BaysideC4

Does anyone use a roof rack to transport tires for DE/Autocross events? I was considering buying one but had concerns about bending the rain gutters or damaging the car.
I was thinking maybe two tires on top and two tires in the back seat.
Any personal experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Bill Gregory

Do a search, as other Rennlisters do use them. I wouldn't worry about bending the rain gutter. 'Maybe' worry about chipping or wearing paint in the rain gutter, but not bending the rain gutter.

For shorter distances, like an hour away, I just put on my track wheels and drive. Longer distances I drive on street tires, and send the track wheels in another vehicle.

joey bagadonuts

I always drive on my track wheels. I've been caught in the rain and the C4 did just fine with the Victoracers. The MPSC's, however, were an entirely different, white-knuckle experience. If rain is in the forecast, I'll probably just stick with street rubber--unless I can find a bud to haul a spare set.

I've also seen the Yokohama A032's in action. Some 951 racecar reeled me in during a light rain at Mid Ohio last Spring. I was pushing it pretty hard, too, and was just awed by their grip. If you want to stick with one set of tires, I think the Yok's are the way to go.
Sorry I didn't answer the question. Just thought I'd share.

racer

I don't have any experience with the rood racks, but I am looking into them. While I usually drive on my track tires (especially to local autocrosses, or when my tires are fairly new), my concerns are now focused on picking up a nail or other debris since every road I take, to every track I drive on, has construction at some point.

I am going to check out the Thule website but after that I'm up for suggestions.

Any thoughts about one of those tire trailers? They seem popular with the 944/986/996 crowds. My 911 vintage makes that a more difficult proposition, thus my new search for a roof rack system.

I have seen a couple of people use roof systems... often with 4 tires on top, standing vertically. One put a strap around each tire, another put a "pole" through them and then straped the pole down. To each his own

Cupcar#12

yakima - high rain gutter mounts work fine on the rear with a low one on the front for proper spacing - and will support a lot of weight
REI - and you can return them if you don't like them

garrett376

I've seen guys with these little trailers that have just two wheels that holds 4 tires, and a tool box. It uses one of the low rating hitches to attach to the rear bumper.

I drive on race tires all the time - sometimes 6 hours each direction to the race track, then 30 minutes to and from the track at night time to the hotels! Knock on wood, but never had a problem, and I plan on continuing the trend!

Bill Gregory

The Harbor Freight (and others) trailers are certainly price performers, as trailer and spare tire can be had for around $250, and free shipping if you get their catalog. However, 964's are more difficult to put a hitch on than pre-964's and 993's. I've seen two, and it can be done - on my list to do one of these days....

I'm with Rob on roof racks: Yakima. I've used one for years, and while I've changed mounts for different vehicles, the equipment is well thought out and sturdy. If you're going to transport tires upright and 4 across, Yakima has round bars versus the rectangular/square bars other systems use.

BaysideC4

Thanks for all the replies. I have seen the small trailer and think they are great, but the hitch installation is the problem.

I have been driving on my track tires as some of you do and take five hour trips to the track. I thought getting a $200 rack to help save my tires (and provide peace of mind in the rain) was worth it.

Rob (cup car #12) - You mentioned high mounts in the back and low in the front. Is that because the back slopes down and that will even out bars?

Cupcar#12

Yes - exactly the reason actually.
BTW - there is no place to install a hitch on the 964 unless you custom build one external to the bumper - I tried with little sucess and much $ spent. Even that was a scarry. There is just no way to package it with the muffler there.
you will need pretty long bars for 4 tires as well as there is little horizontal room -

BaysideC4

I can fit two tires in the back seat. I will most likely put the rear tires on the roof and the front tires in the back seat as two tires will be alot less weight on the rain gutters. BTW - I have seen people stack the tires 2X2 on the roof rack.

I guess the question is to go with flat rails or bars.

Cupcar#12

2 tires are not a problem on the rack - just lash them side by side (with a bar length to accomidate) or use a basket. I normally did 3 on top & one inside due to the roll cage interferance.

Bill Gregory

You have to have a primary muffler bypass before even considering a 964 hitch.

BaysideC4

I have a primary bypass. What else does it take? Does anyone make a kit?

Cupcar#12

not that i ever found - even with the primary bypass it is difficult since you have to tie into the bumper mounts on either side of the engine.

Carl Muckenhirn

A little quick searching and install a trailer hitch on your 964.

Shouldn't be too tough:
http://www.pca.org/hcp/de_trailer.htm

carl.