Track Tire size question

[cth777]

Morning folks,

looking at a second set of wheels to use for summer tires and eventually track tires most likely. I know people recommend going down to 18s from 19s. I’m curious how you all are handling the size difference in tires and resulting speedo (maybe abs) issues? It doesn’t seem like there are many 18” tires that are within a percent or two of stock diameter… mostly 35r18

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[WItoTX]

Correct it in Forscan or just know the speed difference. I wouldn't go to a 35 profile tire unless I am going to a fairly narrow tire.

 

[cth777]

Correct it in Forscan or just know the speed difference. I wouldn't go to a 35 profile tire unless I am going to a fairly narrow tire.

as in you’d run 30 or 40 profile?

if I’m on 18s I’d WANT a 40 profile but the tire selection in that size seems limited

 

[Dana Pants]

I’m running 18x11 with 295 35 R18. The abs doesn’t care and it’s “free” lowering and gear ratio improvement for my 2018 GT. I have an excel table taped to my windshield with the relationship between speedometer reported and gps actual speed.

 

[2015 Silver GT]

I would run 17’s in the rear. The 305/45-17 tire really works well. That’s what I’m running.

 

[Ninjak]

I run 305 19's up front and 325 19 rear. Basically, the stock rim size of the DH performance package is with a wider tire out back. Using the Goodyear F1 supercar 3R. tires.

 

[WItoTX]

as in you’d run 30 or 40 profile?

if I’m on 18s I’d WANT a 40 profile but the tire selection in that size seems limited

For track wheels, I'd run a 30 profile. But I'd also go with a minimum 305 tire.

Now if they are going on the road, where you have to deal with potholes, then yeah I might try and find a 35 profile tire and go to something a bit narrower.

 

[rxryanm]

(Darn it, Kyle. You responded before I could finish my thought. I'm leaving it anyway cuz it shows I was right lol)

Kyle (not to put words in his mouth, but I bet his response will be similar) would go 30 series, as would most running an 18, because the wheels are probably going to be 11" wide with 305-315mm wide tires. That gives you plenty of sidewall while still being stiff enough that your sidewall isn't rolling over and you can predict what your car is going to do. I think people also recommend 18s because you can get takeoff slicks for a fraction of what a 200TW costs.

You still have more questions to ask yourself before you settle on something imo:
1. What's the likelihood you actually track your car?
2. Do you want your tires to pull double duty on street and track?
3. If yes to above, which one matters most? (Good track tires probably aren't going to be your friend in the rain; good street tires are going to let you down on the track eventually)

If it's me, I'd buy new summer setup that will kick butt on the street. Then buy track wheels/tires if I actually make it to the track.

 

[SBR70.3]

Do you currently track your car?

If so, HPDE or AutoX?

If not, just track it with a good set of tires first, then if you develop the bug you can go down the rabbit hole and get a dedicated set of track wheels/tires. You really do not want to be DDing a 200 TW tire and you don't want to be tracking a set of Conti DWS06 tires either.

If you are new to HPDE or AutoX, I would invest in a good set of Conti Extreme Contact Sport 02's to fit whatever size wheel you currently have. They are a great DD/beginning track tire.

If you are an experienced track driver, then go all out and get some good 19" forged Apex wheels and RE71RZ tires. Just make sure you have the brakes to allow proper use of the sticky tires.

Regarding the wheel size, 18" tires TEND to be less expensive and have more options, but the gap is closing.

 

[Apex Wheels]

If you don't plan on tracking your car, the 19" wheels may give you some better tire options to pick from, as there is a small general shift in tire sizes that manufacturers are making since newer cars just keep coming on larger diameter wheels. 18's are more advantageous for track tires, but wide 18" tires are only typically found in aggressive tire compounds, not always street-friendly.

A set of 19x10 ET40 in the front and 19x11 ET52 with a 275/35-19 and 305/30-19 will give you a lot of tire options to play around with on and off the track!

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