I have 17s on my car now and like the way they look. I'm wanting to get into HPDE racing pretty heavily and I'm wondering if I put some D.O.T Racing tires(Nitto NT01, Kuhmo MXs, or the new Toyos) if I'd be alright. I'm goin to be running my D16Y7 w/ a VTEC head for now and eventually a H22. I just want to focus more on the suspension than the engine. Also, the brakes will be upgraded with 12.2" Wilwoods in the front(6-pot) w/ 11" discs in the rear.

Let me know if I'd be alright with 17s. Thanks!

 

Yes it will be fine but HPDE is not racing.

 

Well I knows its not technically racing like Honda Cup or Honda Challenge, but its a fun experience and I'm tired of doing Auto-X

 

Why would you upgrade the back? Most of the braking is going to be done in the front once you upgrade. I would also look for a set of 16" track rims if you are going to do a lot of HPDE's. JMO.

 

Upgrade the back because I'm drum in the rear currently.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EGRacersInc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Upgrade the back because I'm drum in the rear currently. </TD></TR></TABLE>

and whats wrong with that?

 

I don't trust drum brakes. Had too many bad experiences with them.

Also, does anyone know of a company that makes overfenders for a 96-98 Civic? I'm wanting to put 235/40/17 tires on my car(if at all possible) to have a little extra sidewall and I'm told I need overfenders.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EGRacersInc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don't trust drum brakes. Had too many bad experiences with them.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Like? Lack of maint? Not adjusted properly? I have been considering putting my drums back on. Due to the fact I have the OEM big brakes in the front the rears are almost useless.

Put your rear brake money into something else. That is honest advice.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EGRacersInc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm told I need overfenders.</TD></TR></TABLE>

By?

 

Stuff I've seen on numerous forums(mainly NASA forums). The 96-00 Civics that are running 235/40/17 with lowered cars are having problems with rubbing, so they fix it by overfenders.

 

im am far from an expert but i would really consider getting smaller wheels. Itll be much easier for your d16 to turn your wheels round that way. 12" brakes on a low powered car is WAY overkill. a simple EM1 or gsr brake upgrade would be all you need.

 

You don't need to upgrade the fronts either. Drums in the back are fine. They're lighter and the rears on these cars are just along for the ride. Save your money and just do SS lines with good pads and new fluid.

s

 

Well after doing some thinking I may just do the 99-00 Si upgrade in the rear and use 15" wheels. Go with a little more tire.

 

There's a huge selection of good tyres in sizes for 17"

There is almost no good selection of good tyres in 16"

There is an adequate selection of good tyres for Honda in 15"

People who do a lot of HPDE will probably start out with 15" 205-50-15 in Falken Azenis of the Hankook 212 compound. These are quite sticky, but predictable and give a lot of warning that they are at the limit. IMHO the Azenis are the best buy.

If you can find a cheap set of 16" wheels that fit your Honda (usually 16x7 +45), then you will be able to use the Falken and Hankook 215-45-16 size, which they continue to supply specifically for the Honda/Acura small car enthusiats.

However, with 16" wheels you will not have much of a selection when you move on to R compounds, if you ever do move on to R compounds.

There is an almost infinite variety of sizes and compounds available in 17", but you're in another world of hurt when it comes to paying for these excellent tyres.

I drive in NASA Virginia/MA Group 3 (California Group 4) and Group 4 (California Instructor), and I am still on 225-45-15 Toyo RA1 and do not see a need for anything more. My driving is going to have to improve before I consider paying more for tyres.

You can't go wrong with the 15" Falken and Hankook track tyres when you're starting out.

 

Well it looks like I'm going to be getting a set of the 15x8 +40 949Racing wheels. I'm just going to run either a 3mm or 5mm spacer in the rear with 225/45/15 Hankooks.

 

I run 17" wheels on my DB8 here in AZ at the HPDE's................. 205-40-17 falken RT-615 tires. I usually get six months out of a set of tires due to alignment wear/driving habits/mileage/track days. I prefer the turn in response of the shorter sidewalls. As for brakes.. I have 13" Baer Track set up front and whatever came on my car back when I bought it 4 years ago...... thats right the same pads and rotors that came with car when i picked the car up from the dealer =P

 

wheels should JUST clear the brakes and no bigger.

i ran 14s back when I still had a HPDE car. LIghter wheels, and cheaper tires certainly don't hurt