Best Track tire f/r combination sizing?

[hmd]

I am currently running Bridgestone RE55S

http://www.bridgestone.co.jp/tire/potenza_re55s/index.html

with 16x7 fuchs and 205/55/16 fronts
and 16x8 fuchs with 225/50/16 rears

I am looking for more grip (don't we all) and is investigating running 17x8 fronts and 17x9 rears

For the same tire my size choice for

the front are:
235/40R17 OD 617
215/40R17 OD 601
225/45R17 OD 631
215/45R17 OD 623

And for the rears:
255/40R17 OD 625
245/40R17 OD 633
235/40R17 OD 617


Assuming fitment isn't the issue what would be you best front and rear combination? That would have the same balance feel between current 16" 205 fronts - 225 rears.

[IROC]

The best thing I found was 245/45-16s on 8x16s in the front and 275/40-17s on 9x17s in the rear, but this was long before there were many 17 inch tire sizes available for the fronts. With this combo, the balance is very neutral and it sticks like crazy.

If I had to do it over again, I would go with 245/40-17s on 8s in the front and the 275/40-17s on 9s in the rear.

I've also tried 225s and 255s on my same 8s and 9s and will be going back to 245s/275s. Big difference.

Mike

[hmd]

Thanks Mike,

These are the only available sizes.

So you are saying I should go with the biggest, 255 in the rears.

The question would then be 225 or 235 at the front?

[Rob Channell]

I second what IROC said. I've got a similar combination wheel and tire size. We both have 70's 911s with non-original 3.2 engines.

If I had it to do over I'd love the look of the 17" Lindsey Fuchs. They were quite reasonable at well under $2000 a set until a recent price increase. Kinesis is another favorite, of course.

If you are set on the Bridgestone tire I would try for the widest I could get. I'd consider 235 or possibly even the 245 for the front to go with the 255 rear. Wider tires in front will increase the steering effort and give you a better turn-in at a given throttle level. A skinnier tire may require a slight throttle lift to get it to turn in as well. It's worth it when you can just dive into a corner at a good clip and just drive through it.

I've never driven the Bridgestone RE55S, but I can say that I really like the Toyo RA1 as recommended to me by several Pelicans. They have a better stick than Yokohama A032 and last fairly long. They are also available in the 275 size for your 9x17 rims.

Noting your location, here's an appropriate link.
http://www.toyo.com.au/


Some people think the 275 makes for a too tall rear tire. It will raise your gearing slightly, but in some situations it's a help. If you autocross, it will give you that extra little speed enabling you to do most SCCA legal autocross courses without the need to shift to 3rd gear. I guess it will depend on your type track and how much horsepower you have on tap.

Let us know what you decide and how it works out.
"Gooday mate",

[Dantilla]

I like the way my car handles with 225 front and 255 rears.

[hmd]

GDay Rob,

The Bridgestone RE55S is much better than the RA1 or the A032 or the R888.

[Rob Channell]

Originally posted by hmd
GDay Rob,

The Bridgestone RE55S is much better than the RA1 or the A032 or the R888.

Cool. I'm all for stickier tires!