I have a '96 Integra RS that I bought used. The previous owner had replaced the factory steel wheels with a 14" alloy wheel. The tires are pretty bad. In November I purchased a set of 15" Konigs with snow/winter tires mounted. These are currently on the car.

In a few months I plan on doing a little suspension upgrade and 17s. I know 16s would be better a better compromise for auto-x, but I just like the look of 17s better for the street.

So, I will need a dedicated auto-x wheel/tire setup. I could purchase the 14" Falken Azenis for $44 each and pay another $80-$100 to have them mounted to my existing 14s. I'm not sure of their brand or weight, but I'm guessing they weren't too expensive and aren't too light.

Or I could purchase a 15" set of Rota slipstreams or Kosei K1 Racing and the 205/50 Falkens mounted to them. Someone is willing to buy my 14s as is for about $100. So it's still a few hundred more to do the 15s. Is the extra 10mm of width and corresponding reduction in sidewall height worth it?

Thanks,
Phil

 

From what some of my SE-R bretheren say, the 14" Azenis is a rather wide 195, almost as wide as other companies 205s. In addition, the tire is on the short side of a 60 series. It almost has the exact same rolling diameter as our stock 185/60/14s.

Their reviews of the performance is favorable as well. I'll probably be getting some for either track or autocross for the year. Perhaps both...


[Modified by MaddMatt, 1:07 PM 2/25/2002]

 

If it's a dedicated auto-x wheel/tire, why are you using street tires? Or do you run STS?

If you run a class that allows DOT R tires, the Victoracer (or new Ecsta V700) are hard to beat for the price. Or the Hoosiers if you want to go a bit faster and spend more money.

 

Yeah, STS. Just intake and exhaust mods now, suspension soon. So the 14s would be ok then? Or should I spring for the 15s with new light-ish weight wheels?

Thanks,

 

How wide are the 14" wheels that are currently on the car? If they are less than 6", then spring for new wheels.

 

I believe I am the only one here running on the 14's, and I want to keep it that way (more tires for me ). I have been on the tires for a little more than three months, with three autox, and four track days, they are around half tread. I think they are great on my accord, a little more rubber wouldnt hurt, but I got favorable comments from my instructor this weekend on how well my car handled.

 

Get the 15" Rotas (I like the Circuit 8's) and slap on a set of Azenis and go at it. I've yet to run an event on them but I can definately feel the improvement over the A022's I just took off. They make the Yok's feel like jello. Honestly, with that setup you probably won't even worry about going to 17's.

I have the Azenis mounted on my stock ITR rims. I have a set of Millinea rims that will get some victoracers in time. I'm using the Azenis as an "intermediate" tire until my times improve. I'm in DS so R compound is OK, it sounds like you want to stay in street tire classes so the Azenis are they way to go.

One point to note, you will be hard pressed to find Azenis in 205/50/15 right now. If you can find the 14" and have the rims you might want to go that route if you can't wait for the 205/15 to arrive.

 

Another thing, I haven't found anyplace yet that sells both Rota or Kosei and Falken Tires. I was hoping to save on the mount/balance cost on the 15s. Now that it looks like I won't be able to do that, it might make more sense to just get the 14" tires.

I am a novice and don't want to drive on my snow tires at a driving school and auto-x events. So with this in mind, I guess my real question is will the 14" Azeins be good enough given my lack of skill, or will I be upset I purchased them?

Thanks again,
Phil

 

I think the Azenis will be cool. I plan to use them on my 14" steelies this year.

 

You will not be dissapointed with the tires, even in 14 inch trim.