DeTomaso Mailing List: August 2000, Message #105

On Thu, 3 Aug 2000 mdbell@flash.net wrote:
> I'm am considering purchasing some racing tires to mount on stock 7 and 8 inch Campys which will see occasional use at track events (not real racing).  The car is fairly stock (including stock springs and shocks) but with the full Hall chassis brace kit, Hall Super Stopper II brakes, a 7/8" rear swaybar, a small GTS chin spoiler, and a 10 quart pan.  Also I'm on on a seriously limited budget and can't afford new wheels at this point.  The only two acceptable tire size options that I can find are: 
> 
>    Hoosier R-3S03: 225/45-ZR15 front
>    Hoosier R-3S03: 275/50-ZR15 rear 
> 
>    BFG G-Force R1A: 225/50-ZR15 front
>    BFG Comp TA R1: 255/60-ZR15 rear
> 
> The BFG's are somewhat but not radically less expensive.
> 
> Questions:
> 
>  1) Does anyone have experience with both BFG and Hoosier that can offer an opinion on strengths and weaknesses of both.  Is one prefered over the other from a handling and/or wear perspective?

The Hoosiers and G-Force's have a very soft tread compound, and will wear
rapidly.  Be cautious - they can even be ruined by one bad brake lockup that
flat-spots through to the cord.

The original BFG R1 has a tougher tread compound and offered better
longevity, and I've run them on the road and the track on my Pantera.
Kumhos will show similar longevity, but may not be available in the sizes you
seek (I don't know).

I've heard a rumor that BFG still sells the original R1 in a number of
sizes, but you have to ask them for "rain tires".  This is all about SCCA
showroom stock road racing and rules, I guess.  I don't know hwat sizes
though.


>  2) The Hoosier 275/50-15 recommended wheel width is 8.5" so my 8" wheel is borderline.  Is 1/2" too narrow enough cause a serious problem?

Most Hoosier tires are much happier on too wide a rim, but they will survive
on a slightly narrower rim.  You just won't get the best performance out of
them...


>  3) The only acceptable BFG combination from a size standpoint is a mix of the original R1 (rear) and the latest G-Force fiberglass belted R1A (front).  Any idea if this is might be an undesirable combination.

They're very different tires.  I wouldn't personally mix them front-to-rear
on my car and hit the track...


>  4) Any other suggestions?

You won't like it.  :-) Get normal size aftermarket wheels so you can run
more popular size tires.  And you don't have to worry about the soundness of
your 30 year-old Campys.

-Andy

72 Pantera - Rocky(for sale)   91 Miata - Steve                96 A4Q - Rudolf
87 E350XL - Andylance(for sale) 84 RZ350 - Sting