Track tyre size

nickb · Post by **nickb** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 11:34 am

My car is only used for weekend drives and track days. Currently I have Federal RSR 205/50/16 which perform pretty well but are coming up for replacement.

I have been researching tyre sizes and can't decide what is best. Move up to a 215 or stay on the 205, bigger or smaller side wall. I guess wider makes sense as you get a bit more grip but you also get a bit more weight. Can't really find any advice on side wall height for track.

Maybe I am reading into things a little to much but thought I would see what others people's thoughts are, especially you guys that have race/track focused setups.

Wheels are Rota Torques 16×7

Cheers
Nick

Post by **vanzep** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 4:35 pm

I think most of the folk who have track focused ludes are running 17" wheels due to bigger brakes.
If you still on standard 282's or accord twin pots they should still just fit under 16" wheels.
205x50x16 is the recommended size for 16"s.
Im sure others will be able to give you some real world info
In the meantime here is the info on tyre sizes from the wiki
http://www.ludegeneration.co.uk/wiki/in ... Tyre_Sizes

Post by **ek9sid** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 4:45 pm

I can confirm that 282s and 300mm atr brakes fit behind 16s (depending on width and offset of course).

I've always been under the impression that generally a smaller tyre height would mean a stiffer tyre which results in better handling and being able to run slightly lower tyre pressures.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 6:16 pm

@106pete
@Merlin
@thebusofwoe
@Si import

nickb · Post by **nickb** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 6:52 pm

Thanks chaps. I was also leaning towards a smaller hight. So far I like the look of the Kumho K70A 205/45/16.

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 7:05 pm

Also the smaller the circumference the faster the acceleration

TheHondaTuner · Post by **TheHondaTuner** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 7:51 pm

Iam running 215 40 17 Federal RSR and iam NOT satisfied. Its understeering all the time. especially below 100kph cornering.
Its a 7x17 ET35 Rim. Before i had 7x15 ET35 Potenza RE002 205 55 15. Was even worse! Car is pretty low so it has some camber and full adjustable suspension and 4WS.

My favorit setup would be 8,5j in front and 9j on rear with a 235 on front and 215 or 225 on rear with 5 less ET then front.
So the wheels should perform and look much better.
Also i had a 215 45 17 on the Lude. ground clearance and visual is better with 45 then 40.

205 45 16 RSR was great on a 1000kg CRX EE8, but its way to small in my opinion on the 300kg heavier Prelude.

Id suggest at least 215 45 17. 16 inch should do the same job BUT 7j is a joke

And guys note that a smaller wheel diameter also effects the gauge, so it might feel faster then it is, but yes smaller wheels =shorter gears. (45 to 55 heigh on the DC2 was different worlds, didnt notice 45 to 40 on the lude)

106pete · Post by **106pete** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 8:34 pm

I still haven't tried my 245/45/16 all round yet

I was using 225/45/16 on a 8' rim, felt pretty good but more must be better right?

Post by **si import** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 9:12 pm

I'm currently running 205 50 16 . No complaints but I will be changing to 225 45 16

Post by **Merlin** » Mon Sep 26, 2016 8:57 am

TheHondaTuner wrote:Iam running 215 40 17 Federal RSR and iam NOT satisfied. Its understeering all the time. especially below 100kph cornering.

I suggest that it is your setup rather than the tyres.

I have been using Federal 595 RSR's in that size for the last three years and they have been great.