Tire challenges

[scxtasy]

I have two sets of Kinesis Mach V wheels that I got with my 964 when I bought it. Both sets have 17x8.5 inch front rims and 17x10 inch rears and are shod with 245/40R17 and 275/40R17 tires respectively (Toyo R888s on one set and Hoosiers on the other). Both sets of tires are well past their prime and need replacing. Although it looks like I can get a new set of Hoosiers or Toyo R888s or R888Rs in these sizes, there seems to be nothing else that will fit. I can go up to 255 width on the fronts (in which case there is a much broader selection of tires available), but changing the rears to 265 or 285 widths yields little change in availability. Anyone have any thoughts on tires that might work, or any other suggestions?

Cheers

Andrew

[Cajundaddy]

225/255 are very common 17" sizes. I run these to good effect on my Cayman both on the street and in Time Trial competition. Whether this will work for you depends on your planned use.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Hankook&tireModel=Ventus+R-S4&partnum=54WR7Z232XL

[scxtasy]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

225/255 are very common 17" sizes. I run these to good effect on my Cayman both on the street and in Time Trial competition. Whether this will work for you depends on your planned use.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Hankook&tireModel=Ventus+R-S4&partnum=54WR7Z232XL

Thanks. What aspect ratio are the 225s?

Andrew

[Cajundaddy]

Mine are 40 Front and rear to keep the PSM happy on a 2009 car. With my 98 Boxster I ran 225/45/17 up front so the diameter was 25" all around. Run 225/40/17 if you wish to add a bit more rake and put some more weight on the front wheels.

[wildcat077]

Continental makes a 285/40/17 as well as a 255/45/17 that would match your wheels !
I'm using the Conti DW in 255/45/17 and 275/40/17 on my 911 with Fikse FM10's , they're a little soft on the shoulder for track/DE use but they're awesome rain and street tires !

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by scxtasy

I have two sets of Kinesis Mach V wheels that I got with my 964 when I bought it. Both sets have 17x8.5 inch front rims and 17x10 inch rears and are shod with 245/40R17 and 275/40R17 tires respectively (Toyo R888s on one set and Hoosiers on the other). Both sets of tires are well past their prime and need replacing. Although it looks like I can get a new set of Hoosiers or Toyo R888s or R888Rs in these sizes, there seems to be nothing else that will fit. I can go up to 255 width on the fronts (in which case there is a much broader selection of tires available), but changing the rears to 265 or 285 widths yields little change in availability. Anyone have any thoughts on tires that might work, or any other suggestions?

Cheers

Andrew

The largest tires I've seen on a 964 are 245/40 & 275/35 x17

so, first are you sure bigger will fit?

keep in mind that tires have inertial and gearing costs associated w/ them

taller and heavier is more expensive in terms of those costs

for track use R7 in 245/40 & 275/35 are the most usual choice their inertial cost is low grip high gearing cost compared to what you have 275/40x17 is also favorable @~+12 LB-FT available for acceleration

[totle]

What other brands, besides Toyo, deliver tires in 245 & 275 ?

[Driven97]

Originally Posted by totle

What other brands, besides Toyo, deliver tires in 245 & 275 ?

Continental ExtremeContact Sport. Great summer DD tire that can handle an occasional AX or some light track work if required.

[KTL]

Originally Posted by scxtasy

Anyone have any thoughts on tires that might work, or any other suggestions?

Cheers

Andrew

If you're looking for another set of track-only tires, the Hankook Z214 is a great value. They are available in 245/40 and 275/40. It's a quick tire (not the fastest but certainly not slow) and has a long life. It maintains its grip level over the life of the tire and doesn't heat cycle-out like Hoosiers do. Hoosiers start to fall off a cliff after a short number of heat cycles.

Could also give the Toyo RR a try. They're offered in 235/40 and 275/40

[Driven97]

Another option for a track day only is the Maxxis RC-1. Come in 235/40 & 275/35. Zero tread so avoid on the street, but they're supposed to wear real well and are inexpensive. I know they're used out west as a spec tire for some road race series. Never tried them myself, so ymmv.