97SH

I have a question for you 5th gen luders that are racing (track or autox). I'm looking to buy tires/wheels for racing this year. Originally, I was looking to get some Kumho V700 VictorRacers, but they don't sell sizes that seem comparable to the stock size.

Here are some of the details of what I'm looking for (the typical racing needs):
1) Lightweight
2) Inexpensive
3) Long lasting
4) Competition level performance

Can some of you experienced racers give me some idea of what size tires/wheels I should be looking at?

Also, if you have any specific setup that you've found to be exceptional, that info would be great too!

Pork Chop

I don't have any track experience, so my advice only applies toward autoX.

The closest 16" size for the V700 is a 225/50/16. It's a bit larger than stock, so your speedometer will be off a bit (~3.3%) and due to the taller gearing, acceleration will be a tiny bit slower.

You didn't mention what class you'll be running in and that might make things a little easier.

If you're in stock class, you're stuck with the stock sized wheels 16x6.5". For DSP/SM, you can run any wheel. For STS/STX, the maximum wheel width is 7.5", with a 225 maximum tire width. If you're in a class that allows any size wheel, most will recommend a 15x7" wheel. You can get a 225/50/15 tire that is smaller than stock diameter and will help acceleration. 15" tires and wheels are cheaper too, so that's an added benefit.

Regardless, the V700 is probably the best compromise in terms of price, durability and grip. It's not as sticky as a Hoosier, but will last a lot longer and is a lot cheaper.

I've been running V700's on my Prelude in stock-class and I'm pretty happy with them. I can usually get about 70-90 runs out of a set, as long as I rotate them regularly. I also get them dismounted and remount them inside-> oustide, so I get even tire wear (the tires are asymmetrical, but according to the Kumho guys, you can mount them on either side).

BTW, Kumho has a new tire, the Ecsta V700 which just came out recently, so you might want to consider those too. I've heard mixed reviews so far, so I would probably recommend the Victoracers at this point, until there's more info on the Ecstas.

97SH

Pork Chop,

Thanks for the info! That's exactly the type of info I was looking for. So, when you say that your are running on stock rims, I guess that means you are on the 225/50R16s tires? My biggest concern with these is the larger diameter than stock, and how much it will affect gearing and acceleration. Do you feel it has hurt your times at all? Do you run any courses in 3rd gear?

As for the size of the rims, I really don't care too much about whether they are 15s, 16s, or 17s, other than the fact that I'm looking for what will give me the best performance for the price. If 15s will do that for me, then I'll certainly consider them.

Pork Chop

Yes, I'm running on the stock rims. Honestly, I can't tell you if it feels slower since I don't really have a basis for comparison (ie, I haven't run back to back with 225/50 vs 205/50). In theory, it should be slower, but how much slower, I can't give you an answer. In my case (stock class), I really didn't have any other options in terms of other sizes.

I've never had a course where I've needed 3rd in the Prelude, but that's more of an issue of course design/lot size.

BTW, on stock rims at stock ride height, the 225/50/16's rub on the front. Not really a major concern, but don't be too alarmed if you see rub marks inside the wheelwell.