Got an idea about using 17" wheels with 225/40-17 tires for autocross.

Assuming you are not in a Street Touring class, using 17x7 rims
has anyone used 225/40-17 R compound tires like
Hoosier A6 $237 each 20lbs 23.8" tire diameter

I'm using 15x8 and 225/50-15 (24 lbs each, 23.7" tire diam) right now and wonder how the 40 series sidewalls would do vs what I have now.

I have also run 15x8 with 225/45-15 Hoosier A6 ($210) and was not that impressed that it did any better than the Kumho V710s that I used in 15" sizes.

Note that right now Tirerack.com has low stock on 225/40-17.
I don't need the tires right away, just thinking.

 

About half of the folks with R56 mcs at Nationals were running 224/40/17's yes they work well.

 

I asked this a while ago, and I found it funny that not too many had any input, probably to keep their own info a secret.

I ran 16" last year (both 215/40 and 225/50 V710s) and moved to 17" with 225/40R17 Hoosiers this year. The 17" combination was definitely faster, but mainly because of gearing. The 215/40 was way too short, and the 225/50s were way too tall.

That being said, I still don't understand the Hoosier. I don't have enough experience with them to give an accurate description of them. I like V710s.

I honestly think that the 225/50R15 V710 (especially on an 8" wheel) is the faster combination, but in the right hands, the Hoosier is probably faster, in the same size. On a stiff car (DSP or not GS), the 225/45R15 Hoosier is likely the way to go.

Kumho supposedly is going to release their V710 in the 215/40R17 size, but I am not sure it will be wide enough. Also, this size was announced at SEMA last year, so who knows when it actually will arrive.

 

But that doesn't really answer the 15 vs 17 dilemma... What were HS Coopers using?

 

that is not an issue, 17's aren't legal in HS.

the hot setup in HS has been 215/40/16 V710's or 205/45/16 Hoosiers.

 

Minihune,

If you really want to maximize the grip... cut the fenders and go with 275/35/15 Hoosiers on 15x10's

 

(And my point was that 15s aren't legal in GS, ergo pointing to what they run doesn't answer the OP's question..)

And 17s aren't legal in HS? You can't order a Cooper with 17s?

 

He asked if the 17s were any good, I answered that they were popular in GS at the national level, meaning they work.

17 inch wheels on a cooper are dealer installed options and not legal in H Stock

 

I haven't specced a Cooper in awhile I guess, huh? I just wish there was something in the 245 range, wider than a 225 but not in the crazy land of 275..

 

Does this remain the case in GS as well? I'm a potential first time r-comp buyer. I'm finishing my rookie season on street tires, and have been thinking along these lines for 2009. I autocross with a local club (Cumberland Motor Club in Maine) that uses SCCA classing rules. Thanks.

 

Yes, same setup for H Stock carries over to G stock both 16x6.5 rims.

H stock can also run stock 15" rims and likely 205/50-15 tires.

G stock can run 17x7 rims and any tire that can still fit.