Time for new wheels and tires
 

I have been running the stock wheels and all weather tires in auto x ASP. I finally scored a first in class on them and feel I am ready to move up to larger wheels and stickier tires to improve my performance and make myself more competitive at future events. I think I've stretched my current set up to it's limit. Thankfully I didn't have much competition like the Porsche that stomps me every weekend (one competitor was my co-driving friend, so I know it wasn't just the car) this time around.
I went looking on tire rack and was appalled to see no 17X10 wheels. Anyplace else good to get wheels were I can find these in a reputable brand(a reputable dealer is a plus, too)?
I wanted to get some sticky summer tires that are still suitable for street, as I am currently driving to my events and don't have a trailer. I've seen lots of guys run the Kuhmo competition tires and said good things about them, but I haven't gotten much input on streetable tires. Next season I'll run their DOT slicks, but for now I need a street tire.
Should I just get 17X8.5 and forget 17X10? Any street tires suggestions? I understand Falken makes some decent ones for a good price, but I can afford a few hundred more than that. Sorry for the long post.

Wheels: http://www.autornd.com/catalog/

Damn those wheels are expensive. Got to pay to play. Actually, everything on that site is expensive. I saw a radiator that costs more than one of my friend's cars.

Ok, scratch the 10s. The more I read, the more 8.5 or 9s would be a better all around size. Tire Rack seems to have plenty. Do I go with 235 tires to match them? Can I trust the tire rack's auto sizing for a package deal? And anybody have anything good to say about Kuhmo Ultra High performance summer tires? Any other brands work well?

I would go with 9" and run 255's all around. For tires, take a look at the Toyo T1R's. Those are getting good reviews (Tirerack doesn't carry Toyo's so you'll have to look around for them).

How much "per wheel" are you looking to spend on rims?

I was hoping 1500 for the set. I can deal with 1600 or 1700. I'll see if any other vendors offer those toyos. I'm drooling over some 17X8.5 SSRs and Kuhmo Summer tires on tire rack.

8.5" would not be bad. As long as they are strong and you wrap it with a good tire, life wil be good.

Kuhmo MX's are nice tires. DamonB had a thread in the Tire/Suspension section about them. Toyo's are grippier, but they also cost more.

I have some 17x10 HRE 3 piece (don't get excited, they are pretty old style and are nicked up from many years as race wheels). However, they are a solid wheel. They have some Kumho V700 Victoracers with full tread (only used once in the rain), 275/40 17. These are streetable. PM me if you are interested or want pics. Could do 1500 for wheels + tires.

-Andy

Will the V700s last driving back and forth to events? I have over a 2 hour drive. I want something that will last a season.

As long as it doesn't rain. :)

One more dumb question:
they go from 225 to 245. Tire rack mates 235s to the rims I want. which size if any can I go with? The wheels were 17X8.5.
I appreciate your offer, Andy. But I've seen too many people get scammed on this site, and would rather go with a major dealer for a huge purchase like this. A battery tray from turbjeff is one thing. 1500 worth of wheels and tires is another.

1500 bucks for a set of 17x10 HREs with tires is a great deal. HREs are insane wheels, no matter who you buy 'em from. :)

(BTW, I have no affiliation with AMRX7, I just wish I had 1500 bucks right about now.)

If you look on tirerack at the tires specifically and go to SPECS it also says suggested rim size for the tire size, as well as rim width range. Its in a spread sheet so you can compare different sizes. Here is an example of the Victoracers

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...irePageLocQty=

I would at least get 245's for an 8.5in rim maybe even 255's, but I probably would not go any wider, you don't want the sidewall at a crazy angle, it may handle funny. Thats just my opinion. I've got 235's on my 17x8 wheels, just for reference.

Should I shave them or keep them as is? The V700s.

For autocross I would not shave v700s. I wouldn't drive them 2 hours at hwy speeds either. If you have extra wheels just change them when you get to the event. For what it's worth, I would get the v710s if you can get a size that will fit.

I'd love to go with the ecstas. I've seen proof that stock wheels and tires will fit in the FD. You guys think I can squeeze in some 17X8.5s wrapped in 245 rubber? I can always make my sister ride with my Miata driving buddy to events. We're working on getting a parts van. One of our buddies is willing to tag along and haul stuff for us. But until then I'd need to haul them myself. No trailers. I couldn't stand putting a hitch on my FD.

Either Ecstas or Victoracers will be fine for street usage. When they have alot of tread they won't be that much different than a normal high performance street tire (though grip alot better). For just driving to and from events, even at a couple hours each way, I wouldn't worry any more than driving on normal street tires.

That said, I wouldn't leave them on the car all the time as you'll probably prematurely heat cycle them to death and they'll only last maybe 5K miles (depends on how you abuse them of course).

From a performance perspective, I'd go with Victos before Ecstas (710's would be the best, but I don't think that's what you are saying you want). Like I said, I wouldn't worry that much about driving to and from the event, and thus would get the biggest tire I could afford/fit.

-Andy

I've had my 17x8 and 17x9's with 235 and 255's all in my car. Granted one had to ride shotgun with me but they all made it in there. Would be alot easier if you could actually fit one in the spare tire place.

I've started just driving them to the events, but its only about 30min, and I have toyo RA-1's which are a harder compound than the Kumho's, I got them more for longevity because I wanted a track/autocross tire that would last 8-9 autoX's and 3-4 track days, I was surprised at how well they did stick at the autoX. So for I've got about 400 track miles and 2 autoX's(due to problems at the local level we have only had 3 and I missed one). They should not have a problem lasting all season from the look of them.

As for driving victoracers or 710's I personally wouldn't drive them on the street they are very soft tires, but that is up to you. I would say if you get 5000 steet miles out them thats probably pretty good and don't expect to get near that if you do any events on them.

Not to get off topic but did you ever get your carb. problems worked out??

I hope so, I zip tied the choke open. :wallbash:

Thanks for your help, everyone. I've got some 17X8.5 SSR lightweight wheels on the way wrapped in V710 rubber. I can't wait to see the difference they make.

You can install 245/45/16 size tire on stock FD wheels. Why go spend more money on wheels? unless you want more looks. It doesn't get much better than stock wheels.

That is true and also what I plan to do next year. You are also going to have a hard time finding anything lighter that is affordable. But you also really can't get anything wider than a 245 on the stock wheels, which limits you.

You can fit the 265/45/16 Kumho V710s on FD wheels with stock suspension.

I'm considering buying a set of half-used v700s in 245/50/16. Will these work ok on stock rims?

Keep in mind, this would be my first set of R-compounds, and I'm just looking for better grip cheap. So if the size isn't quite perfect but still good, I'll be happy.

Edit: according to the Kumho specs on Tirerack, they should be fine on the stock 8" wheels.

Dave