track wheels and tires for 987S

[scopacetic]

I am taking delivery on a Cayman S and want to get a set of track wheels and tires. I really want to run Hoosier S04's or S05's, but they are limited on available sizes. There are no 19 inch tires. The closest 18 inchers are 245/35 for front and 275/35 or 285/30 for rear. This is as compared to my stock 18 inch 235/40 front and 265/40 rear tires. The Hoosiers would end up with a tire diameter 1.5 to 2 cm smaller than stock. Any thoughts or alternatives anyone?

[adsach]

I am taking delivery on a Cayman S and want to get a set of track wheels and tires. I really want to run Hoosier S04's or S05's, but they are limited on available sizes. There are no 19 inch tires. The closest 18 inchers are 245/35 for front and 275/35 or 285/30 for rear. This is as compared to my stock 18 inch 235/40 front and 265/40 rear tires. The Hoosiers would end up with a tire diameter 1.5 to 2 cm smaller than stock. Any thoughts or alternatives anyone?

If you are planning to use these for autocross, some folks go with all 4 tires the same size.

Per the following website, http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculato...p?action=submit ,

The 245/35 gives you 4/10 inch wider tire and 3/10 lowered(radius) with 2.6% speedometer increase. They also fit your stock rims so this sounds like a good fit. and increases the accuracy of the speedometer.

If you are thinking of a full racetrack, even a short one like Lime Rock, you probably don't want to run Hoosier's.

I'm sure you know, it really helps to get a good aggressive alignment if you want to run fast around curves.

[scopacetic]

If you are thinking of a full racetrack, even a short one like Lime Rock, you probably don't want to run Hoosier's.

Why do you say I wouldn't want Hoosiers for a full track? It seems to be the tire of choice for PCA races. Perhaps you're thinking of a different Hoosier tire. The popular tires are the A3S04's and and now S05's. https://www.hoosiertire.com/rrtire.htm

[JimB]

It's correct that most club races run Hoosiers. I have no idea why you wouldn't want to use them other than the fact that they cost lots and wear out fast.

As for sizes, most everyone runs 245s in front. They come in both 35s and 40s so you can match their height to different rears. In back, you probably don't want to run 285s. Many of us do but they are really intended as a front tire for Viper/Vetts and don't wear well in back. I like them because they are short which is a little like running a shorter rear end. Your best choice is probably a 245/40 - 275/35 combo.

Just in case you haven't run Hoosiers before, they will last for a few weekends of DE but really only maintain their original grip for about 6 heat cycles.

You might want to also have a look at Pilot Sport Cups and the Kumos. I don't remember the name.

All this was assuming 18s. I don't think there are enough 19 options yet.

Hope this helps,

Jim

[ar38070]

If you are thinking of a full racetrack, even a short one like Lime Rock, you probably don't want to run Hoosier's.

Why do you say I wouldn't want Hoosiers for a full track? It seems to be the tire of choice for PCA races. Perhaps you're thinking of a different Hoosier tire. The popular tires are the A3S04's and and now S05's. https://www.hoosiertire.com/rrtire.htm

There are two kinds of hoosiers, "As" and "Rs". The "As" are for autocrossing and the "Rs" are for the track. You would never run the "As" on the track.

[scopacetic]

There are two kinds of hoosiers, "As" and "Rs". The "As" are for autocrossing and the "Rs" are for the track. You would never run the "As" on the track.

Quite right. I stand corrected. Here is the Hoosier tire link: https://www.hoosiertire.com/rrtire.htm

[adsach]

Scopacetic,

Sorry for just out of the box saying you don't want to run Hoosiers. It all depends on your track history and your commitment to replacing tires. I personally am not a good enough to driver to run Hoosier's (only one day in a non-beginner run group) and wouldn't want to replace tires every 4-5 track days. Your needs and abilities may vary.

Just because so many folks want to begin with more equipment than they can handle, I am of the opinion that anyone who CAN be talked out of full race tires SHOULD be talked out of full race tires. If you are an instructor level at DE's you just might want to run Hoosier "Rs".