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Track day tyre sizes (Front) - Thoughts please
Jenko - 19/9/14 at 07:32 AM

I picked up a second set of wheels recently that I was pondering about using as track day only.

The front weight over the wheels of my car (J15), is around 100kg / corner (without driver). I notice even caterham use 175 / 60 / 13 on thier high (read R400 / R500) end cars....This got me thinking - Kumho do a 175/60/13, but then choice for the rear is limited to a 215 / 50 / 13. Yoko do a 175 / 60 / 13 and also a 205 / 60 / 13 which may be better matched?.

Having not previously had a car that was rear engined, I was wondering what the collective thinks about tyre coice for the track.

P.S. Current tyres are 185 front and 205 rear R888's (and yes, I know these are also good track day tyres).

Doctor Derek Doctors - 19/9/14 at 08:09 AM

Personally I would hunt down some used Michelin Slicks, they will be cheaper, have more grip and be more durable on track. Something like S310 compound it 160/530/R13 front and 200/540/R13 Rear.

It's a great experince to drive a car on properly hot slicks, the grip is unreal, even compared to R888's/A059's etc.

I've also never had an problem running these tyres on Javelin or Circuit Days run trackdays.

Jenko - 19/9/14 at 08:18 AM

Ahh yes, a key point I forgot to mention is I generally drive to track days...else, I would agree with the slick idea.

Ugg10 - 19/9/14 at 08:37 AM

http://www.nankangtyre.co.uk/performance/motorsport/ns-2r

These Nankang are getting some good press at the moment and are pretty good value but only do 175/185 in 13.

Otherwise it is the much more expensive Yoko A048 which come in 205's

The Elise runs 175F / 225R a stock if that is any help as the closes production comparison. (VX220 is 195F / 225R)

But the Areal Atom (probably a better comparison) runs 195s all round so not sure that helps any.

http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?show=catlist&cat=114

Here's a good list of track day tyres

[Edited on 19/9/14 by Ugg10]

beaver34 - 19/9/14 at 09:57 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Ugg10
http://www.nankangtyre.co.uk/performance/motorsport/ns-2r

These Nankang are getting some good press at the moment and are pretty good value but only do 175/185 in 13.

Otherwise it is the much more expensive Yoko A048 which come in 205's

The Elise runs 175F / 225R a stock if that is any help as the closes production comparison. (VX220 is 195F / 225R)

But the Areal Atom (probably a better comparison) runs 195s all round so not sure that helps any.

http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?show=catlist&cat=114

Here's a good list of track day tyres

[Edited on 19/9/14 by Ugg10]


VX user 175 also but on a 17" front wheel

the smaller front tyre on the elise and vx make them more stable, exige has 195 and a wider front rim which is more track biased

i run 175 and 205 on the rear of my 7, the smaller front tyre i feel gives better steering feel and for some reason i seem to think that running a smaller tyre will heat up quicker as the main issue i have is heat in the front tyres

JimSpencer - 19/9/14 at 10:22 AM

Hi

Avon ZZR's if looking for out and out performance.
Though the Kumho wouldn't be a bad choice.

If you go for the softer options of the above - or slicks - make sure you've got your oil system sorted out..

HTH