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Track tire Fitment question

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Old 05-02-2013, 12:28 PM
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Track tire Fitment question

Did some searching, couldn't find an answer:
I came across a good deal on some Toyo Proxes R888's to use as track tires, but they are sized 205/50ZR15.
I have a base Cooper, trying to figure out what wheels I can get to work with these. Looks like a 6.5 width wheel is a little narrow, so I'm thinking a 15X7 as a minimum, but there seem to be few choices of this size on Tirerack. The few they have are pretty heavy.
Anyone ever use this size tire, and what wheels did you use? Anyone know of any 15X7.5 or 15X8 options?
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Old 05-02-2013, 12:52 PM
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The manufacturers recommendation for that model in that size is 6.5 actually.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 12:56 PM
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I suppose it could work then. Lots more options in 6.5 width. Seems a little narrow to me, but thanks for the info.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 01:21 PM
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Just to be clear I mean Toyo recommends you use a 6.5" wheel for that tire.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 01:23 PM
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Well, I'd say that's a pretty reliable source then. I didn't even think to check with them.
Thanks
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 02:25 PM
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I ran that tire on a 15 x 7 TD rim with no problems, and it should be fine on a 6.5 rim too. It's a good tire size; I prefer 225/45/15 but I have an MCS, 205/50/15 is probably better for a MC. I think you'll be very happy with it.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by cct1
I ran that tire on a 15 x 7 TD rim with no problems, and it should be fine on a 6.5 rim too. It's a good tire size; I prefer 225/45/15 but I have an MCS, 205/50/15 is probably better for a MC. I think you'll be very happy with it.
Thanks for the info. I was thinking about TD wheels- they're popular with the Spec E30 crowd and the Miatas too I think. I don't know where to get them though. As an aside; my friend had 15 sets of these tires, he's down to 4. They're $100/ tire if anyone is interested.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 02:52 PM
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Lots of people run 205 tires on 6.5" rims, usually in 16". That's what we use. 205/50-15 is very short, an inch less diameter than 205/50-16 which is a popular size. I found our JustaCooper ran better on the track with taller tires, we used 205/55-16 for a while. It meant we didn't have to change out of 3rd so much.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Btwyx
Lots of people run 205 tires on 6.5" rims, usually in 16". That's what we use. 205/50-15 is very short, an inch less diameter than 205/50-16 which is a popular size. I found our JustaCooper ran better on the track with taller tires, we used 205/55-16 for a while. It meant we didn't have to change out of 3rd so much.
Hadn't thought about this but I did realize the tires are significantly shorter- it's one way to lower the car I guess (and cheaper than new springs). Not worried about the speedo error on the track but I forgot about the gearing issue. What tracks do you run at? I would mostly be at the two courses at NJMP.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 04:37 PM
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I actually like the lower gearing with the smaller diameter tires; acceleration was noticeably better (for me at least), plus you get the added bonus of less weight with a 15" combo.

I bought my TD's from Aaron at Outmotoring. You could call TD and see who is selling them. I'm probably going to sell mine soon (I'm going to an 8 inch wide rim, 949 ULs), but they're dark silver.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by cct1
I actually like the lower gearing with the smaller diameter tires; acceleration was noticeably better (for me at least), plus you get the added bonus of less weight with a 15" combo.

I bought my TD's from Aaron at Outmotoring. You could call TD and see who is selling them. I'm probably going to sell mine soon (I'm going to an 8 inch wide rim, 949 ULs), but they're dark silver.
Let me know if you do. Don't care much about the color.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 05:26 PM
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Price on TD's from Outmotoring seems high. I can get a BMW E30 fitment for $110 on those wheels. Not sure why a mini wheel would be so much more. Same bolt pattern, similar off-set. Not sure if the bore is the same or not.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 06:07 PM
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I have the 949's coming hopefully next week, I'll give you first dibs if I sell them (hubcentric metallic rings included)--these are the 1's, which they don't make anymore--the nice thing is the shape and offset is such that they clear many different types of brakes. I currently have a 12.1 inch rotor with brakeman brakes, and the TD 15 x 7's clear just fine. They'll fit pretty much every brake kit on an 11.75 inch rotor.

I really like the TD's, if I wasn't going wider (My MCS is fairly heavy modded for the track) I'd keep them.
 
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Old 05-02-2013, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Dashdog
What tracks do you run at? I would mostly be at the two courses at NJMP.
Laguna Seca and Sonoma mostly.
 
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