Wheels/Tires - 16's or 17's

[joestang]

I need some help figuring out track wheels/tires for this season.

The Car: 2003 V6 Mustang
Hence, rear wheel drive, no overwhelming wheel busting power, around 3200 lbs track weight.

I have the stock rims (16x7.5) and an extra set of GT rims (17x8). But no track specific tires as of right now.

I know 16 inch tires will be cheaper, but the 17 inch rim will let me fit a wider tire on it. Is the extra surface area worth the price?

I will be running HPDE sessions so I'm not limited to a spec tire, and I just checked my phone and no tire companies have left any messages asking to sponsor me :rolleyes: .

So, experienced drivers, what's your opinions of tires for my purpose. And what tires and where to get them.

I'm definitely looking forward to getting more track time and driving on sticky track tires :D

[bobcowan]

You have better tire choices on the 17" rims.

You probably don't need the widest tire you can fit. It won't get hot enough to get really sticky. Next time I'm going to try a narrower tire and see if it heats up better.

Since you already own the 17" wheels, I would buy a set Kumho V710's and call it good.

[ianacole]

What's the weight difference between the two wheels?

[cullenwinter]

One plus for the 16's is the availability of cheap DOT R tires right here: http://www.frisbyracetire.com/misc_tires.asp There are some good deals on 17's too

Frisby might still have the Z211's for even less than the specials in the link. I've never run the 214's but really liked the Z211's on my 3200# TT wagon. They were good for about 4 weekends (15-20 heat cycles) They still had rubber, but didn't get sticky after that.

[joestang]

What's the weight difference between the two wheels?

I've searched all over, and it appears the 17" wheel is 17 lbs a piece, and the 16" is 19 lbs a piece. Apparently the 99-00 stock GT wheel was the lightest and best stock option. Good luck on my part when I found the set on Craigslist.

[joestang]

One plus for the 16's is the availability of cheap DOT R tires right here: http://www.frisbyracetire.com/misc_tires.asp There are some good deals on 17's too

Frisby might still have the Z211's for even less than the specials in the link. I've never run the 214's but really liked the Z211's on my 3200# TT wagon. They were good for about 4 weekends (15-20 heat cycles) They still had rubber, but didn't get sticky after that.

Yeah, I saw the 225/45-17 (Hankook Z214) on Frisby for $85 a piece. I wonder if 225 is too skinny for a 8" rim width. It's listed as it would fit, so perhaps I've found a good plan....

[ianacole]

I run a 225/45/17 on a 17x8 wheel...granted it's a Hoosier, but I ran the 'kooks (214s) at one point as well and they fit just fine. The weight is another argument in favor of the 17s.

[Robbie]

What's your budget? I'm going to run Dunlop Direzza Star Specs this year. I'd run the 17's

[MHISSTC]

I'm not perfectly clear on this. Are these dedicated R compound track tires that will be run only on the track, or are they dual purpose street/track tires?

How are you planning on getting that extra set of tires/wheels to the track? Are you getting a little tag along trailer, or are you going to stuff your back seat and trunk with a set of tires and wheels coated with brake dust and have to keep your trunk lid tied down on the trip along the Interstate?

[MHISSTC]

Also, I have a set of those same bare V6 wheels I can weigh up late tonight and verify the weight of first hand if you would like.

[CMC#35]

Joe,

Is this for HPDE, or for your eventual entry into CMC? If HPDE, you can use either size wheel. If CMC-1, then the maximum size wheel permitted is 16x8. If CMC-2, the maximum size wheel permitted is 17 x 9.5.


-chris

[RichV]

Joe just wants them for HPDE, he will be toting them to the track either by his vehicle, or I can throw them in Chateau #71. :)

I think a 225-245 size R comp would be just fine. Your 3200 weight is close to CMC, I run a 245 tire. A set lasted me all season in 2008. Find a cheap set and get them, the difference is amazing. Just dont get over-confident on the way home! :D

[joestang]

Thanks everyone for the help!

Robbie-
My budget went out the window the first HPDE session I drove and had m first hit off the pipe :cool:

Scott-
Sorry if I wasn't clear, I want a DOT-R tire specific for the track. I have extra rims so this makes the most sense. I can fit them in my back seat/trunk with no problem, obviously bagged up, and if they're too dirty... Chateau #71. :p

Chris-
As much as I wish I could do CMC this season, it looks like it'll be HPDE this year, hence any tire/wheel combo for now. Thanks!

Rich-
I'm as confident as a cat on a hot tin roof :D

[joestang]

So I went ahead and purchased the 225/45-17 Hankook Z414's from Frisby.

WHOO HOO!!!


Thanks again guys.

[MHISSTC]

Since you are already perched on the slippery slope...I'll go ahead and give you a shove.

:D

Have you considered getting a set of more aggressive dual purpose street/track brake pads to take advantage of the extra grip those tires are going to provide? You'll be able to travel at speed further down the straits and then brake later and harder before you turn in.

Your next considerations will be:
- DOT 4 brake fluid
- caliper rebuild kits, tie rod end boots, and braided front brake lines (for when the rubber parts turn to ash from the extra heat)
- extra front rotors (after the more aggressive pads begin to chew them up)

[joestang]

Since you are already perched on the slippery slope...I'll go ahead and give you a shove.

:D

Have you considered getting a set of more aggressive dual purpose street/track brake pads to take advantage of the extra grip those tires are going to provide? You'll be able to travel at speed further down the straits and then brake later and harder before you turn in.

Your next considerations will be:
- DOT 4 brake fluid
- caliper rebuild kits, tie rod end boots, and braided front brake lines (for when the rubber parts turn to ash from the extra heat)
- extra front rotors (after the more aggressive pads begin to chew them up)

OH BOY :rolleyes: , thanks Scott :D

I have DOT 4 brake fluid already. I plan to get some cooling ducts for the front brakes for track sessions.
I also have a set of SS braided lines for the front, along with a second set of rotors.
I haven't decided what brake pads yet, but I plan to run a track specific pad for the events.
The other items I'll have to look into.