In preparation for the upcoming season, I'm going over my options for my car... its seems I have unintentionally, due the modding hobby, outclassed myself into DSP for my first year in autocrossing. This should be interesting... I guess the game is, how much can I minimize the gap between me and the second-to-last guy in this class? I plan on attending an SCCA autocross novice school in March, and an Evolution Driving School in April.

Anyway, I was told I had two options to be competitive in terms of my car (95 Integra LS 4-door 5-speed):
1) To Run STS: remove aftermarket clutch and flywheel (and radiator?)
2) To Run Competitive DSP: buy 13x8 wheels and track tires and install Quaife LSD

What do you guys think about my situation? In addition, what are cheap, light 13 x 8 wheels? We're talking Rota-class prices here... and what tires should I be looking at? Is there any reason to go with street legal Falken Azenis Sport or Potenza S-O3 PP, or should I go for some race tires? The 13 x 8 will, of course, be track-only wheels.

TIA,
Ben

 

Diamond Racing Wheels or Circle Racing wheels. You're looking at ~14 lbs and under $300 for the set. And IMO, you should be looking at Khumo V700s or Hoosiers...I don't think you can even get the tires you mentioned in 235/45R13 or 225/50R13

 

Yes, if I went with 13's, the rubber that people are recommending are either the Hoosiers or V700's.

Is 14 lbs average for this size wheel? I was looking in the 12 pound range when I was looking at 15x6.5... is the smaller diameter offset by the width?

Ben

 

Since you mention that you're new to autocrossing, I'd ignore the LSD for the first year. I probably wouldn't even worry about the race wheels/tires until you've done a couple of events.

Regarding wheels/tires, I agree with happycorepuppy on the Kuhmo's, since they are cheaper than the Hoosiers.
I'm also not sure if 13's will fit over the brakes of the Integra, so I'd verify that.

I hope this helps, and good luck for the season.

 

13s should just barely fit over the brakes. 14 lbs isn't incredibly light, but it's not that big of deal, seriously. Anything lighter and you're spending over $200/wheel.

 

If this is your first season I wouldn't worry about any of those things. First of all, to fit the 13x8 wheels you'll probably have to make changes to your suspesion. Most likly you won't be running high enough spring rates to prevent A) the tire from hitting the fender or B) the shock from bottoming out. With out practice and good control you will literally burn through the expensive race tires you bought for the car (not money well spent!).

If this is your first season I would just go out there and run what ever you have on the car ( or if you HAVE to do something put some cheap Azenis on the car ). Go out there and get some seat time... lots of seat time. take the money you'd save on tires enter every event you can.... try to do about 30 events this season...

Light wheels of the 13x8.? are expensive. $200 + for good quality ones. If you wanna discuss some ideas IM me an I'll explain all my reasoning...