Vracer111

Whenever I replace the BFGoodrich KDW's on the Tacoma I was thinking on moving up from 225/55-16 to 245/50-16, mainly for the extra traction when autocrossing and because it has the highest load rating of 16" sizes. Since 7" is the minimum width recommended for 245/50-16 and I have 7" wide wheels, would the handling be worse than with the 225/55-16 currently on now? Or would the lower profile (stiffer sidewall?) but equal overall diameter with wider contact patch make it better in steering response and sharpness?

Vracer111, who's not sure if 245/50-16 tires will make his Tacoma steer sharper and respond, the same, or be less sharp than 225/55-16 tires from the same manufacturer.

John

I never realized you could cram a 245 width tire on a 7" wheel. I can't go beyond 245 on my fronts, and I have 8" width wheels in the front, and 255 on my 8.5" rears. Maybe it's a bit different for your application since the sidewalls are so much taller...

Philbert

wait, Vracer111, you're autocrossing a toyota tacoma? how does that do? what class is it?

DunReit, have you autocrossed the Z yet? how does it fair in BS? i test drove one on monday, and feel it just might be the overdog in BS...

Todd00

More traction in a truck = flip over

You're asking if, and I'm asking why. A lot of clubs won't let suv's, trucks, minivans, etc autox, and I can't say that I blame them.

Vracer111

DunReit - Yeah I think it has to do with the sidewall height since the 245/45-16 BFG KDW requires a minimum of 7.5" wheel width.

Philbert - Yes I run my Tacoma. It's in a local "X" class (which is an anything goes class as far as cars allowed - the run times are pax index multiplied per your normal class pax index). Normal class I have it listed in is Street Tire D, so the total classification of the Truck would be X-STD. Confused? I do OK with the Tacoma, and even though I'm not a great driver each event is an improvement. And I did pretty well one event in the wet compared to other drivers on racing tires... The Following are links to the Course Results where I've had my two best runs:

Wet course, 34 out of 105

Dry course, 144 out of 217

Todd00 - I'm really not concerned about flipping over in the Tacoma - I'd be more concerned about rolling in a VW Golf or Saturn SC. Also, if I go with the wider tires, then I will definately weld the mounts so I can reattach the aftermarket rear ARB. The main problem I'm having with traction is in the last half of the corners - the exit. I'll go through the corner fine (if corner entry isn't overcooked...lol), but power can't be applied until the Tacoma is finished with the turn and the weight transfer shifts rear again. The good thing about this is that you learn to be light with the throttle and steering. The bad thing is if you lose traction you'll be "tractor pulling" down the 'straight' sections, increasing your time. Oh, the main reason traction is bad is because of gravel on course in some sections... I figure a .7" or so increase in contact patch width might allow a little more traction before it starts "tractor pulling"...

Vracer111, who also likes autocrossing the Tacoma because cones don't get jammed under the body quite like the other cars...lol

And who still wonders if 245/50-16 tires will make his Tacoma steer and respond sharper, the same, or less than 225/55-16 tires from the same manufacturer.

[edited for your viewing pleasure...]


[Modified by Vracer111, 12:06 PM 2/19/2003]

John

I haven't autoxed my Z, rather I have spent two weekends at VIR and Summit Point in it. At the limit, the car does understeer a bit, but for autoxing purposed, it wouldn't take too much to get the car to rotate since you're tossing the car around more than you would at the track. Regardless, it's a very competent car out of the box and will give the S2000s a good run for their money across the board in BS.

[/thread hijack]

Hmmm... must be. However, I would think that too wide of a tire with that narrow of the wheel may make your Tacoma more squirmy since the tires will be putting a lot of stress on the sidewalls. But who knows... *shrug*