Autocross! What is the best size tire to run on stock 15x5.5 rimson

[piperpilotduane]

I have my suspension set up for autocross and need tires, but do not have money for new rims in the budget. I curently have 205/70 15's on 15x5.5 stock rims. I will be using it mostly for track events and driving to and from the track. What are you guys running?

[roadtrp204]

Stock is close to 205/60/15. 185 and 195 seem to fit better on a 5.5 rim without added sidewall flex. 195/50/15 lowers the gearing for better pulls from a corner while a 195/65/15 would strech out the time between shifts for long straight aways, with a 205/70/15 streching it way out. Though 205's fit on a 5.5 rim, the advantage of added tread section is lost to a sucked in sidewall.

[flying9142_2]

Another Vegas Auto crosser huh ?
There used to be alot of 914'2 auto X ing here in the Valley a few years back . I used 195 / 60 /15 and I also ran a set of 195/50/15 as well . When I was using it as a daily driver and auto X the 169/60 worked better for dual duty , when I ran the 195/50 they were too soft for the street and daily use . ( Hoosier auto crossers ). Are you going to run in stock class or street prepared ?
I think back to a night coming home from a night auto cross and I was in a hurry to get home so rather than change tires/wheels I drove home on my Hoosier Auto crossers....made the spaghetti bowl interchange really fun ! Even got pulled over by highway patrol...not for speeding but it seems as though my Hoosiers were picking up all the loose rocks and throwing up a rooster tail .
Lucky for me I had my surefire flashlight as you have to look really hard on the Hoosiers to see the tine " DOT " , which was really hard to get the officer to see that late at night .
No ticket and I was on my way.....quickly to the next corner !!
Maybe I will see you at an auto X sometime...I am thinking of coming out of retirement .

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

205/50-15 seems to be the "default" autoX tire size for 914s in Zone 7 (Northern CA and some of northern NV). 195/50-15 gives you a bit crisper response and shorter gearing, which is usually an advantage but can really kill you once in a while (you have to shift more often sometimes).

I drive the 195/50s on the street as well, and they are a bit much I think. I will be going to two sets of wheels when I start autoXing again. The race wheels will have 205/50-15, while the street ones will get 195/65-15.

--DD

[flying9142_2]

re read my post...169/60 ??? I meant 195/60.....
2.0 seems to be running a bit rich today...must be the gas fumes making me type like that.......or it could be from all the excitement from the Shot show today here in Vegas .
Currently I am running 195/60 on the front and 205/60 on the rear as I am running the freeway alot...gotta keep them revs down .

[roadtrp204]

Should have told that NHP officer its not your fault all those damn sand and gravel trucks can't contain thier loads. I have been on this board since 10/99 and I am glad to see that a few more locals have found their way here. The spaghetti bowl interchange used to be a blast before the traffic went nuts. If you really want to give the car an exercise in its potential, try the Virgin River Gorge

ps any locals need help with 914/VWstuff or paint and body, look me up by email or I'm in the phone book.

Chris Edwards
75 914 2.0L giving strong consideration to 75 914 5.7L

[piperpilotduane]

Thanks for your info. I ordered the Kumho Supra 712'S in 195/50VR15. Wish me luck!!! Duane