track day tyres : FAQ

[Top Cat]

Is it me or are many of these track day type tyres not available in 18"'s????

You should be able to get the Hancooks no problem with your contact. 

[SteveP]

Yep the Hankooks and Federals are available in 225/40/18 

[the bruce]

Go for 235/40 if you have at least a rim with 8".

[tony_danza]

Lots of tyres are hard to come by at the moment as people started scaremongering they'd be in short supply because of the quake in Japan and hiking their prices. Scum.

235s?? Nah, there's such a thing as too much grip spoiling the fun, you want some slip. Plus, the sooner it let's go, the slower you hit things!!

[fuscobal]

Anyone knows if the Dunlop DZ03G is significantly better (performance or longevity) than Kumho V70a because the difference in price is quite noticeable (180Euro bs 260Euro) ?

[tony_danza]

I have to say, on my second track day using the DZ03Gs I've liked them a lot better than before. I think they've maybe scrubbed and heat cycled properly? Lots of grip, nice stiff sidewall and didn't go off, despite me doing 25-30 minute sessions on a very abrasive track.

Still got a good 3-4mm of tread left on them too, so they're lasting well. 

Not used V70as, but they do get very good reviews and let's face it, you're not racing so even if they're 1 second a lap slower it doesn't matter...80 euros a corner is a lot of money!

[Phil_T]

Guys can anyone help me out as I dont know that much about tyres. My new wheels are 18x9 & I am wanting that thick tyre wall/oversize look but dont know what size tyres I need?? They are for road use so would like a good tyre in both dry & wet.

At the moment I am running 225/40's which are stretched on my 18x9 wheel just to give you an idea.

[tony_danza]

Probably looking at a 245/35.

[Phil_T]

Probably looking at a 245/35.

How much more mm eithier way would it be on the tyre over a 225/40 which I have fitted now?? Also which is a good brand for road use??

[tony_danza]

20mm or so and you want to drop to a 35 as that's a percentage, not a measurement... it should just about be the same rolling radius as a 225/40.

Michelin PS2/3, Conti sport contact, Dunlop asym 2... anything premium and considered a sport tyre.

[Phil_T]

20mm or so and you want to drop to a 35 as that's a percentage, not a measurement... it should just about be the same rolling radius as a 225/40.

Michelin PS2/3, Conti sport contact, Dunlop asym 2... anything premium and considered a sport tyre.

So it would be about the same tyre but not stretched on an 18x9?

Aint they all normal road tyres? what about some like 888's or track/road tyres?

[tony_danza]

Same in rolling radius, give or take a few mm, so yes - you shouldn't notice any change in speedo readings, it'll just be wider on the rim and not look stretched. Track tyres although listed in the same sizes tend to be a bid wider as they're more square at the shoulder.

What offset are your wheels, that'll be the next concern - have you got another 10mm either side to play with in terms of room off the arch lip and strut?

[tony_danza]

Tyre size calculator link

recommended tyre per width

[Phil_T]

Same in rolling radius, give or take a few mm, so yes - you shouldn't notice any change in speedo readings, it'll just be wider on the rim and not look stretched. Track tyres although listed in the same sizes tend to be a bid wider as they're more square at the shoulder.

What offset are your wheels, that'll be the next concern - have you got another 10mm either side to play with in terms of room off the arch lip and strut?

My wheels are et45, I think the backs are fine but not too sure on the front in regards to touching the strut. Where would I measure from on the tyre to see if another 10mm on the inside to the car is going to work? Would I measure the furthest point on the tyre which is stretched or the furthest part of the tyre at the bottom close to the lip of the rim which is not stretched??

[tony_danza]

Full lock both ways and see what's close to the tyre wall - measure it, if it's looking dodgy, deal accordingly.