200tw tires for Track use

[GTIfan99]

Alright, I've got a dilemma.

I traded the old 19 GTI that was setup for STH, and bought a 24 380 Edition. It comes with when's from the R in 19 x 8.

I plan to run GS for a year or two, we'll see if I actually make it that long, but for now, that means I only have a few choices for wheels/tires.

My first thought was throw a set of 200tw on the stock wheels in the 235 35 19 factory size. I ordered a set, but there was a screw up with the order, so I took it as a sign to reconsider.

$1300 for just 235 35 19 RE71RS's or spend $500 to $600 more and get 18 x 8 wheels and get some 200tw tires dedicated for autocross, since 18's are about $300 cheaper a set.

The question is, what size? What would you do? It's a manual transmission.

225 40 18 or 235 40 18?

225 would result in better gearing and less weight. 235 would be taller and heavier, but a little wider.

Diameter
225 40 18 - 25.1"
235 40 18 - 25.4"
235 35 19 - 25.5"

$3 difference in price of the two 18" options, so negligible.

Any thoughts?

I'm leaning towards 225 40 18.

 

[DerHase]

225 as long as it’s a mega wide ass tire like an RE71RS or A052.


I ran 205/50R15 on a 15x8 on my Mazda2. Was faster than 225/45R15 FWIW. Obv power (lack of) played some factor, but it was very noticeable.

 

[GTIfan99]

225 as long as it’s a mega wide ass tire like an RE71RS or A052.


I ran 205/50R15 on a 15x8 on my Mazda2. Was faster than 225/45R15 FWIW. Obv power (lack of) played some factor, but it was very noticeable.

That's what I was thinking too.

Shorter gearing, 2 lbs to 3 lbs per tire lighted over the other options, the tire will have plenty of support and RE71RS runs wide anyways.

Then the ape side of my brain says "ooo oooooo ooooo 235 bigger, 235 more better".

So still can't decide.

I think I'll do the 225s.

 

[mrmatto]

I think you’ll appreciate the responsiveness of the better supported 225 at autocross.

But I would guess not a huge difference between the two options.

 

[MonkeyMD]

All the competitive Civics in HS run 255 on 8"wheel. Why are we restricting to 225?

 

[mrmatto]

All the competitive Civics in HS run 255 on 8"wheel. Why are we restricting to 225?

Really depends on the tire. Some will work better oversized than others. More width isn’t always faster if you’re flippin and floppin, I would wager. Responsiveness from a well supported tire surely counts for something?

 

[mrmatto]

Of course @GTIfan99 is going XSA now so he’ll have a 10” wheel with slicks

 

[GTIfan99]

Of course @GTIfan99 is going XSA now so he’ll have a 10” wheel with slicks

XS is 200tw.

 

[DerHase]

245/40R17 RE71RS vs 255/40R17 V730 for reference.

Both on 17x9 wheels.