Which tyre profile for A048s?

[Redmax]

I currently have CR500s on the Caterham, size 175/55 13. I understand the A048s have more grip on a dry track so I'm going to try those. They only come in either 50 profile or 60 profile though.

Intuitively I'm thinking I should go for the 50 profile rather than 60 but am I right?

For racing where I have the choice, should I actually be looking at 8" rims and 205 series tyres? Will they fit what is currently a Roadsport A car?

Thanks

[Murph7355]

I've not tried 48s yet, but used to run 60 profile on AO21s quite happily.

If you use the car on the road at all, I'd go with these personally.

Blatchat may have people with more direct experience.

[Shaun_E]

Most Caterham drivers who run A048Rs use 185/60 13".
If you use the car on the road at all, Toyo R888s have a more comfortable ride. For pure track use the A048rs are probably the better choice.
If you are racing then check the regs before changing wheel/tyre size. Otherwise the choice between 6" and 8" rears is probably down to how powerful the car is. If it's a standard Roadsport A then an 8" rear is unlikely to help you. You will just get understeer and it will be difficult to get the back to move around.

[James.S]

48's have an advantage in the dry over cr500's although people argue they numb the handling somewhat because of the increase grip. They are crap in the damp and wet, far inferior than 500's. If you can afford to run two sets then cool, if not the 500 is better allround.

Does your A have an LSD? Don't really see the advantage of 8" on the rear as you don't have the power.

[Redmax]

Thanks guys, some really useful feedback.

The car's only used on track never on the road. No LSD so it looks like 6" all round is the way to go. My plan was to use CR500s in the wet and A048s in the dry. It also looks like 60 profile is the best choice.

Cheers

[OJ]

James.S said:

48's have an advantage in the dry over cr500's although people argue they numb the handling somewhat because of the increase grip. They are crap in the damp and wet, far inferior than 500's. If you can afford to run two sets then cool, if not the 500 is better allround.

I'll agree on a lower powered car that the CR500's are definitely an easier drive and do give more feedback in the dry, but personally I like the ragged chuckability and sheer grip that the 48's offer!

On a higher powered Caterham you can overheat a set of 500's within a couple of laps, on a fast Cat I'd definitely go for 48's given the choice

[James.S]

OJ said:

James.S said:

48's have an advantage in the dry over cr500's although people argue they numb the handling somewhat because of the increase grip. They are crap in the damp and wet, far inferior than 500's. If you can afford to run two sets then cool, if not the 500 is better allround.

I'll agree on a lower powered car that the CR500's are definitely an easier drive and do give more feedback in the dry, but personally I like the ragged chuckability and sheer grip that the 48's offer!

On a higher powered Caterham you can overheat a set of 500's within a couple of laps, on a fast Cat I'd definitely go for 48's given the choice

LOL, and you with that ultrasmooth driving style.........

What you upto this year? C400's or have you moved on?

[sam919]

Redmax said:

Thanks guys, some really useful feedback.

The car's only used on track never on the road. No LSD so it looks like 6" all round is the way to go. My plan was to use CR500s in the wet and A048s in the dry. It also looks like 60 profile is the best choice.

Cheers

I wouldnt waste your time with the Yoko's or CR's. For your 6" rims Kumho V70A in a 175/60/13-K6 compound or R888 in 185/60/13-2G compound like previously mentioned. R888 great in wet, Kumho more dry suited. Blackpool tyres i think can do them for 60 odd quid a tyre!
A lot of people use the CR's as thats what caterham recommend and the CR's were allegedly designed for the caterham C/R500. Having used them on the track i thought they were naff!

[Steve-B]

it's interesting you mention the R888's as when we exported our SV to Oz i had just put on a new set of 185x60x14 AO-48's which are now getting a bit old. there's a lot of Clubbies (what Se7ens are called here) racing, and general road use on the R888's that swear by this tyre as progressive like the AO-21's, sticky as the AO-48's, and a great all-rounders like the CR-500's.

i am seriously considering them as AO-48's are stupidly expensive here in Oz -- anyone done the transition from 48's to 888's? if so, what have you learned in doing so, comparisons, etc?????

(apologies for the thread-hijack ;-) )

Edited by Steve-B on Saturday 21st February 22:44

[markiebabes]

Hi Steve
I am in the process of changing at the moment,from the A048's to the R888's (med all round ) will let you know how it goes

BTW Say hi to Danny for me
hope he's getting out in his car more now !!

Mark

[Steve-B]

Cheers Mark -- look forward to your report.

On Danny, will do. Heading up with the 2 SWMBO's in our Se7ens in 2 weeks to the Hunter Valley for the Eric Clapton concert so know we'll get some serious blatting time in the hills ;-)

markiebabes said:

Hi Steve
I am in the process of changing at the moment,from the A048's to the R888's (med all round ) will let you know how it goes

BTW Say hi to Danny for me
hope he's getting out in his car more now !!

Mark

Edited by Steve-B on Monday 23 February 20:59