NC Miata tires

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NaregM677
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Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:48 pm
Location: Pasadena, CA

Re: NC Miata tires

Post by NaregM677 »

Everything is making so much more sense :) Thanks for all the hep, Brian. I guess one thing I have to do is think more of the machine as a whole and how it all works together. Hopefully after my next HPDE, I'll be ready for a few modifications.
2013 Miata Club "Shadowfax"
"And the road becomes my bride..."
morrisg
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Re: NC Miata tires

Post by morrisg »

Since you need tires for the HPDE you're going to, log into TireRack.com and look at their Ultra High Performance Summer tires. Read the testing, read the reviews, pick something that fits your budget and go have fun. After you have been really bitten by the performance bug (and you will, we all have) start saving up for the upgrades you will want. It's expensive, but it is SO much fun! I'm up to a full prep for STR class autox and I love it!
NaregM677
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Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:48 pm
Location: Pasadena, CA

Re: NC Miata tires

Post by NaregM677 »

Yes, believe me, I'm completely hooked. I find myself often thinking "I don't always spend 9 hours straight online, but when I do, I'm researching about my car." I spent a few hours looking through TireRack's reviews and options and I narrowed my choices down to two different options, but I figured I would ask the Miata gang as well for their unique input. Chances are that someone with a powerful but heavy Camaro who bought the same tires would have a different experience with it than us. I looked for tires with at least 240 treadwear, AA traction rating, less than 25 lbs per tire, less than $650 for the set (preferably less than $550), and consistently positive reviews. I looked at the turn-in and cornering balance as well. I narrowed it down to Pirelli P Zero Nero or (after listening to Brian's input) sticking with the stock rubber (Bridgestone Potenza RE050A). I found a few similar Bridgestones today, such as the Bridgestone S-04 Pole Position. After starting this thread and reading Brian's responses, I thought back about all the previous tires I've had and I'm realizing how right he was about the different characteristics of each tire, not just grip.
2013 Miata Club "Shadowfax"
"And the road becomes my bride..."
NaregM677
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:48 pm
Location: Pasadena, CA

Re: NC Miata tires

Post by NaregM677 »

Is there a simple equation for tire width to wheel width? Something like:
7 inch to 205-225
7.5 to 215-235
8 to 225-245
8.5 to 235-255 and so on.

Does such an equation exist?
2013 Miata Club "Shadowfax"
"And the road becomes my bride..."
Brian
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Re: NC Miata tires

Post by Brian »

Yes, racing standard is more like 90% to 100% tire to wheel ratio.

Old school luxury car might be only 70% wheel to tire.

Notice that leaves a big range of choice.

Every choice is a tradeoff!
Brian Goodwin
Good-Win Racing
www.good-win-racing.com
NaregM677
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:48 pm
Location: Pasadena, CA

Re: NC Miata tires

Post by NaregM677 »

Alright Brian, I'm ready to buy. I see a lot of nice 17x9 options out there. Before, I would have asked "What is the widest tire I can put on a 17x9 without a fender roll for autocross or track days", but after our recent discussion, I need to ask "What is a good size tires I can put on a 17x9 without a fender roll for autocross or track days that is good for the characteristics we spoke about:
"I like steering feel, so I go the other direction.....tending to use 10 inch rims for the same amount of tire other guys use a 9 inch rim. So, for example, on track days I have a 255/40 tire on 17x10 despite fact most MX5 guys would put that tire on 9 inch wide wheels,...and I would use 11 inch wide if I could find it! The result of 10 inch with that 255m is that my tire lasts longer and turn-in response is amazing. Look around at the NA/NB track guys and notice more and more put a 205mm tire on 8 inch wheels, and 225mm tires on 9 inch wide wheels....the reason is because it is faster, and MUCH more confidence inspiring to drive at the limit when the tire sidewall is stabilized. Since that tire is NOT sloshing all over the rim you can actually feel what it is doing!" -Brian

I'm glad you told me about all this. Would 225, 235 or 245 be better?
2013 Miata Club "Shadowfax"
"And the road becomes my bride..."
Brian
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Re: NC Miata tires

Post by Brian »

It all depends on what we are trying to do. Let's assume we are running STR class autocross...which is likely the class you will run. Class wheel width limit is 9 inches. So, 17x9 is the choice. Given that choice of 17x9, if we don't want to mess with fenders then the tire size is 235/40/17.
Brian Goodwin
Good-Win Racing
www.good-win-racing.com
NaregM677
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:48 pm
Location: Pasadena, CA

Re: NC Miata tires

Post by NaregM677 »

Brian wrote: Let's assume we are running STR class autocross...which is likely the class you will run.
Thanks Brian. Truth is, I'm not running in any class at the moment. All the HPDE I have participated in have been open to anyone in any arrangement. Honestly, I'm so new to this that I don't know the differences of the classes yet.

I'm looking forward to trying them. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get this in time before my next DE (this saturday at Auto Club Speedway), but definitely before the next. Thanks!
2013 Miata Club "Shadowfax"
"And the road becomes my bride..."
NaregM677
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2014 1:48 pm
Location: Pasadena, CA

Re: NC Miata tires

Post by NaregM677 »

Brian wrote:Given that choice of 17x9, if we don't want to mess with fenders then the tire size is 235/40/17.
Actually, one more question. I was reading about the spacers and was interested. I know that they would pose no problem with my stock wheels against the fender, but what about with the 17x9? Is there a prefered offset with my setup with/without spacers?
2013 Miata Club "Shadowfax"
"And the road becomes my bride..."
Brian
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Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:44 am
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Re: NC Miata tires

Post by Brian »

Go 48 to 50mm 17x9 and that will plug and play on NC with 235/50/17. See our Enkei PF01 17x9.

Most popular choice for mix of autocross and track is our 17x9 Enkei RP-F1, 45mm offset. That needs a bit of fender roll for 235/40 tire size.
Brian Goodwin
Good-Win Racing
www.good-win-racing.com
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