Here's a question that I don't know, maybe someone here does. (Of course, I have this situation so... )

Take a 17x11 mounted with a 275/40-17 Hoosiers
and a 17x11 mounted with a 315/35-17 Hoosiers

Which combination would give the best overall performance in an autocross (Front of car only)?

I would guess the 315 but I still have some questions. The 275 combo has the tire stretched to it's maximum rim width while the 315 combo is at it's minimum rim width. I understand some of those issues (stiffer/softer sidewall, more/less compliance etc) but..... I suppose it might be hard to argue with 1.5" of tread (or lack of). A 275 is lighter, maybe quicker steering??

 

As I see it the front of the car needs as much grip as possible so I'd probably opt for the 315's. Hoosiers do tend to run wider than other brands but as long as the rim is within their recommended range I think it'll be fine.

 

It's all about the contact patch, which is probably going to be identical in size with the tires you listed but a different shape, shorter and wider with the 315s.

I'd post this question on www.corner-carvers.com and see what the experts have to say.

 

That's what I was wondering, if it would be roughly the same. The other thing I was wondering about is the response of the tires. I would think the 275 would be much more responsive to steering input. I don't know if the stiffer sidewall would be a detriment or an advantage. It might require different shock settings etc.

 

I ran some Kumho 275 tires on my 11" wheels for a few months this year and last to finish them off. They gripped well, but when I switched to 315 Kumhos it completely transferred the car. I mean, it was a phenomenal difference. I would never go back to 275 tires if you already have 11" wheels.

 

How did the 275's look on the 11" wheels? I figured since I already had the 275's I'd go ahead and use them.

 

The Kumho 275 tires were pulled outwards a good bit to meet the edge of the rim. When I laid the tires and wheels down on the ground on their side, the tire didn't touch the ground. Only the wheel lip did, if that gives you an idea. There's a reason that's the widest wheel listed for that tire size I think.

 

I know it is, that's why I was wondering. I figured that would be the case. I'll bet it didn't rub though!!! How did it feel? I would think with the tire stretched out like that it would respond quicker than the 315 on the same rim.

 

Didn't rub anywhere but my brake ducts until I relocated them.

 

What offset 11"'s did you run them on?

 

36mm, same as I'm using for my 315s now.

 

Well, good. I'm sure I'll have fun on them and then when they wear out, on go the 315's!!!

Thanks!

 

On my '97, I started with the stocks. Kuhmo Ecstas. Tried to burn them up at Motorsport ranch, so I could put my 275/14-17 Nitto 555's on (17x9.5 rims) on the front. The Kuhmo's still had good tread after a whole weekend, but slid and complained the whole time! I can't beleive they still are good for my daily...

Next a weekend at Texas World Speedway, I had the Nitto's on front with Dunlops 315/35-17 on the rear. Much faster track and grip was critical to turn...

Then I got an offer. Got to talking to another freak, and he said try this- Put my 17x11's on your front, and get a real gas....

I asked won't they rub? He said not on my '98!

They didn't hardly rub and he had the same Hoosiers 315's you are talking about. The transition onto the banked frontstretch was tough. It was like making my car a go-cart. Steering very responsive with minimal input. Suddenly, I began to appreciate the speed in cambered turns. The off-camber turns suddenly were stomach dropping from the speed... The car was slightly loose, probably because of the Dunlops on the rear, but the car was fast!

Picked up five mph in almost every turn....

Now where can I pick up 2 ZR-1 17x11 rims cheap.....

 

Hey Bill... Do a search for them at Ebay. Several guys were talking about over at LS1.com the other day.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2424132523

 

Oh man,
Thanks, those are inexpensive for sure...

Let me wipe the salivation off......