Help with tires (and wheels) for a Zetek powered Birkin S3

[oneprw]

I recently acquired a Birkin that is fitted with some totally inapproprite (not to mention UGLY) wheels. Additionally, the are staggered (245 45 16' Rear, 195 45 15" front). WHile they clear both front and rear, I see no reason to use staggered wheels and am planning on going to a lighter set of Panasport (or Panasport style) wheels in 15" x 7" front & 15" x 7.5" rear. Tires will be 225 x 45 x 15" rear, 195 x 45 x 15" front.

 

I'd like any thoughts about this set up in general but in specific any sources for very soft, sticky (dry only) tires in the sizes mentioned. I am having one heck of a time finding anything (outside of $225.00 per tire Avon's) in this size. Can anyone help?

 

Also, does anyone have experience knowledge of VTO Minilite knockoffs?

 

Any help would be most appreciated.

 

Cheers,

 

Paul

[Ian7]

... any sources for very soft, sticky (dry only) tires in the sizes mentioned. I am having one heck of a time finding anything (outside of $225.00 per tire Avon's) in this size...

 

If the price of "very soft sticky" tires is a problem for you, you're REALLY gonna hate how often you have to spend that money! :-)

[pi7ot]

Toyo RA1 (rare), 888

Nitto NT 01, NT 05

Kumho V700 Victoracer...(Rare)

 

Are all super sticky Road/endurance spec R comps that have a good size selection.

 

I got 22k miles :leaving: out of a set of V700s...street and track On a Birkin with a Quaife diff.

 

m

[Kitcat]

I am up to 13K miles on my soft Toyo RA1's. 15x 205's all around. Not much tread left tho (naturally shaved) so not safe in the rain.

 

Lots of previous discussions on this forum abt tires/wheels so maybe try a search?

[turboeric]

You'll have far more choice going with 225/45x15 and 195/50x15. Not much difference in diameter in the fronts, but a much wider selection of tires.

[jimrankin]

Don't worry too much about tire wear, with the car weight it's more of a problem keeping the tires warmed up than it is wearing them out. I'm running Nito NT 01's, admittedly a bit wide at 245/275, put hours and hours of track time on them this summer, including some 100+ degree days and they look like they will be with me through next year and maybe beyond. No sign of heat cycle either. Just worried about storage degrading now.

[gjslutz]

I have the R888's 225/45/15 on the rear & 195/50/15 on the front. They like many others

are great in dry & ok wet. Don't drive them in flooded roads where you can't see the grain of the pavement though. The price point is good as well.