Discussion
There are plenty of slicks and cut slicks around in all sorts of sizes. You can also fit wider wheels to the Mk4 (I have a set of 12" wide rears and 10" wide fronts).
The reason I use the narrower wheels is simply because the series I race in requires road legal tyres. The 032 was the best compromise of width and performance for my particular requirements.
I'd suggest a call to Ted at the factory if you want to know anything about the wheels/tyres you can use (and what he would recommend for your particular use). They have a wealth of experience gained on the track, and they're all extremely helpful.
Remember though, if you're running with slicks, you'll be putting a lot more strain through your transmission, because you won't get wheelspin so easily, so make sure that your gearbox is up to it. There was another thread going about how much torque a Porsche G50 gearbox can handle. You might find that it's ok with a 1,000BHP supercharged monster engine running with road tyres, because the tyre grip provides a torque limiter. However, if you put some nice sticky slicks on, it may go up in smoke te first time you floor it.
I have a Renault gearbox in my car, which is fine for the torque that my engine is putting out. However, if I was running on slicks, I'd be rebuilding it a lot more frequently. I have a rather interesting souvenir of the first race I did in my car after buying the new engine. The input shafe has a 15 degree twist in it, induced by the torque of the engine. I replaced it with one custom made out of some high spec steel, and it was fine for the rest of the season (and it's still perfectly straight).
James
The reason I use the narrower wheels is simply because the series I race in requires road legal tyres. The 032 was the best compromise of width and performance for my particular requirements.
I'd suggest a call to Ted at the factory if you want to know anything about the wheels/tyres you can use (and what he would recommend for your particular use). They have a wealth of experience gained on the track, and they're all extremely helpful.
Remember though, if you're running with slicks, you'll be putting a lot more strain through your transmission, because you won't get wheelspin so easily, so make sure that your gearbox is up to it. There was another thread going about how much torque a Porsche G50 gearbox can handle. You might find that it's ok with a 1,000BHP supercharged monster engine running with road tyres, because the tyre grip provides a torque limiter. However, if you put some nice sticky slicks on, it may go up in smoke te first time you floor it.
I have a Renault gearbox in my car, which is fine for the torque that my engine is putting out. However, if I was running on slicks, I'd be rebuilding it a lot more frequently. I have a rather interesting souvenir of the first race I did in my car after buying the new engine. The input shafe has a 15 degree twist in it, induced by the torque of the engine. I replaced it with one custom made out of some high spec steel, and it was fine for the rest of the season (and it's still perfectly straight).
James
James,
I'd definitely like to hear more about your mods on your MK4. I also have an MK4 Sports. Particularly I'd like to know more about those 10" wide wheels and slick combo. I haven't had too much help from the factory in this regard. Did you also beef up the suspension mounts on the chassis for the slicks? Did you have to reprofile the wheel arches or do any major bodywork changes? I spoke to a guy who used to race a long time ago named Tony Harper. He had to do quite a bit to his car as I remember. I'd like to be able to run slicks on my local track day, but I'm sure there are quite a few things that need to be done. Any advice you can offer would be great! Thanks!
-Mack
I'd definitely like to hear more about your mods on your MK4. I also have an MK4 Sports. Particularly I'd like to know more about those 10" wide wheels and slick combo. I haven't had too much help from the factory in this regard. Did you also beef up the suspension mounts on the chassis for the slicks? Did you have to reprofile the wheel arches or do any major bodywork changes? I spoke to a guy who used to race a long time ago named Tony Harper. He had to do quite a bit to his car as I remember. I'd like to be able to run slicks on my local track day, but I'm sure there are quite a few things that need to be done. Any advice you can offer would be great! Thanks!
-Mack
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