285/40r18 vs 285/35r19 square setup

[Norm Peterson]

All of those require between an 11-12" wide wheel to fit properly for handling (I assume that since you're posting here, that's the priority for you). They're available but also hard to come by. I'd be hesitant to pigeonhole yourself into a single tire. Also, all those tires are definitely too small diameter, the 305 being the only one somewhat close.

Agreed on the width and the recommendation of not pigeonholing yourself into just one tire (or size).

But 25.9" should be entirely do-able for a 5.0 car with 3.55's or numerically lower on most tracks and even 25.3" with 3.73's shouldn't need 6th if peak speeds don't go above about 135.


Norm

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[BmacIL]

Agreed on the width and the recommendation of not pigeonholing yourself into just one tire (or size).

But 25.9" should be entirely do-able for a 5.0 car with 3.55's or numerically lower on most tracks and even 25.3" with 3.73's shouldn't need 6th if peak speeds don't go above about 135.


Norm

That'd be a relatively small track or one without a decent straight. Anything like Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta, Road America, COTA, Sebring, etc., would easily see peaks above 135.

Sticking between 26.5-27.5" tires on this car gives you a great selection and no gearing worries. It'll also look better ;). My summer set is 275/35R19 @ 26.6". It works quite well and will still get me above 150 in 5th.

 

[WildHorse]

Something that was recommended to me was to have two sets of cheaper wheels+tires instead of going all out for maximum grip. That way you can compare different tires and see which ones you prefer.

The asphalt at Gimli is a little rough around the edges. Some guys get their tires at Costco or Canadian Tire though I haven't looked. I personally bought 265/45R18 Potenza 71 (on APEX 18x9) from TireRack as no one else in Winnipeg could source that size. Has close to OEM tire diameter and a very high load rating (stiffer) though the patch is a "little" big for a 9" wide wheel. An other consideration is that Winnipeg can have some funky weather (snow in August) so if you plan on buying something that might crack in cold weather be prepared to swap tires at 6AM to go out on your daily commute. My next tire will probably be a narrower and shorter Potenza 11 (and then later buy a bigger set of wheels with full slicks).

Yeah.. that's why I was thinking a little taller sidewall. More cushioning and conformity to Gimli's road course. I'm keeping my stock wheels too for those Winnipeg weather moments :lol:

 

[Competition Orange]

That'd be a relatively small track or one without a decent straight. Anything like Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta, Road America, COTA, Sebring, etc., would easily see peaks above 135.

Sticking between 26.5-27.5" tires on this car gives you a great selection and no gearing worries. It'll also look better ;). My summer set is 275/35R19 @ 26.6". It works quite well and will still get me above 150 in 5th.

I can confirm that if you're halfway decent and you have the brakes to go for lap times at Mid Ohio, 135mph will happen on the back straight. I had brake issues (self inflicted) and have been gun shy on the back straight limiting myself to an indicated 130mph. It's basically full throttle until just after the back straight kink, and then maintenance until the first of 3 yellow windows on the left WELL before the 500ft braking marker.

275/40/18s Indy 500s and 305/680 18 DHs are what I run. They put gearing about perfect for the entire track, IMO.

I picked up a stock set of s197 track pack wheels 19x9.5 to run as drift spares or potentially mount up some cheapy RSRR tires if I want to run competitive autocross or gridlife type events.

 

[BmacIL]

I can confirm that if you're halfway decent and you have the brakes to go for lap times at Mid Ohio, 135mph will happen on the back straight. I had brake issues (self inflicted) and have been gun shy on the back straight limiting myself to an indicated 130mph. It's basically full throttle until just after the back straight kink, and then maintenance until the first of 3 yellow windows on the left WELL before the 500ft braking marker.

275/40/18s Indy 500s and 305/680 18 DHs are what I run. They put gearing about perfect for the entire track, IMO.

I picked up a stock set of s197 track pack wheels 19x9.5 to run as drift spares or potentially mount up some cheapy RSRR tires if I want to run competitive autocross or gridlife type events.

Same diameter as mine.

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