Is a Hoosier R6 in size P255/50ZR16 too big for the stock FD 16x8 rim?

If not, is the P275/45ZR16 too big? (I assume it is)

Would a P245/45ZR16 perform better?

I'm only concerned with performance (lap time) and of course the tire has to be safe to run on the rim.

I searched and couldn't find an answer to this specific question . I know most 255's fit however Hoosiers are supposed to be wider than most and it will have to deal with the cornering forces.

They will be used for road racing. Vehicle weight with gas and driver (including wheels) will be around 2800 lbs.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

 

we run 225/45/15's and the Ra1/R888/hankooks were like 1/2" narrower than the 225/45/15 R6.

so basically you can run a 255/50/16 hoosier on an 8" rim, but the 245 would be better, and 225 might is probably about optimal for a hoosier on an 8" wheel.

 

Hoosiers' actual tread width varies widely even in the same Pmetric width listings. When choosing a hoosier (or any tire really) look up the actual tread width in their catalog data.

A good example? They have 205s that have 7" tread widths and they have other 205s that are 8" tread width.

If i recall correctly a lot of their 245s are not all that much wider (if at all) than the 225s in a lot of cases, and the 255s are actually considerably wider than most other 255s from other manufacturers.

 

Agree... I have 225 Hoosiers up front and 245 on the rear they are almost identical and have almost exact width wide.

 

According to Hoosier
PLEASE REFER TO THE "RECOMMENDED RIM" INFORMATION FOR THE BEST PERFORMANCE RESULTS.

Hoosier R6

The P225/50ZR16 has a 9" tread width and a 6-8" recommended rim width
The P245/45ZR16 has a 9.2" tread width and a 7.5-9" recommended rim width
The P255/50ZR16 has a 9.4" tread width and a 7-9" recommended rim width
The P275/45ZR16 has a 10.3" tread width and a 8.5-10" recommended rim width

It's interesting that for the 245/45 they actually recommend a larger (or not as small) rim. I assume that is because there is less sidewall.

Hmmm..

Which will give me lower lap times?.. decisions decisions.
The 255/50 has .2" more tread width than the 245/45.
The 255/50 is 1.5" taller than the 245/45.
The 255/50 is 3 lbs heavier than the 245/45.

I am thinking that it will be slightly harder to turn but may offer slightly more grip in the corners.. depending of course on how the sidewalls react to the rim also..

What I'm taking from this is that the 245 would actually be better on the track like you guys are saying.

Tirerack says the P255/50ZR16 has a 9.8" tread width.. conflicting information.



Now you guys have me thinking about 15" rims and I have a new question. Is there any disadvantage to running 15" rims instead of 16"?
Answering my own question: If they do fit, you won't be able to go with bigger brakes. The same could probably be said for 16" or even 17" rims also, depending on the brake setup.

Thanks for the help, looks like I have to decide between the 245/45/16 or getting larger diameter rims so I have more tire choices and bigger brake choices for the future.

 

Is this for some type of competition? Which sanctioning body?

Usually smaller rims yield lighter overall wheel/tire assembly good for reduced unsprung weight overall rolling resistance (sorta) and and you can get effective higher gearing with smaller overall diameter, sometimes that translates into faster laps. lower profile sidewalls yield better grip and feedback but it is a game of diminishing returns and can lead to instability as you are raising the effective spring rate.

 

Not for competition, just trying to find the stickiest tire possible for these rims. I drive the car to the track so I'm not really considering full slicks for legal reasons.

Yea I know the smaller diameter is better, that's the main reason I'm trying to delay moving to 17's. I agree about the gearing, I have a 4.3 LSD. My spring rates are pretty high due to the massive amount of weight reduction. I will probably change the springs eventually but I want to see how they work with sticky tires first.

 

There isnt much out there that beats the stock FD rims with regards to weight, size, cost, etc.

I'd just go with the 245 myself. It will probably be the faster of the 3 at most tracks.