Tires/Sizes Dunlop SP Sport vs. Yokohama AVS Intermediate

Anybody know how the AVS intermediates compare to the Dunlop SP Sport 8000?

I'm currently running 225/50/15s in the front, and 215/60/15s in the back...(Yokohama AVS intermediates)

I've been interested in wider tires, but couldn't find anything but all out race tires at a wider size. I recently found out (long live tirerack) that I can get the DUNLOP SP sport 8000 (ultra high performance) tires at 245/50/15! Through some research I've also found out these tires compare really good, with the Dunlops more grip ultimately, and a tad longer wearing (both insignificantly I'm told), however a tad less warning before breaking loose, since sidewall of the dunlops are a tad harder, oh, I presume this also means better feedback through the wheel.

Now overall that already makes the dunlop seem a tad better, but the fact that they'll be some 20 mm wider is another +.

The dunlops individual thread patterns, designed for better water evaquation (for resisting hydroplaning), also give another advantage. The individual thread(s) are longer than they are wide, which lessens the tires wanting to follow the grooves in the pavement. All good so far.

Another important question, how about fit? I'm putting the 245/50s on the stock wheels, cookies, which came with 215s originally. I don't think they'll rub since I've ran 255s in the back before, but they were on a different rim...

Tire pressures?

Overall height of the sidewall of a 245/50 tire is 122.5mm, compared to stock 215/60 of 129.6, not terribly bad, and that compares favorably to the 225/50s, 112.5. So I suppose this'll give better gearing, and closer to stock readout on the speedo as well.

Ideas thoughts? I don't think I've heard of anybody running this size on their car, is that because the ONLY ultra high performance tire in this size just became available? (Oh I hope so!)
Ahmet

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It's all the driver...

A important area to check for rubbing is not only the fender lip but also the inside wheel well when turning HARD right or left. When you get to the limits of size, your chances of rubbing are increased greatly. I currently have 225 and 255 front back on aftermarket wheel with no problems. When I mounted track tires on my Fuchs 16" 225 and 245, the fronts left a nice groove in the inside wheel after a 2 day DE event. After complaining to TireRack, they are taking the fronts back, (after about 5 calls!) and I am going to 205. Track tires have a much wider flater tread which was the problem and the factory Fuchs aren't offset enough to handle bigger sizes like the Fikse,(they put more tire towards the outside lip). Moral, talk to others who have your car and have gone bigger. Don't trust a guy on the phone to be absoulutly correct. In the end TireRack was fair about the whole thing and I will continue using them.

Thank you for the reply, I've had 255 tires in the back before, but that was on a different set of rims...

In the asking of my question I really wanted to find out just if I could run the 245s on a wheel that originally came with 215s, I had lots of negative comments about that one, and I've never seen anybody run that size either... Well, today I just confirmed that Dunlop actually MAKES that tire for 7 and 7.5 inches wide rims! Whew! Good news...

Next auto-x, people, watch out!

Oh, btw, most of the rubbing that occurs under severe cornering is due to suspension deflection, given that they don't rub when you put one of the wheels on a ramp for example (to take the whee/suspension through it's range of movement). Also, excessively lowered cars that can corner quite fast might rub in the front, at lower speeds when the wheel is turned quite a bit.

Tire rubbing can be eliminated/reduced by polyurethane(or polygraphite) bushings, and the early 911 rear suspension (trailing arms), can really benefit from the polygraphite/urethane bushings. Basically design is good, but toe out increases under severe braking, if that's of any concern.

However I've gone through 3 sets of graphite bushings from weltmeister in the front of my 944, so I'm not sure if I can recommend them.

Anyway, thanks for the info, I hope this can benefit you a bit too,
Ahmet

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It's all the driver...

Be aware that even if your rims can fit a tire at the extreme limits such as my 6" Fuchs with a 225, it may not be a improvement, especially for track events. The sidewalls are actually at an angle instead of straight up and down, and this allows some unsteadiness and unfavorable handling at very high speeds. Along with this, the tire ballons somewhat. This is why changing to 7" rims and keeping 205's is popular for the front. Sometimes the widest tire is not the best.

Right, I agree with that totally, specially when you go to smaller aspect ratio(-ed) tires. Such as 35, or 40 series...

However, this particular tire, the dunlop SP sport 8000s are made for skinny rims... I suggest you check with tirerack next time you're due for tires. Some goodyears are also among the few non competition tires that work good with skinnier than thread width rims. Again, best way to find out would be calling the manufacturer directly, or tire rack. Just make sure you don't lead them to a particular size, and just ask questions objectively.
Ahmet

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It's all the driver...