Best tire size for track
05-22-2003, 12:30 AM
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Best tire size for track
I'm going to use the stock rims for track use only. I'm planning to buy a set of Bridgestone RE540S for this. What I wonder what's the best tire size for track use? I know 195/55-15 is the stock size, but wouldn't it be better with 195/50 or 195/45? Any comments on this is appreciated 
05-22-2003, 01:16 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (Hybrid ctr)
Why not use a smaller profile like 205/45? Wouldn't that make the tire wall flex less, and that way improve handling? Just trying to figure out pros and cons with different dimensions....
05-22-2003, 04:20 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (DutchITR1689)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DutchITR1689 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How about the sidewall flex disadvantage with too wide tires?</TD></TR></TABLE>
You get used to it.
And the ultimate grip of the Azenis in 205/50/15 outweighs the initial sloppy feel.
If this is about HPDE days then The Azenis in 205/50/15 are a great choice and I think there are a huge number of us that can attest to this. Even on stock rims but, you are correct, a 7" wide rim like Kosei K1's would fit the tire better, especially the wider Azenis. But, wider rims are not a prerequisite.
You get used to it.
And the ultimate grip of the Azenis in 205/50/15 outweighs the initial sloppy feel.
If this is about HPDE days then The Azenis in 205/50/15 are a great choice and I think there are a huge number of us that can attest to this. Even on stock rims but, you are correct, a 7" wide rim like Kosei K1's would fit the tire better, especially the wider Azenis. But, wider rims are not a prerequisite.
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05-22-2003, 04:23 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (DutchITR1689)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DutchITR1689 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How about the sidewall flex disadvantage with too wide tires?</TD></TR></TABLE>traded for more contact area maybe?
I have always used 205-50's (for the past ~9 years).
I just got my hands on a set of slightly used
195-50' (s0-3's) and look forward to seeing how they feel.
The only negative thing I can see right now is the lack of 'tire sidewall buldge' that has saved many a Volvo rim from curbing... and saved one of my Spoon wheels from distruction.
I have always used 205-50's (for the past ~9 years).
I just got my hands on a set of slightly used
195-50' (s0-3's) and look forward to seeing how they feel.The only negative thing I can see right now is the lack of 'tire sidewall buldge' that has saved many a Volvo rim from curbing... and saved one of my Spoon wheels from distruction.
05-22-2003, 05:10 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (Willard)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Willard »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">traded for more contact area maybe?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh, don't start about this......LOL
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I just got my hands on a set of slightly used 195-50' (s0-3's) and look forward to seeing how they feel.
The only negative thing I can see right now is the lack of 'tire sidewall buldge' that has saved many a Volvo rim from curbing... and saved one of my Spoon wheels from distruction.</TD></TR></TABLE>
The 195/50 S-03's are wider than many other 195 tires, so there will be some "buldge" to protect the stock rim....
Oh, don't start about this......LOL
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I just got my hands on a set of slightly used
195-50' (s0-3's) and look forward to seeing how they feel.The only negative thing I can see right now is the lack of 'tire sidewall buldge' that has saved many a Volvo rim from curbing... and saved one of my Spoon wheels from distruction.</TD></TR></TABLE>
The 195/50 S-03's are wider than many other 195 tires, so there will be some "buldge" to protect the stock rim....
05-22-2003, 05:23 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (George Knighton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
This is by far the favourite choice for stock OEM wheels.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Why not for example 205/40? Less sidewall flex....... Should be better on the track??
Modified by Pompiuses at 6:17 PM 5/22/2003
This is by far the favourite choice for stock OEM wheels.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Why not for example 205/40? Less sidewall flex....... Should be better on the track??
Modified by Pompiuses at 6:17 PM 5/22/2003
05-22-2003, 05:29 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (Pompiuses)
The problem with 205/45 or 205/40 on a 15" wheel is that the outer diameter is too small. Even with a 205/50, the outer diameter is smaller than stock.
As George notes, there are LOTS of great R compound tires in 205/50-15. Almost every R compound tire comes in that size.
I would not recommend the Azenis Sport for this application. Sure, the Azenis Sport is a great grippy (and inexpensive) street tire, so for those who are using them on the street and for the occasional track event, they're terrific. But for someone who is going to have a separate set of track tires and wheels, you may as well get a true track tire (R compound). Just my O.
What is a Bridgestone RE540S? I've never heard of it. I guess that's something we don't get in the States. Is it intended for track use?
I have been using Yokohama A032R in 205/50-15 and have been very happy with them. Now that they offer that tire in hard or soft compounds, the soft sounds better for our cars. But, based on the recommendations posted here, I ordered a set of Toyo RA-1 tires in that size, to try out.
As George notes, there are LOTS of great R compound tires in 205/50-15. Almost every R compound tire comes in that size.
I would not recommend the Azenis Sport for this application. Sure, the Azenis Sport is a great grippy (and inexpensive) street tire, so for those who are using them on the street and for the occasional track event, they're terrific. But for someone who is going to have a separate set of track tires and wheels, you may as well get a true track tire (R compound). Just my O.
What is a Bridgestone RE540S? I've never heard of it. I guess that's something we don't get in the States. Is it intended for track use?
I have been using Yokohama A032R in 205/50-15 and have been very happy with them. Now that they offer that tire in hard or soft compounds, the soft sounds better for our cars. But, based on the recommendations posted here, I ordered a set of Toyo RA-1 tires in that size, to try out.
05-22-2003, 05:38 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (nsxtasy)
This will give you some idea of how the outer diameter of the sizes mentioned here varies from stock:
195/55-15 (stock) 0.0 %
195/50-15 -3.3 %
195/45-15 -6.6 %
205/40-15 -8.5 %
205/45-15 -5.0 %
205/50-15 -1.6 %
With a smaller outer diameter, acceleration within each gear will improve slightly, but the shift points (road speeds at which you will shift) will be lowered, which will mostly offset the acceleration advantage overall. Note that even though the actual road speeds at which you shift will be lower, they will appear to remain the same on your speedometer, because your speedometer will be in error by the percentage (indicated above) for which the outer diameter of the tire changes. With an outer diameter of the tire smaller than stock, the speedometer and odometer will read HIGHER than actual by this percentage.
195/55-15 (stock) 0.0 %
195/50-15 -3.3 %
195/45-15 -6.6 %
205/40-15 -8.5 %
205/45-15 -5.0 %
205/50-15 -1.6 %
With a smaller outer diameter, acceleration within each gear will improve slightly, but the shift points (road speeds at which you will shift) will be lowered, which will mostly offset the acceleration advantage overall. Note that even though the actual road speeds at which you shift will be lower, they will appear to remain the same on your speedometer, because your speedometer will be in error by the percentage (indicated above) for which the outer diameter of the tire changes. With an outer diameter of the tire smaller than stock, the speedometer and odometer will read HIGHER than actual by this percentage.
05-22-2003, 06:09 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
What is a Bridgestone RE540S? I've never heard of it. I guess that's something we don't get in the States. Is it intended for track use?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Bridgestone Potenza RE540S are street legal semi slics (R compound). Very grippy. I'd like to try the Azenis but we don't get them in Europe
Modified by Pompiuses at 6:27 PM 5/22/2003
What is a Bridgestone RE540S? I've never heard of it. I guess that's something we don't get in the States. Is it intended for track use?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Bridgestone Potenza RE540S are street legal semi slics (R compound). Very grippy. I'd like to try the Azenis but we don't get them in Europe
Modified by Pompiuses at 6:27 PM 5/22/2003
05-22-2003, 06:45 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (Pompiuses)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Bridgestone Potenza RE540S are street legal semi slics (R compound) tires. Very grippy. I'd like to try the Azenis but we don't get them in Europe </TD></TR></TABLE>The RE540S is very good, I heard. A lot of people are using these in Japan. How much are they here in Europe?
Bridgestone Potenza RE540S are street legal semi slics (R compound) tires. Very grippy. I'd like to try the Azenis but we don't get them in Europe
</TD></TR></TABLE>The RE540S is very good, I heard. A lot of people are using these in Japan. How much are they here in Europe?
05-22-2003, 06:53 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (DutchITR1689)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DutchITR1689 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would say 195/50R15 because the width of the stock rims is only 6".</TD></TR></TABLE>
Then there is the problem of the load rating being insufficient on some (or all, i'm not sure) of 195/50/15 tires....
...and since we are talking about these for track usage, the load rating becomes much more important compared to using the 195/50/15's for street duty.
Then there is the problem of the load rating being insufficient on some (or all, i'm not sure) of 195/50/15 tires....
...and since we are talking about these for track usage, the load rating becomes much more important compared to using the 195/50/15's for street duty.
05-22-2003, 06:54 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (Pompiuses)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Why not for example 205/40? Less sidewall flex....... Should be better on the track??
</TD></TR></TABLE>
The problem is 205/45 and 205/40 are not readily available sizes, so a direct comparison is difficult, if not impossible
Why not for example 205/40? Less sidewall flex....... Should be better on the track??
</TD></TR></TABLE>
The problem is 205/45 and 205/40 are not readily available sizes, so a direct comparison is difficult, if not impossible
05-22-2003, 09:26 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (DutchITR1689)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DutchITR1689 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The RE540S is very good, I heard. A lot of people are using these in Japan. How much are they here in Europe?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Here in Norway (which is veRy expensive) I'm paying about 180 Euro a tire in 195/55-15. Further down on the continent I think you can get them for about 100 Euro a tire. Have heard nothing but good things about these tires.
Here in Norway (which is veRy expensive) I'm paying about 180 Euro a tire in 195/55-15. Further down on the continent I think you can get them for about 100 Euro a tire. Have heard nothing but good things about these tires.
05-22-2003, 09:36 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">With a smaller outer diameter, acceleration within each gear will improve slightly</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree.....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">,but the shift points (road speeds at which you will shift) will be lowered, which will mostly offset the acceleration advantage overall. </TD></TR></TABLE>
That makes no sense to me. How can going slower in each gear before shifting, offset acceleration?
I agree.....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">,but the shift points (road speeds at which you will shift) will be lowered, which will mostly offset the acceleration advantage overall. </TD></TR></TABLE>
That makes no sense to me. How can going slower in each gear before shifting, offset acceleration?
05-22-2003, 09:41 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (Pompiuses)
Its like installing a shorter ratio final drive.
You accelerate faster, but yet each shift point comes at a lower vehicle speed.
This is beneficial up to a point - if you are running out of gear and/or making additional shifts then it may not be the best idea.
Chaning tire size will have a very small effect however (on the order of a few %)
You accelerate faster, but yet each shift point comes at a lower vehicle speed.
This is beneficial up to a point - if you are running out of gear and/or making additional shifts then it may not be the best idea.
Chaning tire size will have a very small effect however (on the order of a few %)
05-22-2003, 09:53 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
This is beneficial up to a point - if you are running out of gear and/or making additional shifts then it may not be the best idea.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
If you have to do additional shifts, not necessary with a taller gear ratio, because of it I can see it might be slower. But that will be very dependent on the track and the driver. Running out of gear is not a problem for me.... usually
This is beneficial up to a point - if you are running out of gear and/or making additional shifts then it may not be the best idea.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
If you have to do additional shifts, not necessary with a taller gear ratio, because of it I can see it might be slower. But that will be very dependent on the track and the driver. Running out of gear is not a problem for me.... usually
05-22-2003, 10:01 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (Pompiuses)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm going to use the stock rims for track use only. I'm planning to buy a set of Bridgestone RE540S for this. What I wonder what's the best tire size for track use? I know 195/55-15 is the stock size, but wouldn't it be better with 195/50 or 195/45? Any comments on this is appreciated </TD></TR></TABLE>
205/50-15
the Type R is under-tired imo.
</TD></TR></TABLE>205/50-15
the Type R is under-tired imo.
05-22-2003, 10:02 AM
#24
Re: Best tire size for track (George Knighton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Brand dependent. If the manufacturer actually recommends a 205 tyre for 6" wheels, I doubt that flex would be that bad.
I am sure that the Azenis users will pop on here any second to speak of the virtues of the 205-50-15 Azenis on OEM wheels.
Anybody getting too much flex w/a 205 tyre that someone would be likely to buy for track use?</TD></TR></TABLE>
i felt the sidewall roll...but very negligable...and once you get used to it, its justl ike normal driving.
Brand dependent. If the manufacturer actually recommends a 205 tyre for 6" wheels, I doubt that flex would be that bad.
I am sure that the Azenis users will pop on here any second to speak of the virtues of the 205-50-15 Azenis on OEM wheels.
Anybody getting too much flex w/a 205 tyre that someone would be likely to buy for track use?</TD></TR></TABLE>
i felt the sidewall roll...but very negligable...and once you get used to it, its justl ike normal driving.
05-22-2003, 10:22 AM
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Re: Best tire size for track (Soup ****)
I know this is a different question, but i was flipping through the new sport compact magazine and it featured an integra which had 205-15s in the front and 195-15s in the back and it said it had a "neutral" effect while cornering. If any one knows why can you please tell me why this is so?