4 replies to this topic

[whalex]

I recently started taking my 2008 mazda 3 (2.0 L)  to open track events. It has the stock 15 inch steel wheels with 195/65-15 size tires. 

 

I am ready to get a set of wheels and tires for track use only. 

 

My question is what size wheels and tires are best for the track?

 

I have read people will get wide rims and put the narrowest tires possible on them to reduce sidewall flex?

 

I was thinking 16"x7.5" or 17"x7.5" wheels, does wheel size matter, is one better than the other? 

 

according to tire rack the widest tire I can use (without rubbing) for each wheel size is: 

 

225/50R16   or   225/45-17  

 

I would like to know your suggestions regarding the best tire size for track usage as I am pretty new to this!

 

 

Also wheel and tire suggestions are welcome...

 

I have attached a pic of what I did to my current front tires

 

thanks!

Attached Files

•  IMG_0365.jpg   302.81KB   0 downloads

[Ron Alan]

Stick with a 16" rim...most any 180 treadwear tire in the correct size will be fine on the track. If you want to spend more money buy the Toyo RR or 888 and let her rip! They will last a long time and in a pinch you can drive on the street since they are DOT

[Steve Scheifler]

Weight is the enemy, rotating unsprung weight is triply so. Stick with the 16s if you can get tires you want for them. You buy wheels once, don’t skimp on the price if you can get lighter ones for a bit more $$. Don’t over-tire, unless modified your car probably doesn’t have the power to use them. What does it weigh with you in it? Do you need bigger than a 205 or 215? I don’t know, but the tendency seems to be for people to assume more is better. I haven’t read +1,+2, +3 tire test comparisons for many years but there used to be a common theme in that the cars got slower when they went up very much.

Check out the 949 Racing wheels. They have only a narrow range of sizes but if they have ones to fit your car you will find them very light for the $. And I can probably get you a discount.

[OrangeCrush86]

I'm with Ron. If you are dedicating a set of wheels to the track, also buy track tires like Toyo RR. At least with a "racing" tire you won't have to worry about chunking your tires like in the picture.

 

Also you might want to talk with an instructor at your track because chunking that bad on a FWD car is probably from over driving the car through the corners and the understeer is shredding your tires.

[whalex]

Appreciate all the replies, 

 

the car is bone stock , so it should weigh ~3000 lbs with me in it. Based on everyone's advice I'm going to go with the 16" wheels and 215 track tires.

 

@orangecrush86 yea I was definitely pushing too hard in the corners with the stock tires and that was the result.