Oz58

Ok, I finally decided to autocross the P5. Now I need to know which Kuhmo is the autocross tire. Also, what size would you recommend to start. My wheels are 16x6 and stock tire size is 195\50, which seem too skinny.

Thanks

kcbhiw

Use the Kumho Ecsta V700. (You're looking for an R compound right?) The V700 doesn't need as much heat to grip as the Victoracers do. If you're running in a stock class (HS), you need stock a stock width tire with an overall diameter matching that of your stock wheel.

If you wanted an answer from Jason instead of everyone, use the PM feature .

Oz58

Sorry, I didn't know it was a major faux paux to ask for one person. I actually value any help I can get. I only asked for Jason because he has run nationally in a Protege, though not a P5.

I know that the stock wheel size must be used to stay in the stock class, which is what I want to do. However, I don't think you have to use the same width of tire.

When I last autocrossed on a regular basis, which was almost 10 years ago, the big players in the autocross tire wars were BF Goodrich and Yokohama. They both made specific autocross tires. Now it seems the lines have blurred somewhat as to what constitutes an autocross tire, except for Hoosiers. Jason had made the suggestion to try Kumhos first because they last longer than the Hoosiers. I simply want to know what the name of the Kumho autocross tire is and a suggestion on what size(s) to use.

Thanks, and again, my apologies.

rowan

Kumho Ecsta V700 ( or V70A possibly? )
Size: 205/45/16

kcbhiw

You have to run the same width RIM. You can use whatever width tire that will fit on that rim. Sorry about the mixup there.

FYI, you may also want to look at a set of spacers for the front to give a bit wider track. 1/4" is the maxium allowed per side. They're cheap, so it's a viable addition. However, you may have to use longer studs in the case of spacers. I can't remember off hand how long the studs are on the P5.

UCSBgeek

Where do you get them for $50 each?

Davard

He's buying 14's (195/60-14), not 16's (215/45-16), which are closer to $105.

Oz58

Thanks for the info about the tires.

I'm slightly nervous about the "rotation" thing on a front drive car. I had a little too much rotation once on my old 91 Nissan Sentra SE-R. Cost me $1500 to fix the driver side suspension after I hit that curb at an autocross! Front drivers are a little harder to control when oversteering.

But I'll probably go with the 215's in front and the 205's in back anyway.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Is that 215(205)/50's or 215(205)/45's?

UCSBgeek

That's what I thought... although 14's would fit what I'd have on my car right now, I'd rather search around for some cheap 15" rims ... and I saw the price John quoted for 15"s, not the $50...

rowan

I have never seen any Kumho V700 in a 215 16" size. You can get 205 or 255. But the 225's are about an inch too big for the Protege.

If you want Hoosiers, you can get a 215/40/16.
Have fun putting them on 6" wide rims.

Oz58

Well, I called up Tire Rack, and the only size they have for my car that I asked about was a 205/45 16's in the Kumho Ecsta. No 215's of either the 50's or 45's.

Maybe I will consider the STS class. I don't know anything about it, since it didn't exist when I used to autocross on a regular basis. I will look on the SCCA's website for more details. I might even consider street prepared.

kcbhiw

You may also want to check out Appalachian Tire located in Louisville, TN. They sell used race tires at a very good price. I got 2 Hoosiers that had only seen one track event (~90% tread remaining) for $100 shipped. However, they may not have a 16", but it's certainly worth a call.

Give 'em a call at 865-681-6622. They're pretty nice guys too.