Re: And now for the track tires! (archive)

I have a set of BFG G-Force R1s on my spare factory rims, 255/40-17 front and 275/40-17 rear. While they do not rub (5mm spacers required in front), they really are too wide, especially in the front.

You'd be surprised what will fit. But all of the M3 guys are now autocrossing on Hoosiers (245/40-17 I believe is the most popular) and probably those are your best bet for speed. However, they are fragile and not a very good idea for street driving, even the short distance to the track. If you want to be able to change tires at home, then go for the Kumhos.

BTW, I can get those four tires mentioned above into my M Coupe with me to the track. Naturally, I need the passenger seat. Narrower tires would be far easier to fit. If anyone wants to know how to get them in (it took some experimentation), send me e-mail and I'll give you the tricks.

Josh

: With the street tire problem under control, the next step is to select a set of track tires. Looks like the selection process is going to be easier, however. Hoosier doesn't have the sizes needed, unless you want to try to cram 245/40's on the front and 275/40's in the rear, seems too tight for hard track use, unless you by a set of $3,200 custom 3-piece wheels to get the offsets perfect and roll the fenders - neither am I interested in.

: So, it looks to me like the following:

: 235/40F x 255/40R BFG gforce R1
: 235/40F x 255/40R Yokahama A032R
: 225/45F x 245/40R Kumho Victoracer

: The Yokahama A032R looks very interesting, as it has some tread, but huge blocks of rubber. Could be handy for driving to/from the track and for driving school shcould it rain. However, I could also use the street tires on rain days, since wear isn't as much of a concern, and the S02's are likely to be pretty sharp when its wet compared toa dry track tire. In this case, the g-force's seem to be a better choice, as they are the best dry-track tires I know of. Supposedly they stick to the track better than gum to carpet. But then, you see a lot of Kumho Visto Racers at the track, and hear good things about them as well.

: Help!

: Anyone have any input? Do any of these tires allow me to run novice street-tire in SCCA Solo II (maybe the Yokahamas?). How about wear? Anything else I should be thinking about???

: BTW, I'm going to buy a set of rims for these tires, but nothing more than $200 each can buy. In this case, they only have to be strong, I'm not concerned over aesthetics (I'm going to have them powder coated black, to look cool on the Imola Red Coupe). Anyone know where I can find cheap, strong rims, besides the ATP's at Tire Rack ($179 ea.) Any problems with this approach?

: Anyone have a set of ugly (scratched or tarnished) take-off stock rims they want to get rid of, at a reasonable price?

Follow Ups:

When are you coming out to autox again? Steve S. 00:04 6/14/2000 (0)

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