15" tire choices

[NOMAD]

Wasn't referring to the E30 as the "really heavy" car but I see that was unclear in the sentence. What I'm saying is that many other cars, even heavy ones, run those tires and there is an optimum temp range and the lower you can get them (no I'm not saying 'cold') the better and more predictably they grip.

The E30 isn't "heavy" and compared to many it is "lighter" but to me it's an "ok" weight.

When I had my Miata (which I never should have gotten rid of!) I ran azenis several seasons and noticed a marked increase in predictability when I sprayed the tires down with water in between runs in STS2. The grip "falls off" when they get too hot.

I don't have pyrometer data because I didn't use one (expensive) but I did win STS2 that year in Philly region, so I guess it worked. ;)

[nando]

when the wheels get too heavy then yo need to add more power, then when you have too much power you add more tire...

;)

Just being argumentative. However there is some truth to that.

Azenis can get too hot and many autocrossers spray them down between runs, especially for really heavy cars on tight courses. There is a window of optimum temps for sure.

E30s aren't gutted 80's civics, but they aren't exactly "really heavy" cars, especially if they are track prepped. so you have a point - but it's not neccesarily one that means anything to us. :)

[FredK]

Discount Tire is out of stock right now! :(

[NOMAD]

when the wheels get too heavy then yo need to add more power, then when you have too much power you add more tire...

;)

Just being argumentative. However there is some truth to that.

Azenis can get too hot and many autocrossers spray them down between runs, especially for really heavy cars on tight courses. There is a window of optimum temps for sure.

[matt]

for street tires, 615 included, that's not an issue unless it's winter

OK, disregarding heat, wider tires are generally heavier (especially on the right rims) and heavy is bad.

And you really can't disregard heat... how much pyrometer data do you have to back up your claim?

There is always a "right size" and performance will fall off to either side of that point.

[NOMAD]

for street tires, 615 included, that's not an issue unless it's winter

[nando]

Whaa?

Wider is always better (on the right rim) ;)
I understand what you're saying though, too wide a tread on a rim will add sidewall flex during cornering which will make it feel like it takes a set late in the corner. Also, the 205 azenis 615 tends to be equivalent to other manufacturer's 215 width. They have always been somewhat "oversized".

great choice! You'll replace them often but dang if that grip isn't addicting!

not if you can't get enough heat in the tires ;)

[NOMAD]

Yeah, if you're looking for a sporty tire, I like the 615s. That's a good size too.

Wider tires are not always better.

Whaa?

Wider is always better (on the right rim) ;)
I understand what you're saying though, too wide a tread on a rim will add sidewall flex during cornering which will make it feel like it takes a set late in the corner. Also, the 205 azenis 615 tends to be equivalent to other manufacturer's 215 width. They have always been somewhat "oversized".

great choice! You'll replace them often but dang if that grip isn't addicting!

[jms16v]

RT-615s, 205/50/15.

[matt]

Yeah, if you're looking for a sporty tire, I like the 615s. That's a good size too.

Wider tires are not always better.

[FredK]

thanks for the recommendations, guys!

RT-615s, 205/50/15.

Good good. It looks like these'll be pretty inexpensive as well!

[fourcylsgood]

BFG g-force sport 205/55/15

225's will be a bit sloppy on a 7" rim and since you're learning you won't really get anything out of the extra width, and 195/55's are undersized for the 318is.

[Mystikal]

I'm picking these up soon, 205/50/15 Gforce KDW's, brand new

Very nice, just mounted 235s on my M3. Loving them so far.

[Erik]

I'd recommend the Toyo T1-R in a 225/50r15. I'm running the 225/45r16 in that size and love them. Tons of grip, killer wet weather traction, and a good price (~$135ish IIRC).

agreed. I love my t1rs I'm running 205/45.

[e30_325es]

I'd recommend the Toyo T1-R in a 225/50r15. I'm running the 225/45r16 in that size and love them. Tons of grip, killer wet weather traction, and a good price (~$135ish IIRC).