background: this will be for my '97 GSR sedan w/ standard bolt-on package (I/H/E), ITR rear sway, Koni yellows, Comptech sport springs which will change some time this year to GC coilovers with something like 400 F/450 R rates. I'm an STS autocrosser and hope to get some track days under my belt soon, too.

question: should I go with a 14" or 15" wheel/tire combo? We all know the benefits of smaller wheels/tires... but, choices for 14" tires sizes are more limited. Azenis come in a 195/60HR14, and that could be a good choice. Anyone know what 14" wheels will work on a Teg (brake clearance issues), and in what size (14x6?) and what offset?

or would I be better off sticking with a 15x7 wheel (like Kosei K1) w/ a 205/50-15 tire (more choices available) which would put more rubber underneath the car?

other important considerations I haven't thought about?

your input is appreciated. TIA.

 

With street tires bigger is mostly better. 205/50/15 is always a good choice. Now .. if you wanted to get some 8 inch wide Hoosiers, then 13/14 would be the way to go.

The Aziens will be good for STS and track days. With sport springs 205s are enough. You will be chewing up the outsides as it is. Once you go GC, then you get get 225s.

Either way, get the 15x7 38ET K1s with some 205s.

 

Agreed. Finding a 225/45/14 tires is going to be a little difficult. 225/45/15 is much more common. 205/50/15's are backordered now. Better put in your order

 

thanks for the helpful analysis, gents. i must say i'm amused that I hear from you two (my Atlanta cronies) first, as though we don't ever get the chance to see or talk to one another

Last Sunday was a zoo, wasn't it? The local solo II elist has been lighting up like the Speed Channel complaint desk. I'm just hoping we can figure out a way to fit in four timed runs instead of three -- getting only three feels like a rip-off when you're used to getting four.

 

Uh oh, Casey is going to a bigger tire/wheel setup?

What about Rota slipstreams? Jeff (pyromaster) runs 15x6.5" w/ 205/50/15 Azenis (looks more like 215/50/15's) and he love them.

p.s. are we only getting 3 runs from now on?

 

*sigh..*
Looks like it, until we figure out a way to deal with 120 novices a weekend.
Yes, that number is for real.
Yes, out of 240 drivers, that means that only 120 were regulars or repeat attendences. Yes, that is the reason we had only 3 runs.
And YES. I indexed ninety-F**(*ing-two out of that 120! Yikes!
Ahhh. I am really OK with it all...
--Chris, who has to learn how do deal with the new car, fender rubbing, shock settings, no power steering, and a staggering SM index...but still got his 3 runs in--

 

In addtion to the Rota Slipstreams, consider the Circuit 8's. The C8 is a little older design but it is lighter by about 1/2 lb. Going with the 6.5" width means you won't have to worry about the tire rubbing the trailing arm. One cool thing about the C8 is that all the bolt holes (8) on the 15" are 4x100. Makes it super easy to do quick changes.
BTW, I believe that Toyo RA-1s come in 225/45/14"


[Modified by civicrr, 7:26 PM 3/13/2002]

 

Hey Sean, Actually, for autocrossing I'm considering going to a smaller (i.e., 14") wheel tire combo for the added advantages of less unspring weight, less rotational inertia, shorter gearing, etc. Problem is the street tire size choices in the 14's" -- not as good as the 15" tire choices. As far as Rota wheels go, the Slipstreams and the Circuit 8's are nice wheels, but in the 15" size only come in the 6.5" width (an 8% increase in width), and I really have my heart set on 7" wide wheels (16% width increase). That's why I'm looking at the Kosei K1's. I'd love to get a set of Volk TE37s or Advan RGs, but I also need to send my kids to college.