Tire dilemma - Javelin

It's 6 weeks until the first event for the Javelin, and I need tires. I'm still planning on attending the USCA race in August, so 200TW is the limit.

The wheels on it now are 14" Weld Rodlite drag wheels, which also need tires, and after pricing 14" slicks I think I'm better off selling these.

I have a set of FR500 replicas (yes, the ones from my old P71) in 17x9 and 17x10.5. I was thinking 245/45 and 275/40 for the sizes, but the wheel wells will take 325's no sweat.

So, what tires and what sizes? Thanks for the input!

Here is a discussion about 17" tires for a Corvette that may be useful. I would be leaning towards 255/40R17 Rivals. The Kumhos come in wider/taller sizes but are 180TW.

How about those new street Hoosiers?

Oh, wait.

Man, tires have gotten expensive! Maybe I ought to get some 15x12 circle track wheels and run some huge old school McCreary's...

In reply to Javelin:

Yup. Every time I have day dream delusions about some cool high-powered car with big, fat tires, a pricing check on TireRack brings me back down to earth right-quick.

255 rivals on both ends on the 17" wheels. OR spend too much money and get 18x12s to run 335 on all 4 corners.

Big part of the reason why the Mustang is in storage. The tire bill is absurd!

ESP Mustang vs STS Miata. The Miata is almost 1/3rd the tire cost!

Some larger ifs for you here...

1, can you run BIAS Plys?

2, Non-DOT legal?

3, 15's?

Here is a surprisingly cheap (yet supremely awesome) option if you can... http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=462522

Nitto nt05. 315/35/17 200tw $208 each at discount tire direct

mw wrote: Nitto nt05. 315/35/17 200tw $208 each at discount tire direct

I'd rather have a 255 rival than a 315 nt05.

Leafy wrote:

mw wrote: Nitto nt05. 315/35/17 200tw $208 each at discount tire direct

I'd rather have a 255 rival than a 315 nt05.

I agree, on my bicycle.

I would imagine it would depend on the parameters of the car quite a bit.

rcutclif wrote:

Leafy wrote:

mw wrote: Nitto nt05. 315/35/17 200tw $208 each at discount tire direct

I'd rather have a 255 rival than a 315 nt05.

I agree, on my bicycle. I would imagine it would depend on the parameters of the car quite a bit.

No it really doesnt, maybe if he was just going to drive it casually to car shows the NT05 would be the better choice, but driving it in anger the rival is a no brainer even if its like 2 inches narrower.

I agree that the when comparing similar sized tires, the rival is a faster tire. I'm not sure it is enough faster to overcome the 80mm (over 3") difference in width. Especially if the javelin is heavy or really powerful. This isn't an SSM miata ;)

Leafy wrote:

mw wrote: Nitto nt05. 315/35/17 200tw $208 each at discount tire direct

I'd rather have a 255 rival than a 315 nt05.

+1

3300lbs, 300HP, 400TQ, 5000RPM rev limit.

Well I solved one of the tire dilemmas...

Brand new set of Mickey Thompson ET Drags for $50 at the Portland Swap Meet. I'm going to have them mounted on the Javelin's Weld Rodlite's as my "drag" wheel setup (and leave the BFG radials on the front).

I think I'm going to go with a ~300 TW type tire for the 17's. Not only are they far more affordable, but since it will now be my "driver" set as well, I'd like them to last a little bit and not be totally useless in the wet. I'm leaning towards the BFG Comp 2's at the moment.

Javelin wrote: Well I solved one of the tire dilemmas...

A couple weeks ago, I scored a set of 245/45/17 Kumho ecsta ast for my mustang at discount tire for $292 otd. They are not a great tire, 400 UTQG, but I've had them before and the price was right. Might be worth it to check a couple stores near you and see if there are any left.

Javelin wrote: Well I solved one of the tire dilemmas... Brand new set of Mickey Thompson ET Drags for $50 at the Portland Swap Meet. I'm going to have them mounted on the Javelin's Weld Rodlite's as my "drag" wheel setup (and leave the BFG radials on the front). I think I'm going to go with a ~300 TW type tire for the 17's. Not only are they far more affordable, but since it will now be my "driver" set as well, I'd like them to last a little bit and not be totally useless in the wet. I'm leaning towards the BFG Comp 2's at the moment.

So I take it you're giving up on the whole handling thing.

Federal 595. Ive run them on a few different pro-touring cars and like them. 240 treadwear. Drive good in every thing but mud and snow. Local is 400 fir a set of 275/40/17.

Id go 275 front and 315 rear if it were me...

In reply to Leafy:

Oh countrare! I have two complete sets of wheels.