I've searched and didn't really find the answers I need. I plan on participating in D-Stock next year. I've done about 5 autocrosses this year and really enjoy it.

Car: 99 base prelude, stock 16 x 6.5" rims

I was thinking 225/45 or 215/45 front, 205/50 rear. I have no idea what brand.

The tires would be mounted on dedicated rims though, no street driving.

Thanks

 

What's your budget? If you want the best, you're going to pay for it. Hoosier. End of story. But at ~170 a piece, they are pricey, and last about as long as a fart in the wind. Kumho makes the v700 that is almost as good, but will last a little longer. Hope that helps.

 

If this is your sixth autocross ever, I would recommend getting a fairly fast set of street tires for those rims first before switching to R tires. You'll learn more sliding around on streets for a season.

My $.02

Andy

 

Very true. If you are looking for a faster set of street tires, might I suggest going directly to the Falken Azenis'. They are by far the best bang for the buck hyper performance street tire on the market right now. After you've spent some more time sliding the street compounds then you'll probably want to go to either the Kumho Victoracers or Ecsta V700's. The Kumho's will wear better than the Hoosiers at the lack of a little bit of grip but let's be real here... it takes a really good driver to get the most out of a tire and it'll take alot of seat time before you'd really be able to get everything out of the Hoosiers. You'rte best off getting the Kumho's that'll last you for longer BTW, the Victoracers have slightly softer sidewalls, are a little heavier, wear a little longer, but break in more quickly compared to the V700's... the good thing about the V700's is the stiffer sidewall and the fact that you can get them in 225/45 15 instead of the Victoracer's 225/50 15 Kinda important for those of us running 225 fronts on an ITR

 

Listen to Xian his is correct....The only thing I would add is what I did...In the beginning of my autocross "career", I went from sticky street tires (Bridgestone RE010, they came on my car), then to USED race tires (not as sticky as new, but stickier than street), then to NEW race tires. The race tires I used was Kumho V700. I may switch to Hoosier or the new Kumho race tire, if I go to nationals.

 

Agreed......I spent a year on street tires myself, too, and think it teaches you a lot more than you'll learn on R-compound, plus they're considerably cheaper.

Might you also consider STS or STX (if you have an SH)? They're both Street tire classes and might be a good fit for you if you decide to stay on Street tires.

 

Also I wouldn't get different size tires - your suspension is what's going to help your oversteer/understeer. PLus with different sized tires you cannot rotate them effectively and the fronts will wear quicker than the rears.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. Maybe another year on street tires. I just put on a set of Sumitomo's that felt much better than the stock Brigestone RE92 all-seasons. Maybe I should apply my cash towards a set of shocks..Koni's perhaps?

And I think I'd rather stay in the stock class for now, the car is bone stock. Even though I will have to compete against Type-R's.

 

>>Maybe I should apply my cash towards a set of shocks..Koni's perhaps?<<

That's a *great* plan, IMO. Shocks are something you are probably going to upgrade at some point anyway, and it won't affect your learning curve to have another point of adjustability. Plus, Konis can be re-valved in the future if you decide to go to a more prepared class which allows non-stock spring rates.

 

ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!

Koni's would be a great upgrade for your car! They'll help out in the handling department while not making it any harder to learn how to drive. As previously stated, they can also be revalved down the road if needed and you'll want to have stiffer shocks when you eventually switch to grippier tires anyway You will have a tremendous amount of tunability with the adjustables that can translate to decreased lap times

about competing in the same class as the ITR's... this is going to eb your first full season. Don't expect to get out there and beat guys that have been racing for years! You'll get beaten by cars that you "should" be able to beat... just keep learning, ask questions, get faster, and HAVE FUN! just not necessarily in that order

 

Cool, thanks for your help guys. Konis will be the next upgrade.