wheel/tire recommendation for autoX / track

[kooltechie]

hi, speed racers,
I'm trying to get my car somewhat ready for autoX and eventually track.

what are the wheel and tire specs that you'd recommend OR you're using for autoX and track?

here are the wheel options (assuming same brand/model):

1) 17" x 8"
2) 17" x 7"
3) 18" x 8"
4) 18" x 8.5"
5) 19" x 8"
6) 19" x 8.5" or 9"
7) something different than the above (please specify)

I've found a couple of BBS RC's and RK's sets and a set of OZ Ultraleggeras (all sub-19 lbs), which set would you recommend?

next is the tires....what brand/model would you recommend?

any insight/opinions/recommendations are appreciated.
thanks!

[kooltechie]

forgot to mention, this is for B7 A4 2.0T
thanks.

[johnouellette]

I'd go 17x8's. 17's are light, but still big enough to use stiff short walled tire. Plus racing tires are always cheaper in 17's with more width options too.

as for tires, it really depends on what class you're going to drive in. Falken 615's are my favorite dot non slick, plus their price is great. hoosiers a6 or r6 for HPDE track use.

[kooltechie]

thanks, John!

[FLACO X3]

Ive heard great things about the Nitto NT-01's.... as for wheels, im gonna say the OZ's

[kooltechie]

I'm about to get BBS RK's in 17x8.
I was considering OZ Ultraleggera, but am getting a better deal with the RK's.
thank you for the recommendations!

[Goped220]

Hoosier is they way to go for tires. They are slicks for your info. As for the wheels go to The OZ Ultraleggera.

[kooltechie]

Hoosier is they way to go for tires. They are slicks for your info. As for the wheels go to The OZ Ultraleggera.

BBS RK's and Ultraleggeras weigh about the same and are manufactured in a similar (if not the same) way - 1 piece low pressure cast.
just curious, why do you prefer Ultraleggera over BBS RK?

[andyrew]

I'd try the Bridgestone RE01-R's.. They will allow you to drive to the event and let you learn more about car control than slicks, which will mask your abilities.


I would suggest taking your car as it is and doing 1/2 a season of autox with the stock tires.

As a new driver you are NOT ready to step up to true stickies, no matter how fun it is. It will not teach you pure car control.

Is the 08 in your sig the car your considering autoxing? Check the SCCA rules for the car, see if it fits any particular class and what tires are allowed in that class.. Most likely you'll be in SM because of the chip (God damn SCCA rules...) but if you stay with a street tire you can run in ST (street tire) and have SM PAX..


Last SCCA autox I went to I wrote down ST in my class (not SM ST) and they classed me at SM2 ST, which put me in second rather than first behind a SSz06.


Bridgestone gave the PCA guys a $100 mail in rebate for the Potenza's.. if you know of any members.. you might want to ask for a favor...

[Feffman]

Hoosier is they way to go for tires. They are slicks for your info. As for the wheels go to The OZ Ultraleggera.

Agree with Goped about Hoosiers. The R6 for the track are great. I've run them for two seasons. Contact Eric Frisby at Frisby Race Tire (www.FrisbyRaceTire.com) for assitance with track tires. Lot of knowledge.

Mark "Feff" Pfeffer

[VMRWheels]

If you have no track experience i would suggest you stay under the street tire category. R-comps can cover up your driving mistakes because they are such sticky tires. Street tires allow you to learn car control rather then taking it fast all the time. Go with Bridgestone RE01-R's they are great tires and are very consistent during 20min HPDE sessions.

-Charles@VMRWheels
www.vmrwheels.com

[kooltechie]

thanks for the feedback and recommendations, folks!
I'm sticking with the street tires for now (falken azenis RT-615) so I can learn/improve my driving skills without cheating too much.

[Kievskiy]

i would go 17x9 and falken rt615

[revhards4]

i would go 17x9 and falken rt615

ccw classic wheels in 17x9 here with falken rt-615 in 255/40/17 on my b5 s4

[VMRSport]

The widest, lightest, and stickiest tire/wheel you can run.

Check out the Dunlop Star Spec Z1s. Apparently those are at the top of their game right now, for other comparable tires. Cheap and sticky.

-Don