tires: smaller and stickier better then bigger and bad grip??
10-25-2001, 09:47 AM
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tires: smaller and stickier better then bigger and bad grip??
Hey,
Currently I have the stock tires on my prelude, Potenza's, 205/50/16 and the grip on them absolutely suck.
But, I do have a set of Kumho Ecsta's sitting around, 195/45/16 with plenty of grip,
So, I was wondering if it would benefit me (dragging/street racing) if I would put on the smaller, but stickier tire on or stay with the wider tire?
Also, what's the minimum tire pressure I could safely drive around town with and give me good flex for launching?
Thanks,
Mike
Currently I have the stock tires on my prelude, Potenza's, 205/50/16 and the grip on them absolutely suck.
But, I do have a set of Kumho Ecsta's sitting around, 195/45/16 with plenty of grip,
So, I was wondering if it would benefit me (dragging/street racing) if I would put on the smaller, but stickier tire on or stay with the wider tire?
Also, what's the minimum tire pressure I could safely drive around town with and give me good flex for launching?
Thanks,
Mike
10-25-2001, 12:32 PM
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Re: tires: smaller and stickier better then bigger and bad grip?? (97LudeSH)
I'm not sure about tire psi, but the kumhos would be much better for acceleration, and probably comparable (if not better) for launch, due to a sticker compound.
But bear in mind, the diameter is about 5% smaller than the stock size, so your speedometer will be off. But it will also have the effect of tighter gear ratios, which is good for acceleration. And your top speed will be reduced.
Another consideration . . . . The smaller size tire may be slightly lighter than the stock size, which could also improve acceration slightly.
Yet another consideration is how low a drop you've got. The 195/45/16's will put you another half-inch closer to the pavement. And if you're already scraping in places, it could be trouble.
So lots of things to think about when changing your rolling diameter.
But bear in mind, the diameter is about 5% smaller than the stock size, so your speedometer will be off. But it will also have the effect of tighter gear ratios, which is good for acceleration. And your top speed will be reduced.
Another consideration . . . . The smaller size tire may be slightly lighter than the stock size, which could also improve acceration slightly.
Yet another consideration is how low a drop you've got. The 195/45/16's will put you another half-inch closer to the pavement. And if you're already scraping in places, it could be trouble.
So lots of things to think about when changing your rolling diameter.
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