Wheels / tires for ITA Neons

[GregM]

So if we can now upgrade to a 15 x 7 inch wheel whats the lightweight wheel of choice ? and price ? and where to buy ?

Borbet S 15.5 lbs $99 TireRack

Kosei K1 13.5 lbs $129 TireRack

What else is out there ?

What tire sizes are you running ?

[Rabbit07]

I have some of the Kosei's. Best bang for your buck. I have ran 225's up front and 205's in the back. I have had similar lap times with 205's all the way around.

[GregM]

Chris hope you had good luck with that setup. If you remember the Brusty incident at Watkins last year it was caused by Zieglers Evo doing exactly that with the tires and he lost it huge in front of our three car SRT freight train into the Nascar turn after the bus stop taking out Brusty and Cimino, and I darted stage right and escaped. Made for great in car video

[Greg Amy]

Kazera KZ-M, 13#, $99 from Tire Rack.

Really, anything made for Spec Miata will be 13#, 4x100 15x7, and value-priced. It's only when you try to go below 13# wheels that they get pricey (less competition). - GA

[super8neon]

Originally posted by GregAmy@Jan 2 2006, 08:29 PM
Kazera KZ-M, 13#, $99 from Tire Rack.

Really, anything made for Spec Miata will be 13#, 4x100 15x7, and value-priced. It's only when you try to go below 13# wheels that they get pricey (less competition). - GA

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Only 1995 Base Neons had 4x100 Patterns.... 96 and up Neons run a 5x100 Bolt Pattern.

[m glassburner]

koesi k1ts 10.5 lbs...150$ at tire rack...stay away from the early 4x100 hub stuff it will break on you...make sure it's the later 5x100 acr and yes it was eventually made "stock" on all neons

[ITAntNeon]

I am pretty much set on some 15X7 Kosei's but what size tire have ITA neon guys been running. What offsets are offered on those wheels by the way? Or is it spacer time.

I figure I will get some 205/50R15's on the kosei's.

[Matt Rowe]

Originally posted by ITAntNeon@Jan 5 2006, 08:59 PM
I am pretty much set on some 15X7 Kosei's but what size tire have ITA neon guys been running. What offsets are offered on those wheels by the way? Or is it spacer time.

I figure I will get some 205/50R15's on the kosei's.

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Keep in mind not all 205's have the same tread width. One of the big advantages Hoosiers had initially is the measured tread width as actually much wider than the same size tire of another brand. Now some companies have caught up. Just as an example based on specs between a Kumho and an Avon the same size Kumho has something like .3" more tread width and is almost the same as the Hoosier.

With that in mind I would look at 205/50's and 225/45's. Check clearance for the turn radius at the front and look at tire rub along the tension rod in the rear. If they both fit (you'll probably want a little more offset for the 225) than it will come down to feel. I've always felt like the 225's feel a little squirrley on 7" rims but it's a minor issue. Oh and one last thought, more tire typically helps in the turns but hurts on the straights. So depending on what tracks you run one may be better than the other.

That should give you a lot to think about even if I can't give you a specific recomendation.

[super8neon]

Kosei offers a 38mm offset... so no spacers required.

Kosei also offers a 15x8 38mm K-1... they don't list it on Tirerack.
You have to call and ask for them.

[Greg Amy]

Originally posted by super8neon@Jan 6 2006, 08:23 AM
Kosei offers a 38mm offset... so no spacers required.

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Please note: the LARGER the "offset" dimension (it's actually backset) the CLOSER they sit to the strut. Said differently, a 28mm offset wheel is the same thing as a 38mm offset wheel with a 10mm spacer. - GA

[Andy Bettencourt]

And I encorage you all to try some Goodyears. They are the tire of choice for a lot of ITS cars, AS and T1 at Nationals etc. We have found them to be the fastest tire - money no option.

This year they will have a 205/50 and a 225/45 as well.

AB

[Matt Rowe]

Does that "encouragement" come with some sponsor money for a back to back tire test? I didn't know you were so generous Andy!

(Just annoyed at the number of tires I have to research in the off season)

Oh and I'm surprised no one mentioned this earlier, but just for any new guys out there the 15x8 wheel is an inch to wide to be used no matter what the offset may be.

[super8neon]

Originally posted by Matt Rowe@Jan 6 2006, 12:03 PM
Oh and I'm surprised no one mentioned this earlier, but just for any new guys out there the 15x8 wheel is an inch to wide to be used no matter what the offset may be.

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If you plan on driving an IT car on the street... then they'll do just fine.

[Jan in Omaha]

The Spec Miata guys have been using 13lb Team Dynamic wheels in 15x7 which run about $129 each. They are also available in 5x100 and offsets in 35 and 30.

[ITAntNeon]

If I remember correctly the stock offset is 35mm. Correct? Yes the primary concern is the inside of the tire/wheel rubbing on the coil over spring perch or damper. I think that a small spacer will be required but when they come in the mail I can fit them and see.

Goodyear just never triggers any thoughts of "good race tire" in me. I guess all I have played with are their rather poor "performance" street tires.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Originally posted by ITAntNeon@Jan 12 2006, 08:31 PM

Goodyear just never triggers any thoughts of "good race tire" in me. I guess all I have played with are their rather poor "performance" street tires.

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As a point of fact, the fast lap and new SM track record was set on Goodyears at the 2005 ARRC.

AB

[2beeps]

Anybody using TD Prorace2's with ET30 and 225/45/15.

[ShelbyRacer]

If I remember correctly the stock offset is 35mm. Correct? Yes the primary concern is the inside of the tire/wheel rubbing on the coil over spring perch or damper. I think that a small spacer will be required but when they come in the mail I can fit them and see.
[/b]

Actually, the other problem location on the Neon is the wheel/tire to rear "trailing link" just in front of the rear hubs.

My work-around solution is just to run LOTS of rear toe-out... :P Makes the car turn-in just nicely... if you can make it to the turn-in point that is...