I'd like your autocross-related wheel/tire advice...

[adamnitti]

I currently have 2 sets of wheels/tires for my car. The set that's currently on the car are a size upgrade from the original, which came of an early 993. I've got 16x7.5's in the front (205/55's) and 16x9's in the back (245/45's). I just put a new set of Kumho's on them, and did an autocross on them about 200 miles ago.

I also have a set of original size Fuchs (16x7's and 16x8's) with some Yoko's on them with lots of tread left. The tires are a model I had never heard of before: A540's (VR rated). I'm not sure how good they are; I did a pretty quick mountain drive with them, and I didn't fly off the road, at least.

Anyways, I had originally planned on using one set for autocross and one set for everyday driving. I like the looks of the 993 wheels best, and would like for the Fuchs to be the autocross set. My question is: If I autocross with the Fuchs, would I really be sacrificing a lot of handling by using the smaller sized wheels? What if I put autocross tires on them? Or should I try and take advantage of the larger wheel sizes and put autocross tires on them, instead?

[Randy W]

I assume the Kumhos that you have are not R compound tires and that the 993 wheels could be used as is for the street. I think as long as you are not competing for fast time in your class, you could learn alot with the tires on your Fuchs. If you decide to go to R tires, try to fit a 225/50 on the front and a 245/45 on the rear if you can.

[widebody911]

For autocrossing, the smaller-diameter wheels are better, unless you have endless amounts of torque on tap. Autocrossing rewards quickness.

[adamnitti]

randy-

well, i still consider myself in learning mode, and autocrossing with the fuchs would at least allow me to burn up the yokohamas without spending any more money right now. i like that idea, although i'm pretty confident the yoko's i have aren't as good as the kumhos. i'm looking for the best compromise for both applications. the kumhos i have are the ecsta 712's. good street tire, not the stickiest, though. 225/50's won't work on the front because of rubbing problems. i've tried them already with not such great results.

thom-

both sets of wheels have a 16" diameter.