Autoxed my GXP at a local event yesterday on borrowed 245/35 Kumhos (24.8" diameter) and didn't do so well, the gearing was too short and there just wasn't enough rubber at the back to get the power down. I've been considering the 275/35-18 (25.2") and 295/30 (25.3") Hoosiers and have so far been convinced by Miles at the Tire Rack that the 295s are the best choice. Has anyone ran them? Does anyone have another favorite tire for the GXP? Too bad that the 255/40 R6 doesn't come in an A6 compound because at 26.1 inches it's the tallest choice in an 18 by far
Alan,
On my NA Solstice I found the 275s were a nice handling compromise between the 245s and the 285s. Have tested all 3 sizes, but never the 295s. As you know, there are different considerations involved between the GXP and the NA Solstice. The tall 275s & 295s are just not the best option for the NA Sol. However, on the GXP they should be the two best choices. My hunch is that the 275 size is the best choice. Keep in mind that I haven't tried the 295s, and that my hunch is based on T&T comparison of the 245s; 275s; 285s.
Dan
I have run the 295s and they work better than I expected and so far the wear is not bad. Getting the alignment dailed in makes a huge difference as well. I just need to finish setting up the car now.
__________________
Spin or win, there's no glory for going slow!
Team Dynamics AX racing
2003 GSL, 2005 HSL, National Champion
2007 GXP ZOK Mean
Solo Performance Race catback
Rick Hendrick Pontiac
Solo Performance
CHARLES FRANK goldsmith
We tried the 285/30 (in the older A5 compound) and we felt they didn't work well at all. The next set is going to be 275/35 A6s which i think will work much better.
I've not tried the 295s yet.
__________________
If you can't be a good example, be a terrible warning!
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Current Stable:
1998 Toyota FJ62 "Bruce"
2006 VW Mk5 GTI DSG "Ingraine"
2007 Mean GXP, Team Zissou!
Now that this 2008 season is well in effect, what's everyone's verdict on tire size?
245/35R18 Overall Diameter: 24.75 in
245/40R18 Overall Diameter: 25.71 in
275/35R18 Overall Diameter: 25.57 in
285/30R18 Overall Diameter: 24.73 in
295/30R18 Overall Diameter: 24.96 in
These sizes are straight from Tire Rack as what's available in the A6 compound.. so wondering if anyone has tried the 285's in the A6 or not, and if they are better / worse than the 295's?
I included the 245's only because they are available.. but didn't think that anyone was actually using them. So.. 275's, 285's, or 295's please chime in if you would.
Course dependant between these two sizes. 275s for transitions, 295s for sweepers. (with corresponding shock changes included)
Got it and understand, thanks.
Now.. since I can only afford one set, the follow up question of course is:
When it's split 50/50, where's the least compromise made.. the 275's (using them on sweepers) or the 295's (using them on transitions)?
At this point I have the stock shocks, so no ability to make changes... I guess that would be another deciding point knowing changes can't be made.
I'm looking at spending money this year on tires, and next year on shocks... just don't have budget for both at once, since it's my pocket book and my pocket book only funding this crazy addiction!
I've tested the 275's and 295's back to back on Milwaukee asphalt (very similar to Topeka...) and while the 275's feel better in transition they did not actually gain time in those parts of the course as long as both tires were up to temp. One issue with the 295's is generating optimum temperature with a single driver when temps are much below 75F.
I've tested the 275's and 295's back to back on Milwaukee asphalt (very similar to Topeka...) and while the 275's feel better in transition they did not actually gain time in those parts of the course as long as both tires were up to temp. One issue with the 295's is generating optimum temperature with a single driver when temps are much below 75F.
Eric
Sorry if I'm wrong.. but is this Eric Stemler? If so, I meant to try to talk to you at Peru, but I was running Alex Jone's white GXP in Heat 3, and you guys were running in Heat 4, never got a chance to hang around in your grid. If not... sorry.
Anyway.. I've been wondering about that. I would certainly be a single driver in my car, and I just can't see getting temps up in the 295's and keeping them there (I don't have heat blankets or anything) while in grid waiting for the next run.
I'm leaning towards the 275's as my local courses are much more tight than a national course anyway.. and I think I'll get the best response out of them in comparison.
Interesting.. has nobody tried the 285's that are now available, or is there something I'm just not picking up on that makes these no good for the GXP?
Interesting.. has nobody tried the 285's that are now available, or is there something I'm just not picking up on that makes these no good for the GXP?
They are very hard to mount. The 295s have a cantilevered sidewall to fits better on the rim.
The tirerack specs don't match the specs on Hoosier's site for the A6 nor do they match my own experience:
275 35 18 25.5" D. 10.3" W.
285 30 18 24.9" D. 10.9" W.
295 30 18 25.3" D. 10.8" W
With the 285 you are giving up ~ 1/2" of diameter over the 275 or 295 on a car with a short second gear as it is. 0.1" width difference between the 285 and 295 is not worth talking about, but 0.5 between the 275 and 295 is IMHO.
__________________
Spin or win, there's no glory for going slow!
Team Dynamics AX racing
2003 GSL, 2005 HSL, National Champion
2007 GXP ZOK Mean
Solo Performance Race catback
Rick Hendrick Pontiac
Solo Performance
CHARLES FRANK goldsmith
There's no doubt in my mind now after a year of racing on them that the 295s are the way to go. The car works very well on them and the wear is pretty decent as well. Now if they were only a little less expensive!
