Alright, for this season i'm going to need some dedicated wheels/tires. I've gotten it down to either 13X9s (REAL wheels) or 16X7.5 (Kosei K1s).

Problem is that i have a NeuSpeed sports drop on the integra I'm running, so i'm worried about the wider kosei's rubbing. Also, will the 13's clear the brake calipers? I've seen people say that they both will and won't on here.

And final Question; what is a reccomended tire and size for the wheels?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

As far as the 13's, it depends on the wheel. Panasport 3-peice WILL clear. You have seen pics I am sure you RacerMike black Integra with them here on H-T. There are a few others that will clear, but not many. Panasports are some of the best wheels, but they are $$$$. About $270-290 each.

If you have the $$$$ and have a need for the last nnnnnth of speed, Hoosier 225/45/13. If not, Kuhmo Ecsta V700 235/45/13.

From the sound of it, I would suggest the Kuhmo's.




[Modified by Crosser, 12:01 PM 2/25/2002]

 

Unfortunately, if you go with these wide wheel/tire combos, you'll rub like crazy with those soft springs. Better plan on upgrading the suspension as well.

 

I'm running 16x7.5" Kosei K1 and 215/40x16" Kumho 712s with no rubbing if that helps. It's on a 2000 Civic Si which should be the almost same frame and setup.

 

yea, i know I'll need better springs.

Any suggestions on more performance oriented springs that can still be daily driven relatively comfortable? FYI, i can't drive the NeuSpeeds to my liking unless the Konis are on 1 turn each (listed full race).

 

I use Lenso VPD 13x7.5 on Kuhmo Ecsta V700 235/45/13 with no rubbing.

I don't understand why your choices are 13" or 16" rims for AutoXing. If you're in a class that has unrestricted wheel selection then you better go with 13" because 16" on a teg will make you too slow.

 

I figured that the larger wheels would give me less sidewall on the tire. Add to that the Kosei's are EXTREMELY light (quite a bit more so than my stock GSR wheels) and i thought they'd do better, despite the rotational mas being further out from the axle. I'm not sure how much the 13"X 9s will weigh. I believe the koseis are sub 15 lbs.

 

I think that the Lenso's are under 10lbs each and since they are a smaller overall height they will help out your gear ratios too

 

Consider a 14" or 15" K1?

 

that would work too i guess. Assuming they clear the calipers/rest of the suspension.

 

>>Consider a 14" or 15" K1?<<

With regards to the 14's, there aren't many tires available.

15's are a compromise in terms of autocross performance. Not that they don't have the potential to do well. At this point they probably won't be the limiting factor on the car. But in the end, 13's are optimal for autocross performance on our cars.

And also (for me), it makes good financial sense to get the good stuff my first time around. Even if Panasports are your only option for caliper clearance issues. Ultimately they may end up being a cheaper purchase if you reach the point where the car is optimized (and the driver ). I hate replacing perfectly usable parts...

 

Yea, i'd prefer to not have to replace these. Thing is though they're not ONLY auto-X tires, but probably periodic road course duty as well. Thats why i was inquiring about the larger wheel/tire. Also, my car's pretty low to the ground. With a small wheel and sidewall, it MIGHT bottom out.

My drop is Neuspeeds Sports on Koni Yellows. i'll need to replace the Neuspeeds soon as they're not stiff eough for my tastes. Anyone have reccomendations for daily drivable springs that are a bit stiffer?

 

I have a 5th gen hatch, running in street mod. I am running the new Kumho tires,235/45/13 and love them so far. The last Kumho's I had lasted a good bit longer than Hoosiers where I live because of the heat and the price is alot better as well. They will be hard to get though. Kumho is not known for their supply reliablity. The jury is still out if Kumho's are as fast as Hoosiers. My best friend runs hoosier bysply and loves them as well and has good wear with the street TD compound. I voted Kumho.

Wheels
I have steel diamond wheels on this new car. 13x9 front and 13x8 rear with 5inchs of back space. I have high spring rates 300/425 and the car is about 2.5" off the ground at the lowest point, but it never rubs the ground. I get close on the fenders, but that's OK. My friend Brad, before he had stiffer springs ran a little more bump stop in the rear and that eliminated his fender rub. After a good set of sway bars though they weren't really needed. The last car I drove in ESP was a talon and I had the Real wheels for it. They are great. I loved them but they were my coffee table for a long time trying to sell them latter, something to think about if you are in the setup phase. You can go to the rsracing.com site and get a templete/specs to see if they will fit around your calipers. Also something to think about, the smaller wheels help with gearing as well. None of this is any good on the track but for autox may help you out.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your season.
Kansas in September is a lovely place.