Hi, I have two spare standard alloys for my Octy vRS.

If I want to get some track only tyres for the front on them , either 888s or some true slicks do you think it would be a good idea to get them with a lower profile sidewall?

The benefits of low profile tyres are obvious and on the track the side effects of getting a lower profile tyre without getting a bigger wheel (effective lower ratio, lower top speed, incorrect speedo reading, car lower to the ground) aren't negative and can be positive.

So, is it a good idea?

Is it even possible?

How low can I go?

I've seen tyres that have a sidewall less than an inch tall but I don't know what wheels they were on.

Hi, I have two spare standard alloys for my Octy vRS.

If I want to get some track only tyres for the front on them , either 888s or some true slicks do you think it would be a good idea to get them with a lower profile sidewall?

The benefits of low profile tyres are obvious and on the track the side effects of getting a lower profile tyre without getting a bigger wheel (effective lower ratio, lower top speed, incorrect speedo reading, car lower to the ground) aren't negative and can be positive.

So, is it a good idea?

Is it even possible?

How low can I go?

I've seen tyres that have a sidewall less than an inch tall but I don't know what wheels they were on.

You will have to see what is avaliable. I personally after advice from an expert in these matters retained the same sidewall size, as they are so much stronger to take the track use. I would however use a slightly narrower tyre width. If you use full width because of the grip generated, you risk damaging suspension/driveshafts by exerting them to forces way beyond the design. You still want the tyre to be the first weak point.

I see.

There are R888s available in 205/40/17 which would have the effect of lowering the car 20mm and Falken or Nankang in 215/35/17 which will drop the car 30mm but if I want to retain the sidewall and go thinner I'd need to totally re-think.

I see.

There are R888s available in 205/40/17 which would have the effect of lowering the car 20mm and Falken or Nankang in 215/35/17 which will drop the car 30mm but if I want to retain the sidewall and go thinner I'd need to totally re-think.

Those 888's will be fine for the track, just remember the grip is enourmous. And also the rear grip will feel less if you just equip the fronts, so lift off oversteer will be easy to achieve

...lift off oversteer will be easy to achieve

Well in a controlled environment that sounds like ENORMOUS FUN.

I've got a pair of T1Rs coming this weekend which will be going on the rims as soon as they are refurbed and painted.

That should help things, the current tyres are four different budget ones with four different levels of wear.

Last owner let the car go a little.

Well in a controlled environment that sounds like ENORMOUS FUN.

.

Exactly :thumbup:

Hi, I have two spare standard alloys for my Octy vRS.

The benefits of low profile tyres are obvious and on the track the side effects of getting a lower profile tyre without getting a bigger wheel (effective lower ratio, lower top speed, incorrect speedo reading, car lower to the ground) aren't negative and can be positive.

If you go for a much smaller diameter wheel/tyre combination on one axle watch out for problems on the ABS/ESP system as you will be sending very different wheel rotation signals to the control system .

Ah Ha!

That is the kind of thing I was looking for.

I might have to see how it goes and buy another two alloys and track tyres if it causes problems.