Tire sizes / Handling, Need a pros thoughts |
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Tire sizes / Handling, Need a pros thoughts |
ruby914 |
Dec 17 2011, 02:50 AM
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#1
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 720 Joined: 26-April 09 From: Hawthorne, Ca Member No.: 10,305 Region Association: None |
I got a 911 front end and a set of 7 & 8 x 16'' 5 lug fuchs for my WRX914, not from the same car.
The Fuchs had a set of used tires that I have not yet replaced. The front tires 205/55 had heavy wear on the inside tread when I got them. The rears are 225/50 After doing an alignment I found the steering heavy and didn't center out from a turn. If do a tight U-turn, best I can explain it, it feels like the tires are buckling over them selves or washing out? I added a little more toe-in to help the centering but no change. My first question: Would that wear on the inside tread make the steering heavy and not straiten out? So, I need new tires. Here is my delima... On my other stock 914, I have 195/50 x 15 and really like the feel, very light, low and quick response with the smaller diameter tires. The WRX914 will be a daily driver. 1st, I wonder if new tires will correct all the current problem? 2nd question, I think of going a step lower profile to 225/45 and 205/45. Does this choice sound reasonable? But there is something else I feel I must consider. When the turbo kicks in, in 2nd gear ( 914 transaxle ) if I am pushing it on a curved freeway on-ramp or if the street is a little damp it breaks loose easy. So, I think of 245/45's in the rear and 205/50 up front. But that is not doing much in keeping the diameters lower. This is the tire size calculater I have used http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculato...p?action=submit Is there any option that I have missed? BTW I now have GT flares sheet metal screwed to my car marked for trim and welding. I have one uninstalled set of 21mm wheel spacers and I think I will need one more set, maybe the same offset. I think, I should get my new tires worked out before I look at the spacers again. |
J P Stein |
Dec 18 2011, 11:38 AM
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#2
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Irrelevant old fart Group: Members Posts: 8,797 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Vancouver, WA Member No.: 45 Region Association: None |
I put an autocross alignment on my Mr.2 a while back and it was then a PITA to drive on the street......it followed every groove, rut, camber change & hump in the road.
The shop up the street does all of my cars & aligns the car exactly (while I watch) as I ask him and gives me a print-out when done. I knew the Mr2 was gonna feel pretty crappy on the road so it was no surprise. The point here is that a "competition alignment" is not going to be your friend on the street. If you're gonna do your own alignment you'd better have a set up like John's....bring around $5K to the party...a bunch more if new equipment. Anyone that thinks they can set the thrust angle with strings is dreaming. Sure, I set a rough alignment on my car but then took it up to Carl's for *adjustment*. 100 bucks well spent, IMO, once a year. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) The OPs thread doesn't contain enough data for selecting a tire size....with that in mind, a 205/50(pick a wheel size) is about all that will fit under stock 914 fenders. |
John |
Dec 18 2011, 07:28 PM
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#3
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member? what's a member? Group: Members Posts: 3,393 Joined: 30-January 04 From: Evansville, IN (SIRPCA) Member No.: 1,615 Region Association: None |
I put an autocross alignment on my Mr.2 a while back and it was then a PITA to drive on the street......it followed every groove, rut, camber change & hump in the road. The shop up the street does all of my cars & aligns the car exactly (while I watch) as I ask him and gives me a print-out when done. I knew the Mr2 was gonna feel pretty crappy on the road so it was no surprise. The point here is that a "competition alignment" is not going to be your friend on the street. If you're gonna do your own alignment you'd better have a set up like John's....bring around $5K to the party...a bunch more if new equipment. Anyone that thinks they can set the thrust angle with strings is dreaming. Sure, I set a rough alignment on my car but then took it up to Carl's for *adjustment*. 100 bucks well spent, IMO, once a year. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) The OPs thread doesn't contain enough data for selecting a tire size....with that in mind, a 205/50(pick a wheel size) is about all that will fit under stock 914 fenders. Well, you did get my meaning when I stated approx half a decent 911 engine rebuild..... A bunch more if new equipment... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (this may be a big understatement) The sky is the limit when it comes to new alignment equipment. With my setup (including scales), I can get repeatable and accurate settings each time. It was a bunch of money, but I know it is right and if economic times means looking for a different way to generate income, I may open shop. |
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