T-Rex06

iTrader: (12)

I've been tinkering with idea of going square set up (non-staggered) for a couple of months now. Given the weight and the tendency of understeering characteristics, it'll be beneficial.

I'm considering light weight 19x10 all around with either 265/35 or even 275/30 tires. Choosing the right offset will be the key of course. I'm sure +55 offset will be safe enough to use 275/30. Another possible issue will be choosing the right tire brand. Every tire brand has different tread width even with the same size.

I understand it's not everybody's cup of tea but I'm sure some of the more performance oritented folks will be interested. I'd like to hear your opinions.

Terrance

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

SCCAforums ran 285s on all four corners on Enkei PF-01s in 18" x 9.5" with a +45 offset. If you can find 19x10 in a +50 or +55, you should be good to go. I think a square set up will transform the car from understeer prone to pretty nicely balanced. I'd still like more rubber under the car though. It's really heavy.

T-Rex06

iTrader: (12)

Lance, I agree. Now the tricky part is to find a set of light weight wheels in those offsets. It could be done but it'll have to be custom offset.

I thought about having KW revalve the coils for 14kgf/mm springs but they won't do it unless you have the race version. Even then, there's not enough contact patch in the front. So I'm using a quick fix solution by running the rear rebound a little harder than the front. And also, running a little more air pressure in the front tires (38psi) compared to the rear (36psi). It helps but it's not enough.

I'm thinking of running a 1/8" toe in in the rear when I go square set up. Possibly a tad stiffer rear anti roll bar but I'll decide on that after I drive the new set up.

Terrance

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

1/8" rear toe-in is close to factory. Factory says 3mm +/-2mm, 1/8" is 3.16mm.

Are you running those pressures at the track or on the street? At the track I'm at 32 psi cold, 44 psi hot on all four corners.

Definitely need more spring in the front at the track - inside rear wheels will want to come up even with the OEM tires. It's not bad like most cars, but it wouldn't hurt to have some more spring to keep the rear closer to the ground. Roll bar would be a band-aid, you really want more spring in front.

hydralisk

Square setup has the best feel in my opinion. The only staggered setup I liked was on the Porsche.

Remember, compound matters more than width. Ive seen similar cars race with the ones with the widest tire lose because of weight, compound, and driver skill.

ming15237

iTrader: (3)

I copied SCCA's setup exactly down too the wheels used and have NO complaints! I really think this is the only way to go if you want the car the preform well on the tight AutoX courses. I am not sure what tires he used but i use Kumo V710's and once heated these tires are actually hard to break loose. To spin from a dig you would have to brake torque it. The grip in the corners is simply amazing too the point it strains ones neck.. I run 285/30/18 on mine, and with this smaller size the car is a monster even out of the hole! Getting the abs to kick in while braking in a straight line is even tough as these tires are just that sticky! Though I have not measured it I am pretty sure the vehicle will stop below the magical 100ft mark from 60mph. GOD BLESS R COMPS!

Gymkata

I think non-staggered is a great idea. You could probably go with a 19x9.5 +45 all around with 275/30R19s. It would easily fit in the back, and in the front may require rolling the fenders (but I think it would work without). Are you considering this for a track only setup, or for every day. If for every day, I think the 275/30R19s would be better because they are only .5" shorter than stock height, vice 1.25" shorter with 285/30R18s.

ming15237

iTrader: (3)

Mine is for track only sorry if I was not clear. This would NOT work for street use speedometer would be WAY OFF!

DCoolBeans

/\ how'd your speedo be way off? The sensor that reads the revolutions is in the rear, so having the big tires in the front is fine. The rear set up is only abit shorter than oem......

ming15237

iTrader: (3)

My rears being 285-30-18 are almost 4mph off the actual speed. I am actually doing 56.4 mph when I my speedo reads 60mph

Gymkata

They are quite a bit shorter than OEM.

T-Rex06

iTrader: (12)

I'm planning to use the set up for dual purpose. Increasing the front tires width will significantly improve the way the car handles either on the streets or tracks. It's almost impossible to find a set of one piece light weight wheels with the offsets I want. I might have to go with 19x9.5 +45 all around if I can't find the right set up.

Terrance

Gymkata

What about putting IS-F rear wheels in front? The 19x9's have a backspacing of 55mm. Anybody with a good wheel understanding feel free to chime in. Would it be possible to put a 10mm spacer in the front and mount an extra set of rear wheels. If I understand things correctly, this would give a backspacing of 45mm, which should work fine for a 9" wheel in the front. The only additional thing that might be beneficial would be longer/stronger studs to accommodate the spacer...or am I way off with this idea? 275/30R19s all around would be awesome on stock rims.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I've thought about exactly that, but decided the OEM wheels aren't worth the effort because they're so heavy. I also thought about widening the OEM wheels, but it just makes the offset problems worse because they widen toward the inside. I'd rather run 18" PF-01s without spacers.

Gymkata

Yes they are pretty heavy. I just like the look of the 08-09 BBS's. I guess most who are interested with a square setup wouldn't want it for daily driving. Anyway, the thought just popped into my head yesterday, and I wanted to see if anybody thought it would work. Maybe I will try this if I ever come across a totalled 08-09 with undamaged rear wheels.