32".)
Best tire is a religious topic - similar to brake pads, dampers and motor oil. If you run in classes that allow them (MOD), then you can run Hoosier or Goodyear "gumballs" - autocross tires that melt like chocolate in your hands.
Best tire is a religious topic - similar to brake pads, dampers and motor oil. If you run in classes that allow them (MOD), then you can run Hoosier or Goodyear "gumballs" - autocross tires that melt like chocolate in your hands.
#22
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Originally Posted by Lawn Gnome
Is 225 the widest you can fit on an n/a?
Last edited by Skip; 01-25-2005 at 01:16 PM.
#23
The 245/45-16's work well on the S2 for DE and AutoX. As has been said, run what you can afford. If you are going to drive to an from the events a high perfomance street tire may be what you want. I use the Toyo RA1's and drive them to events and am very happy with them.
For autoX the 245/45 lowers the gear ration over the stock 225/50's so gives you a little more pull on a tight autoX course.
I have added the 968 M030 swabars front and rear and this flattens out the car a lot. But you will need to beef up you front sway bar mount or they will break in a fairly short period. The rear is set at full hard. -1.7degrees camber up front and -1.3 at the rear, little toe front to none in rear. Tire pressures even when hot.
The question is, do you want to learn to drive the car or just trying to go as fast as possible? One is rewarding the other is expensive.
The down side of higher performance tires is that they don't talk back to you as much at the limits as street tires and when they do is is more like "Oh S#&% !"
In an autoX R compound tires are good for 1-2 seconds. If you are 5+ seconds off the pace, then R's alone will not put you into contention. Save the money and stick with street tires and work on the driving.
For autoX the 245/45 lowers the gear ration over the stock 225/50's so gives you a little more pull on a tight autoX course.
I have added the 968 M030 swabars front and rear and this flattens out the car a lot. But you will need to beef up you front sway bar mount or they will break in a fairly short period. The rear is set at full hard. -1.7degrees camber up front and -1.3 at the rear, little toe front to none in rear. Tire pressures even when hot.
The question is, do you want to learn to drive the car or just trying to go as fast as possible? One is rewarding the other is expensive.
The down side of higher performance tires is that they don't talk back to you as much at the limits as street tires and when they do is is more like "Oh S#&% !"
In an autoX R compound tires are good for 1-2 seconds. If you are 5+ seconds off the pace, then R's alone will not put you into contention. Save the money and stick with street tires and work on the driving.
#24
Drifting
Originally Posted by Z-man
The setup you're thinking of is, IMHO, the near PERFECT tire/wheel setup for the 944, for both autox and for DE's.
Justin
#25
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Big tires aren't the answer.....driving skills are worth more than you can ever imagine. My best instructor suggested running a season on street tires to really learn how the car handles in various situations. You may not be in the top three but you'll learn a wealth of knowledge you won't ever gain with sticky tires. Plus, you'll be amazed at how well you'll progress throughout the season.
Stock rims: Toyos RA1s 225/60/15 if you have too!
Stock rims: Toyos RA1s 225/60/15 if you have too!
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Originally Posted by David Ray
Big tires aren't the answer.....driving skills are worth more than you can ever imagine. My best instructor suggested running a season on street tires to really learn how the car handles in various situations. You may not be in the top three but you'll learn a wealth of knowledge you won't ever gain with sticky tires. Plus, you'll be amazed at how well you'll progress throughout the season.
Stock rims: Toyos RA1s 225/60/15 if you have too!
Stock rims: Toyos RA1s 225/60/15 if you have too!
#27
Race Director
Originally Posted by N_Halbert
The 245/45-16's work well on the S2 for DE and AutoX. As has been said, run what you can afford. If you are going to drive to an from the events a high perfomance street tire may be what you want. I use the Toyo RA1's and drive them to events and am very happy with them.
For autoX the 245/45 lowers the gear ration over the stock 225/50's so gives you a little more pull on a tight autoX course.
I have added the 968 M030 swabars front and rear and this flattens out the car a lot. But you will need to beef up you front sway bar mount or they will break in a fairly short period. The rear is set at full hard. -1.7degrees camber up front and -1.3 at the rear, little toe front to none in rear. Tire pressures even when hot.
The question is, do you want to learn to drive the car or just trying to go as fast as possible? One is rewarding the other is expensive.
The down side of higher performance tires is that they don't talk back to you as much at the limits as street tires and when they do is is more like "Oh S#&% !"
In an autoX R compound tires are good for 1-2 seconds. If you are 5+ seconds off the pace, then R's alone will not put you into contention. Save the money and stick with street tires and work on the driving.
For autoX the 245/45 lowers the gear ration over the stock 225/50's so gives you a little more pull on a tight autoX course.
I have added the 968 M030 swabars front and rear and this flattens out the car a lot. But you will need to beef up you front sway bar mount or they will break in a fairly short period. The rear is set at full hard. -1.7degrees camber up front and -1.3 at the rear, little toe front to none in rear. Tire pressures even when hot.
The question is, do you want to learn to drive the car or just trying to go as fast as possible? One is rewarding the other is expensive.
The down side of higher performance tires is that they don't talk back to you as much at the limits as street tires and when they do is is more like "Oh S#&% !"
In an autoX R compound tires are good for 1-2 seconds. If you are 5+ seconds off the pace, then R's alone will not put you into contention. Save the money and stick with street tires and work on the driving.
Lawn Gnome: since you're relatively new at this sport, I suggest you stick with a good high performance street tire. Keeps the costs down, and as a 'newbie,' you won't be able to extract the maximum out of even street tires, so why bother with more expensive rubber? I went almost 4 seasons of autox before switching to an R-compound tire.
You may go faster with r-compound tires, but you can also develop some bad habits instead of forming good car control skills.
Just my $0.42,
-Z-man.