Discussion
I am currently using an 18 x 11" wide wheel (Kinesis 3 piece) with a 295mm Hoosier A7 tyre. I originally started with it at 9" wide and then changed the inner rim half only to make an 11" rim.
Yes, it rubs a bit even with restricting the range of the steering. I only see the rubbing at track days. It rubs on the inside back of the wheel well and just a bit on the outside of the wheel well. It also makes removing the wheel a bit fiddly. When the wheel is in full droop the outer diameter of the tyre contacts the back of the wheel opening. I have to turn the wheel L & R to clear before jacking.
I have also used a 285mm tyre on that rim. It reduces the rubbing and I can remove the tyres without interference when in full droop. But, the tyre is a little narrow for that wheel width in my opinion.
In retrospect, I think that the practical limit is a 10.5" rim width and a 275 or 285mm tyre.
Yes, it rubs a bit even with restricting the range of the steering. I only see the rubbing at track days. It rubs on the inside back of the wheel well and just a bit on the outside of the wheel well. It also makes removing the wheel a bit fiddly. When the wheel is in full droop the outer diameter of the tyre contacts the back of the wheel opening. I have to turn the wheel L & R to clear before jacking.
I have also used a 285mm tyre on that rim. It reduces the rubbing and I can remove the tyres without interference when in full droop. But, the tyre is a little narrow for that wheel width in my opinion.
In retrospect, I think that the practical limit is a 10.5" rim width and a 275 or 285mm tyre.
I was worried that even with a 275 up front I'd have trouble getting heat in the tires with such a light car. Is that why you were using A7 and not R7? did you find it difficult to get a 295 up to temp up front? How was the wear and steering effort with those? I'm planning to make my build a lightly polished track rat with compromise favoring track duty.
Will
Will
I have had no issues with tyre temps. The A7's work best at a lower operating temperature as compared to the R7. After a couple of laps, they are in the temp range of about 60C. That's when they really stick. The front vs. rear tyre temps are also about the same.
I find that the wear rate is very good for what it is. The fronts wear at about the same rate as the rears in general. The inside edges of the rears wear a bit faster due the combination of -ve camber and some wheel spin. I can easily go a complete season of track days on one set of tyres. I also drive to and from the track with them as they are DOT compliant and are "technically" street legal.
I haven't really noticed an increase in steering effort on the street. On track, there is noticeably more steering effort in turns because of the higher steering loads that are due to the increased adhesion of the tyres. Also, make sure that you have the newer forged steering u-joints installed. (The non-forged joints will loosen).
As a side note, the tyres are pretty quiet on the highway and the ride isn't bad if the dampers are set on soft. If it looks like it might rain, its best to just park the car if using these tyres.
I find that the wear rate is very good for what it is. The fronts wear at about the same rate as the rears in general. The inside edges of the rears wear a bit faster due the combination of -ve camber and some wheel spin. I can easily go a complete season of track days on one set of tyres. I also drive to and from the track with them as they are DOT compliant and are "technically" street legal.
I haven't really noticed an increase in steering effort on the street. On track, there is noticeably more steering effort in turns because of the higher steering loads that are due to the increased adhesion of the tyres. Also, make sure that you have the newer forged steering u-joints installed. (The non-forged joints will loosen).
As a side note, the tyres are pretty quiet on the highway and the ride isn't bad if the dampers are set on soft. If it looks like it might rain, its best to just park the car if using these tyres.
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