Im looking for a set of wheels/tires for auto-x, but im STX class and don't want to move up, so I can't run R compound tires. I think the 17" OZ Chrono Evolution will be my weapon of choice for wheels, but I need tire advice. Noise and ride quality are irrelavent, Im looking for the best dry/wet grip I can get. Wear isn't really an issue either as long as its even, considering Ill be using the tires only for a few minutes of driving every couple weeks. TIA!

 

Given your parameters, I'd suggest the SO3 from Bridgestone.

 

The cool thing about them... the more they wear, the better they grip. I used them on the track for three driving events and then switched to Yokohama AO32R. The AVS Sports seemed to me to have nearly the same grip as the AO32R.

FYI... I was running 235/40-17, but I'm sure the 225/45-17 will be equally as grippy.

Hope that helps!!!

PeteH

 

Lol, BFG KD, no contest.

 

Have to agree with the KDs as your highest dry tire.

the AVS & S03s do offer higher wet traction & a bit better ride characteristic, but the KDs are the King of Dry grip...

Call me & I wiill discuss in more detail with you (# on my sig).

Also a link to some of our max perf. tire testing for you!<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testResultsPerformance.jsp?perfType=MP">TESTS</a></li></ul>

 

Check them out at www.edgeracing.com and let me know if i can help you with those

MAX

 

You really want the lightest, smallest diameter, widest rim that will fit. And then the lowest profile tire that will fit on those rims. This gives the lowest Polar Moment of Inertia rating which reduces resistance to acceleration and breaking. PMI measurements are calculated using the radius of the weight to the 4th power. So, a 15" wheel has a significantly less PMI rating than a 16" wheel of the same weight. In most cases, a 15" steel wheel will have a lower PMI than a 16" allow wheel, even though the steel is heavier. Let me know if you want to read more about PMI measurements for wheels. Lighter wheels also reduce your unspring weight giving you better handling. Further, a smaller overal wheel diameter will improve your gear ratio in 2nd gear on MOST autocross courses. Another bonus; smaller diameter tires are significantly cheaper!

I would guess that, for your car, 225/45/15 would probably be your ideal autocross configuration.

As for tires, I don't have experience with all brands. I've had Michellin Pilots which were good (but expensive) and Bridgestone Potenza RE040 which are also good (but expensive). If the S-02 Pole Position is better than my RE040s, that's impressive. I have no experience with Falkens or AVSs but some guys in my club use them. Also consider the street version of the Kuhmo Ecsta (712 - I think?). I understand they're well priced and quite sticky.

Let us know how it goes.

PS I like your Fittipaldi Polaris. I have those as my street wheels.

 

Id love to run smaller wheels, but alas, my brakes only fit under 17+

 

No question about it- the Falkens are the tire to get- look at your local autox and see what the STS/X guys are running- most of them will be on Azenis.

The BFG KDs are damn good but cost a fortune compared to the Falkens.