RE: Competition tire dilemma

["Kevin D. Caldwell" <merlin@ameritech.net>]

Personally, I like and use the Yoko A032's
235/40/17
1996 A4q

merlin

-----Original Message-----
From:	owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net [mailto:owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net]
On Behalf Of Kwattro@aol.com
Sent:	Thursday, April 22, 1999 12:34 AM
To:	JRich@kronos.com
Cc:	quattro@coimbra.ans.net
Subject:	Re: Competition tire dilemma

In a message dated 99-04-21 17:12:12 EDT, you write:

<< The problem is that the R1's have
 been discontinued and Tire Rack and Direct Tire don't have any left.

 Should I try to locate R1's, or, since I'll have to bit the bullet and
 switch eventually (and can't mix different tire designs), should I switch
to
 the new g-force R1's ($135-145) or to the much less expensive Kumho V700
 ($95)? (Or ??)  Any BTDT's on those tires?  I was happy with the track
 performance of the R1's.  Also, to stay in Showroom Stock, I need to use a
 tire that the manufacturer recommends on the original stock wheel size
 (14x6), which for the BFG's, (I think) includes 205/55, but for the Kumho's
 is only 195/55 or 195/60 (the stock size) according to Tire Rack's web
site.
 Any recommendations on size?  The 205/55 I've been using provides a wider
 contact patch while affording a slightly smaller diameter tire, effectively
 lowering my suspension and gearing.  Should I go with a 195/55 to extend
 that even further? >>


Well, the death of the R1 is a sad one.  You do have several choices,
though.
 First, and probably least costly, is the Kuhmo.  No info on that one.
Second, and probably the best - cost -effective one and least known, is the
Yokohama A008RS 205-55-14.  I have a set of them, they were absolutly
fabulous on the track.  They will need to be shaved, though.  About 100$ a
tire new.  The G-Forces are nice in that they are non-directional (although
they are non-camber correcting as well, unlike the A008RS and R1)  Your last
choice is the Hoosiers, which don't last long but stick like all hell.  I'm
going to the track TOMORROW!  Yeah! with my Yoko's (A-008R 205-55-14's) so
I'll let you know how they make uyp for horsepower against the BMW's.  I
gotta tell you, though, I was lapping Limerock at 1:20 (faster than all the
other 4000Q's), and could have gone much faster had I no fear and more time.
The coupe is more stock than the 4000Q, though, so I'm not sure if I can
match the 1:20's I obtained in the Q.  My father has switched from R1's to
Hoosiers, although I may convince him to try both the A008RS's and G-Force's
(must be nice having 6 sets of track wheels.)  I figure that the tires,
suspension and exhaust on the 4000Q were about equivilant to 70 hp in track
terms.  Front straight speed was redline 4th, almost exactly 100 mph.  The
coupe feels pretty strong, though, so we'll see.  Full report Friday night.
Look for my BMWCCA Limerock event results post.

Later!
Carter J
Kwattro@aol.com
86 4000CS Quattro (Eibachs, Boge Pro/Turbo gas, Stebro stainless exhaust,
stainless brake lines, Audisport front spoiler, 15" Mille Miglia Glide's
with
205-55-15 Sport 8000's)
86 Coupe GT (sooooo stock....got Abt springs today)