wheels & tires

[andrew7]

I know there is another place for this but since the BEC section is slow, I decide to put it here.



I got lugs and valve cores today, yesterday the rims and after a couple months sitting in the garage their finally on the car. I had 195/60/14 on the car and they were 35 lbs. I wanted lighter and stickier tires so I went to 13" and was going to get Avon ACB10s as the size weight about 10lbs. but found Yoko A048s. The total weight is not as light as I wanted. They are 28 lbs. but are they ever sticky. I took a 1 mile trip up to a neighbor who wanted to see the car, its all residential roads. I had a gravel pile between my legs both ways. I have to test drive some more because I'm not sure how long they'll last and how harsh they're going to be. They roll alot nicer as a figure its save 28lbs. in rotational weight. but I'm at 4" of frame clearance and less under the oil pan and exhaust pipe.



The old set

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070328_185630_7tires_002.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070328_185729_7tires_003.jpg



The new set

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070328_190008_7tires_006.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070328_190128_7tires_005.jpg

<edited><editID>andrew7</editID><editDate>2007-03-28 19:02:04</editDate></edited>

[R1 Seven]

What size are the new ones?

[andrew7]

Neurological Flatulance i.e. Brain Fart http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif They are 185/60/13 on 13x6 rims 3" offset. Diamond said 11 lbs for spun steel rims. 1 scale seen 11, digital saw 11.8lbs. The tires weighed 16.2 hence 28lbs. I was looking at a 5.5" rim at 10lbs and Avon ACB10s at 10lbs which is a 15 pound reduction per wheel, 20lbs vs. 35lbs

I just did not want to spend $1400 to experiment. That's $200 for an Alum rim, $150 per Avon. I'm at $65 a rim and $45 for Yokos. Trying to keep with the Locost theme.

[andrew7]

It was a beautiful day today, took the seven out for a couple hour ride. I just got done vacuuming all the stones out. The Yoko's stick so well they pick everything up and throw it in the car, kinda like momentos of where they've been. It accelerates better but at 55mph I'm at 7000rpm. I know the new Lotuses come with these from the factory but are they ever harsh. I'd like to take them to an autocross before I switch them back. 4" of travel and air ride were not enought plus they seem to wander more than my other tires. I know my car is hard-core but the 13" Yoko's pushed it over the edge. All the pavement around here is bealing up and I felt like I needed a kidney belt. I'm going to save them for special occasions. I think they are a great tire but not for street driving in a seven. I'm glad I went the cheap route.

[ottocycle]

Andrew,
How did the change from 14 to 13 inch rims effect your performance. I am considering a change next year. I am too light to get any heat into my Falken Azenis 195 60 14's. Who gave you the best price on the Diamond wheels. Any complaints? I am interested in a set of 13"X6" 4 bolt 4 1/4 if anybody has any suggestions.
Thanks,

Dermot-
Hayabusa/Fury.

[andrew7]

Dermot,
Despite what I wrote before, I decided to keep them on and go back to my original 3.08 rearend. I adjusted the air pressure down to 17psi and the ride is tolerable. The light weight car helps with wear as I could run them many years. The change was very noticeable going from heavy slippery tires and wheels to light sticky ones. I called Diamond racing and ordered directly from them, cost was about the best I could find, might be able to find them cheaper, PM Jeff, he runs them too. I've never been able to make the 13" yokos slide on the street , the 14s would just brake away unexpectedly on eastern PA switchbacks. I don't race and haven't auto crossed it yet so my experience is limited. Our light cars affect tires different than others, you could also try a Formula Ford or Spec Racer Tire tire.