DeTomaso Mailing List: August 2000, Message #96

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?

 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?

 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.

 4) Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Dave Bell