Wider rear tires/wheels then front, Why?? Options

[Jetsetsurfshop]

Ive been running a "square" set up for years. 15x7 with 205/50/15 Hoosiers.
I'm now contemplating running wider rears then fronts and started to ask myself why? At the HSR races all the 914 guys are staggered. It looks like the PCA guys stagger too.
Whats the performance advantage here? Is it handling? Something to do with getting hard on the brakes? Putting the power down? Fitment on the front suspension?

Teach me something.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[GregAmy]

Smaller tires up front are counterintuitive to improving front grip. However, it's important to take tire temps to know what they're doing. If, for example, you're not getting the front 205s up to temp (unlikely) then a smaller tire "may" help that.

Example: I run non-square on my 2008 Honda Civic Si Super Touring car. 245/40-17 up front and 225/45-17 out back. FWD cars have systemic understeer so it helps the balance. Oversteers like a bitch when cold (I spend the pace lap working on the rear temps).

Secondary note: you're looking for 38 psi hot on Hoosier R7/A7 radials (and I shot for the same when running the radial slicks). 40 is pushing too high; 36 is too low. Adjust as needed to get there. My starting point for any weekend on the 2600# Civic is 28F/32R and then bleed down as needed to get to 38. I run 205/50-15 A7s on the 914 for vintage but the sessions are short; I'll typically start the weekend at around 32.

[stownsen914]

My car is set up a bit different, but I've run 10.5" slicks on the front and 12" on the rear for years and have been happy with the balance. I agree that most 914s run staggered when setup and rules permit. In general, rear and mid engined cars will have wider tires in the rear to support the extra weight out back.

You mention that your car understeers. As suggested, tire temps will give you some info. about what your tires are doing. I'm thinking that understeer in a 914 with a square setup is unusual. Maybe something in your setup is causing it?