I picked up a '93 FD this spring and getting it sorted for the street and autox, but looking to put it on the track once I'm comfortable with it on the street and around the cones. Stock engine, turbos, IC, ECU; dp, 3" cat, cat-back exhaust, intake, coilovers on Koni Sports, Eibach springs - 500# f, 400# rear; swaybars, dual oil coolers. I'm planning to upgrade the brakes before going to the track - probably the StopTechs + brake ducts - and so will need 2 sets of wheels - one for the street and one for the track. I am probably going with the SSR GT1s in 17 x 9 for the street, with 245/40-17 tires. I was going to do the same for the track, but several folks have mentioned running used race tires, and that the selection and availability is greater in the 18" sizes. I'm not racing the FD, just doing driving schools, but I will still expect to push the car pretty hard (I race a Spec Miata and instruct for several clubs).

Anyone have experience running used race rubber and care to share pros and cons, as well as sources? I've checked with Bob Chick in Charleston, SC ($75/tire + shipping for Hoosiers with about 75% life remaining) and Appalachian Race Tire (not many 17" or 18" tires available), and had suggestions to go dumpster diving after GrandAm races. Other ideas?

 

next time your at a race pay the appalachian tire guys a visit. they will give you take offs, you just have to keep an eye out for the sizes you need.

have a pic of your miata? i may have seen it if you ever race at road atlanta. i recently did my first SM race in my friends car up at VIR. tons of fun, so much different then IT-7.

 

Note that there aren't as many users in GrandAm for our optimal size of 285/30/18 as in previous years.

SGS class uses Hoosier as its spec tire. The 285/30/18 is the required size on the front of the Corvette Z06, Saleen Mustang and the Steeda Mustang. A different size is used for the rear. There are 13 entrants in SGS; 2 Z06's, 10 Porsche GT3 Cup cars, and 1 Ferrari 360 Challenge car, 0 Mustangs. That means there are only 2 cars using our tire, and only on the fronts. It would also require that these 2 teams might discard their used tires in a dumpster. Doubtful I would think.

GT class uses Dunlops for their spec tire. Rules are:

"Wheels and Tires
6-3.1 The official tire supplier for the Rolex GT series in 2004 is Dunlop. Contact: Sasco Sports
- (434) 822-7200.
6-3.2 Maximum complete wheel and tire diameter is 28 inches with a maximum cross-section
width of 12 inches for car/engine combinations under 5.0L and 14 inches for car/engine
combinations 5.01L and over."

Would there be a combination that fits our cars? I don't know, but it appears doubtful.

DP class uses Goodyear. Rules are:

"SECTION 6 - WHEELS & TIRES
6-1 Official Tire - The official tire supplier for the Rolex Series Daytona Prototype class in 2004 is Goodyear. Contact:
Goodyear Racing - (330) 796-4589.
6-2 Measurements -
6-2.1 All wheels must be 18-inch diameter.
6-2.2 Maximum complete wheel and tire diameter is 28 inches.
6-2.3 Maximum complete wheel/tire cross-section width is 14 inches.
6-2.4 Wheel offset is free. Wheels must be of a three-piece design.
Front - Maximum 12.5-inch bead width allowed.
Rear - Maximum 13-inch bead width allowed."

Again, is there a combination for us? Don't know but again doubtful.

Hope this covers the possible use of used GrandAm rubber. One other suggestion is that you could also buy new tires...


Mark

 

First off, whoever told you that there are more 18" sizes than 17" sizes is smoking crack. Secondly, why limit your tire size on 17x9's? .... 275's fit that EASILY. Mo rubber, mo betta.

The prices that you quoted from Bob Chick aren't bad at all. That's pretty decent if they truly are 75% life remaining (which I'm betting is a good stretching of the actual truth). Otherwise, wait for an SCCA National race to come through to a local racetrack. Tons of half used race tires get thrown away there .... if you're an SCCA member you can just walk into the pit areas and (usually) take your pick of the lot.

 

http://home.comcast.net/~gduncan2/GT...TiresInfo.html

Try this link for used tires.

 

Good link MPM. As far as 18 vs 17(availability) I am sure they meant radial slicks, there are only two even made by Goodyear , whereas all the GA cars run 18s now, and GY offers many sizes albeit in large rolling diameters. After alot of research, I opted to go with 16" wheels, and use GY/Avon Bias ply slick takeoffs. They have pretty good availability, and you can clear a 13" brake with a 16" wheel. Carl. BTW, Bobs tires are usually very nice, and he ships prompt. You just need to keep him advised of what you want, and he will tell you when the events are that are likely to produce the tires you are looking for. Carl Byck