Track wheel and tire recommendations

[mvanbuhl]

It is time for me to get new tires for my 2001 and I would appreciate some advice. I track my car 4 to 5 times per year in HPDE events and mostly run with group 3 and 4. My car is currently stock except I installed the SoS sway bars in the middle position front and tightest position rear. I am running the OEM Yokos and currently drive my car to and from the track.


1) What is the recommended wheel size for the track? I know some members support smaller wheels due to tire availability and cost. If cost is removed as a factor, what is the ideal wheel size for optimum performance on the track?

2) What is the recommended tire size for the wheels stated above for the track?

3) Again, removing cost as a variable, what is your track tire recommendation? Many speak highly of Proxies, how about Advans? What is your opinion of shaving tires?

4) I understand alignment is important. What are the recommended adjustments?

6) Is there anything I am missing? Any other small modifications that are recommended? Obviously seat time and instruction are at the top of the list!

Thank you for your advice!

 

[nsxtasy]

1) What is the recommended wheel size for the track? I know some members support smaller wheels due to tire availability and cost. If cost is removed as a factor, what is the ideal wheel size for optimum performance on the track?

I am very happy using the stock '91-93 15"/16" wheels on the track, for numerous reasons. However, with your car (and any '97 and later NSX), you will need 16"/17" wheels or larger.

3) Again, removing cost as a variable, what is your track tire recommendation? Many speak highly of Proxies, how about Advans?

You need to be more specific. Toyo makes many tires with the Proxes name, everything from their RA-1 track tire to their Proxes 4 all-season tire and a bunch of others. Same thing with "Advan".

There are a lot of good R compound track tires on the market right now, including the Toyo RA-1, Hoosier R6, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup, Kumho Ecsta V710 and V700 Victoracer, Hankook Z211 and Z214, Yokohama A048, Pirelli PZero Corsa, Avon Tech R, etc. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these; they all perform well. You may need to base your decision on size availability (or perhaps price), as the performance of all is pretty similar.

What is your opinion of shaving tires?

I don't get my R comps shaved. I might if I were actually in competition, where every tenth of a second counts. But not for the HPDE events I participate in.

4) I understand alignment is important. What are the recommended adjustments?

I'm very happy using the original '91 alignment specs (with the 6 mm of toe in the rear), and making sure the front camber is towards the negative end of the specified range.

6) Is there anything I am missing?

Yes. Your list is missing item number 5.

 

[fastcat99]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mvanbuhl
6) Is there anything I am missing?

Yes. Your list is missing item number 5.

-----------------------------------------------------


LOL - good catch!

 

[mvanbuhl]

Ken,

As always, thank you for your thorough response! Your attention to detail on #5 is pretty impressive!

 

[nsxnut]

R compound rubber allows more grip but with less feedback.
A street tire will squeal where the R's may not. If you are really smooth on the track and are looking for a little more grip than go to R's. If you are still working on technique than I would stay with street tires.

If you go away from the stock 16/17 rim size there can be more choices.
I went to 17x8.5 and 18x10. I have 225/45/17 ft 285/30/18 rear.
You can also go with slicks. I have not.

I have used both the Toyo RA1's and Michelin Pilot Sport Cups.

I like the Sport cups better but they are not cheep! They have alot of grip.
The Ra1's hold up really well.

If you get the RA1's get them shaved. My first set I didn't get them shaved.
I know this is counter intuitive but they will last longer on the track if they are shaved... Don't know why... They have much more grip shaved.

I am not runnning the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup shaved.

Good Luck.
Later,
Don