Advice on rims/tires for autox

[HY.]

So I know I'm going to get endless sh*t from Warren for being "high maintenance" but I'm also poor and addicted to autocross...

Basically, I'm looking to get two sets of rims (selling my current 17x7s). One for DD and one for autox.

For DD I think I'm fine with a 17x7 but I figured I might as well get something lighter since I'm selling the old ones for a good price.

I just bought 17x8+35 FN01RCs wrapped in 215/45 Falken 912s and now I'm wondering...

1. Should I remove the current tires and run the 17x8 fn01s for autox with thicker/stickier tires and buy the other set for DD?

2. Should I run the 17x8s wih the 215s for DD and get 16inch lightweight rims for autox? If so, I'd probably want 7.5 or 8 inch 16s...or do people still think I should stick with a 17 incher for autox?

I want to know what I should do since the FN01rcs look basically brand new and the tires have 98% tread left so I could sell them, but if I start running them DD or autox they'll get nicked and be harder to sell.

TIA! And Warren, your advice is welcome :)

btw, I drive a 2007 Si Sedan with -1+ camber all around. Willing to fender roll if it's really suggested to get bigger rubber underneath, but I don't have an adjustable suspension so I can't add camber easily.

[blkwrxwag]

Your class rules will tell you what the maximum width wheel and tire you should run.

[HY.]

I seriously need to find all these rules lol. Link?

[kidhaulin3]

I seriously need to find all these rules lol. Link?

I would run the 17's for autox. I was running 16's for a while for autox but to keep OD the same I had to run to high of a profile tires!


Rules:

http://www.scca.com/documents/Solo_Rules/2010_scca_solo_rules.pdf

[HY.]

Thanks I actually just found the 300+ page rule book. Apparently for 2wd we can run as much as 265 in stx lol. I wish now I hadn't modified my car so much!

Anyway, now I'm just wondering if I can fit 245/45/17s under my car since smeone on here is selling them cheap, otherwise I'll probably look at 245/40/17s. Kinda depends on the width of my rim though...

And why do you need to compensate for tire diameter as much? Do I really care if my speedo is accurate in autox? And wouldn't I have less rubbing to worry about with a smaller OD and same width tires?

[JeffBloch]

I'm also poor and addicted to autocross...


You're in the same boat as me then. I would strongly suggest running in our local SK2 class (Stock Class rules with >140 treadwear tires). This is where your Civic would be most competitive anyway and will allow you to focus your limited funds towards entry fees and tires. For stock class you'd need to use wheels that are the same diameter, width, and offset as stock.

I've run almost every event but only put on ~7000 mi/year on the street. I feel comfortable using only one set of tires. The street wear is negligible compared to the autocross wear. Pay attention to your tire wear. Get an appropriate alignment and rotate and flip your tires as necessary to get their full life out of them.

Have fun!

[kidhaulin3]

Do I really care if my speedo is accurate in autox? And wouldn't I have less rubbing to worry about with a smaller OD and same width tires?

I would think so. It could throw your gearing way off which could cause you to have to shift more often.

The 45 series is too tall imho. If you think you might rub street driving, wait till you autox! haha Your fender lip will rip up your side walls.

Happened to me till I rolled and pulled my fenders.

[HY.]

how'd you roll them!? I've been trying to research and people say you can use a heat gun/blowdryer and a bat but I'd like to make sure my cheapass honda paint doesn't crack and see it done.

I got 8inch width rims and I feel like they're useless weight unless I take advantage and put wider tires on there.

[kidhaulin3]

how'd you roll them!? I've been trying to research and people say you can use a heat gun/blowdryer and a bat but I'd like to make sure my cheapass honda paint doesn't crack and see it done.

I got 8inch width rims and I feel like they're useless weight unless I take advantage and put wider tires on there.

pm'd you on the fender roller guy I used.

[SVTfocus]

If you decide to sell the Falkens let me know, I might pick them up. Otherwise they make a great street tire!

[HY.]

Thanks Doug, I'm still deciding. I'm thinking I won't feel so bad about adding a bit more negative camber (I currently have -1 up front) if I'm not ruining the expensive autocross tires during DD. They will be skinner though which means the camber wear will be more aggressive, huh?