Kuhmo 205/55-14 vs.215/50-14

[Ralf]

Has anybody gone to the new tire and size? How much wider is the 225 on the 6 inch rim?
I'm looking at getting wheel spacers but don't know if the 3/4 inch spacer will be too much with the wider tires.
Thanks
Ralf
Guess I can't edit the title. I meant 225/50-14

[This message has been edited by Ralf (edited February 18, 2002).]

[DoorDoctor]

That allright I can't spell

[Ralf]

Yeah, I can tell! :-D

[DoorDoctor]

Ralf, can you put your 205-55-14 tire and wheel on the car and measure to get the answer?

[Ralf]

Sure, but what will that tell me about the 225/50-14's that I don't have? I don't know how wide the 225's are on the 6 inch rim.
Ralf

[DoorDoctor]

Does the Tire Rack have the specs on the tire you want to use?

[Ralf]

When I talked to them, they weren't even sure if they would fit.
Ralf

[Bildon]

Yes they should fit. This is the size we will run (sometimes) this year. You are only going to see about .5" less clearence on each side of the tire. With you car set at race camber settings this should clear the fender and strut with a .75" spacer. This is assuming you have 2.5" race springs, small perches and rolled fender lips of course.

Now as far as Tire Rack knowing about race tires. Some of their salesmen are just that "Salesmen". If you want to talk to racers, call CUT. These guys have been in the racing tire business for a long time as tire suppliers to SCCA Club and Pro racing.
1.888.380.8473. (C.U.T., VILVEN TIRE)



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Bill Sulouff - Bildon Motorsport Volkswagen Racing Equipment

[Ralf]

Thanks for the info. Now about the rolled fenders. I asked about rolling the interior lip of the fenders some time ago and didn't get the answer I was looking for. Can you trim the interior of the plastic fender flare since you really can't "roll" that?
Ralf

[mlytle]

try reading the itcs para D.8.a for your answer. looks like yes.

marshall

[Bildon]

I was about to scream about reading the GCR until I realized you were not asking about the inner liner. Good point on the fender flare. On the Golf/GTI it can be removed if you have a problem with rubbing.

I'm sure you can pop rivet the flare on in such a way that it won't interfere with your tires.

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Bill Sulouff - Bildon Motorsport Volkswagen Racing Equipment

[shwah]

I don't know about the profile of the Kumho's (I am sure contact patch varies from mfr. to mfr for the same size), but from what I have heard in the past that the 225 on a 6 inch wheel gives barely any additional contact patch, because it is pinched in so tight on the wheel. That and the fact that I would assume the bigger tire will weigh more will keep me on 205s.

Chris

[Bildon]

Tsk, tsk, See you shouldn't assume and post assumptions in a forum

The new construction is MUCH lighter than the previous V700s. They are just a tad more than the Hoosiers now.

Furthermore the tires are now more like the Hoosiers in that they have a sqaure shoulder. This keeps the tire flatter and gives you a bigger contact patch. However, camber will be more critical than on the Victoracers.



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Bill Sulouff - Bildon Motorsport Volkswagen Racing Equipment

[That Renault Guy]

One thing that most people don't realize about the 14" Kumhos (at least the Victoracers) is the secret of the 195/55/14. It is the exact same width as the 205/55/14, but it is 1/2" shorter and about $15 cheaper.

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Jim Krom
ITC Renault Encore EFSC (Exotic French Sports Car)

[mogren]

Its only exotic when you need parts for it.

[Bildon]

The tread width is approximately 96 percent of the section width. The spec weight for the 225/50-14 is 21.0 pounds and the 195/55-14 is 18.3 pounds. The tread width for the 25/50-14 is 8.7 inches and the 195/55-14 is 7.6 inches.

The compound is fastest on lap three of a shaved, non-heat cycled set. Thereafter, the performance is very consistent. You can expect to get about a weekend and a half out of a set.



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Bill Sulouff - Bildon Motorsport Volkswagen Racing Equipment