Wheel and tire combo for autocross?

[rebelgtp]

I was wondering if anyone had a "proven" wheel size and tire combo for use on g bodies to be used in autocross races? I know this isn't the normal home for these cars but it should be fun. I figure the racing wheels I get will be just the Crager soft 8's or D's (or something similar) for strong and cheap.

I would like to avoid doing things like notching the frame, mild massaging of sheet metal with a big hammer is ok :lol:

 

[custom442]

The lightest wheel is the best, so whatever you plan to use, find a couple different wheels, and call up the company to ask them the weights. Most aluminum or 3 piece wheels are the lightest ones out there.

As for tire size, the widest you can fit, which for the front is about 245's. You also need a good amount of sidewalls for hard turning, so no low profile wheels.

I plan on using 255's all around, just so it will make traction/suspension calculations much easier when the time comes to actually do that (although 255's in the front won't be an easy fit). I figure if there are guys running 255's on the rear in 11 second cars, then it'll be plenty for me.

 

[rebelgtp]

What size wheels are you going to be using?

Good to know about the 245s being the largest up front with out rubbing. I have been playing with the wheel/tire size calculator on the miata site to get an idea of sizing. With 8 inch wides on the front and 245s mounted on them would it still be the 4 inch back space?

What about for the rear? What is the largest wheel tire combo that can fit back there with notching the frame and what back spacing?

 

[adumb]

i have 15x7 up front with 4 inches of bs and 235/60. they only rub at full crank of the wheel.

 

[custom442]

What size wheels are you going to be using?

Good to know about the 245s being the largest up front with out rubbing. I have been playing with the wheel/tire size calculator on the miata site to get an idea of sizing. With 8 inch wides on the front and 245s mounted on them would it still be the 4 inch back space?

What about for the rear? What is the largest wheel tire combo that can fit back there with notching the frame and what back spacing?

A lot of people say the 245's rub at full lock. Call whatever wheel/tire company you're buying from and they'll help you find the best combo. Also remember not all 235's or 245's etc are actually that width. Some are wider or skinnier than others. The 245's will need some minor modification, but nothing that someone with a dremel and a set of wrenches can't fix

As for the rear... you're autocrossing... so if you're wanting anything wider than 255's with 235's or 245's in front then I'm confused. There are threads & stickies in this section to find different combos that have fit and others that haven't. Start digging :wink: Good luck with the autocross! post some pics when you get there 😀

 

[rebelgtp]

Suppose that is true that I should not need more than those for autocross. I guess my brain is still stuck with the setup on my old Camaro where I was pushing over 400 hp and even on tires like those they would just break loose. Also I spent most of my time racing on road courses not autocross but promised my girlfriend I was done with that. Must realign my brain :lol: