Hi,
I am in the market for DE and AutoX tires.
What do you guys find to be the best nowdays.

Also, moving to 225/45/17 and 275/40/17, is it worth it from 205 and 255.

Thanks
-Kadeer

 

I'm not sure anyone can tell you what's "best" - but we all have opinions!

I recently made the switch you are contemplating. I used SO2's and ContiSports for one autocross each (in the std 205/255 x 17 sizes). I recenly invested in a new set of Kuhmo ECSTA V700's in the 225/275 x 17 size. While I was worried about fit, the reassurances of others on the board were right (despite what a few folk at the tire place said) and the tires fit fine. They are much more sticky and great fun to dive. They have the added benefit of being DOT approved and fine for the trip to and from the event.

 

Kadeer,

I can't comment on auto-x, but for track DEs, I'd highly recommend the Kumho Victoracers.
And yes, it is DEFINITELY worth going to 225/275 (I'm assuming you have a dedicated set of rims in 7"and 9" right).

Admittedly, I have no basis of comparison to other R-compound tires, or even to Kumho's own Ecsta. Others may chime in on that one. But in comparison to street tires, well there simply is NO comparison. The Victoracers, and probably any R-compound for that matter, stick better, turn in sharper, and raise the overall limits of the car significantly (one caveat, however, on that latter point: raising the limit simply means if you make a mistake, you'll probably be doing it faster )
There are lots of choices out there, but IMHO for the money, I think it's hard to beat the Kumhos. Good luck...you'll enjoy the difference!

Edward

 

Did you look also at the victoracer v700.
What made you pick the ECSTA.

I am thinking of going to DE at Watkin Glen, it is about 250 miles. Can I drive down without major wear.

Thanks for your response.
-Kadeer

 

Kadeer,

FWIW, I 've put 3 hard track weekends on my set, which BTW I bought used (already had 2 autox and a track day according to the PO), AND I drive them to the track (no trailering for me ). They still look like they have lots of wear left on them. Hope this helps.

Edward

 

Edward,
Ya, I do have seperate rims, but the choice is either I take my wife or the wheels when I go to Watkin Glen.

I do more AutoX than track however, I am trying to get something that will improve my time.

Regards, Kadeer

 

For track/autocross - and getting to and from the event in relative safety (i.e., not having to slow down to 30MPH in an evening thunderstorm, like I had to in BFG R1s) my vote is for the Kuhmo Victoracers. Also, can get them in a 225/50X17 for the 993 front - a rather rare size on other tires.

P.S. - no such thing as "best"!!!!!!!

 

Kadeer,

I think you'd have a tough time fitting the wheels in the car anyway, so take the wife!

And yes, all else being equal, the Kumhos will shave down your time. For reference, I have the stock suspension at 65K miles (read: old and used up boingers) and only have M030 sways and a strut brace for mods. While these are great mods, and I hope to do the big-ticket PSS-9 move one day, the swap to R-compounds are the biggest improvement per $ that you can get... again IMHO.

Edward

 

Edward, can you tell me how the m030 sway bars changed you handling on the road and for autocross. Is this modification alone worthwhile?

 

Kadeer,

I run a lot of autocross but haven't tracked this car yet so I'll let others give you their thoughts about track tires. After testing several tire size combinations I've settled on 255/40-17 Victoracers all around (8" & 10" wheels). This works great for autocross but may be a little too much grip on the front for the track unless you have the adjustability in your suspension to compensate. For autocross this setup is very good. So far this year I've outrun three national 'A' level drivers in cars that everyone says I shouldn't have been close to (2.7 Boxster, Boxster S and a Z06 Vette all with Hoosier autocross tires). So for autocross I'm liking what I have. I have been giving some consideration to runing 245/40 Hoosiers all around but at a $100 more for a tire that's going to last half as long I haven't been able to justify this expense for a half of a second.

Here's some of my rationale on the tire sizes:

- The 275/40's on the rear raised the gear ratio too much (taller US gears). For autocross you need a lot of low end grunt in 2nd gear. The 275's made 2nd gear feel lethargic. This probably wouldn't be an issue on the track.

- The 225's on the front are probably great for the track but I found I still needed more grip up front to offset Porsche's taming of the rear end.

For an all around tire you can't go wrong with the Victoracers. The 225/275 combination is probably your best bet for both track and autocross.

 

Don,

The M030 swaybars (F22mm/R20mm) is absolutely a worthwhile upgrade if all you have is the OEM "skinny." I don't do any autocross, but on the street it definitely reduced roll, but more importantly reduced understeer, therby sharpening turn-in and transitions (big difference on the track ). It doesn't have the panache of RS bars, but then again they don't cost the same either. BTW, you can probably find them used like I did, probably from someone upgrading to the RS bars.

Edward