SIK02SS

First off, I'm no engineer or physicist--

I've heard in the past that slightly smaller sized tires are best for the rain. Why is this? Wouldn't you want a greater contact patch just like in the dry? Or does the contact patch actually work against you to cause hydro plane if the tire doesn't spread enough water? (the whole weight and load transfer I suppose would come into play with that..)


So being that I have upgraded to 18" wheels on my T1 car I need a set of rains just in case (there was a rain event this past year..). What are everyones experience with Hoosier Rains vs. Good Year RS rains? Also have you tried the Toyo R888's against either of the other 2?

I ask about the R888's because I have a set of 295/305s in the garage..

Kubs

I cannot comment on the brand of tire, but narrower is definitely better. Think of it this way, the same weight is concentrated on a narrower, smaller patch of tire. This allows the tire to cut through the water where as a wider tire will want to ride on top of the water.

NTMD8R

I run Toyo R888s.

On a wet/damp surface, autocross, they are actually quite good.

But on a rainy surface, keep the speed down !!!!!

sperkins

Smaller tread width is definately better for wet conditions. Not sure about other brands, but Hoosier's wets are typically wider than their DOT tire in the same size. A 275/18 wet will be considerably wider than a 275/18 A6 for example.
FYI - there is a guy selling a set of 275/18 Hoosier wets on the NASA forum right now.

SIK02SS

Thanks guys

Appreciate it sperkins, I'll check it out!

SIK02SS

Unless I missed another ad, those are grand am wets, can't run those

Timz06

Not sure about all of the 'smaller' comments. I have had good luck with approx 315 size on 18 inch wheels.

Tim

RAFTRACER

Optimal wet tire sizes depend on standing water or just wet. Going through puddles , narrow will be better.......track just wet, wider will be better. I always had the "wider" because those were better suited to the wheels I had .....

I have some 315-35-17 Hoosier radial wets and wheels (CCW's) that I may (probably) part with, I have to be on 18's now......California is a long ship though :>(. PM if interested.

sperkins

You were right on the 275/18's. I have a good friend that is selling some 245's though.

http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic....9b5d44f#unread

SIK02SS

Thanks for the info, so it wouldn't hurt to have a couple sizes to choose from depending on conditions?

I have some 17's for sale too, I'm on 18's now for the AP brakes :o

SIK02SS

Too small for a 10" front rim

RX-Ben

Reviving this - I'm looking for street tires that can double as rains. I had some variation of Nitto 555s that were terrible in heavy rain. Downright dangerous.
I'm thinking of the Conti ExtremeContact DW as a replacement, stock sizes. These will need to do TT duty, if it is wet, as I don't have space to haul enough wheels/tires.

Anyone have any other suggestions? The Hankook S1 evo is apparently an impressive wet tire (based on Euro tests), but it is no longer available and its replacement (V12) is not as good in the rain.

Thanks.

Kubs

I know they are pricey, but the Goodyear GS-D3 is THE BEST street tire I have driven on in the rain. Very stable at high speed in deep water, and you can start adding power out of a corner sooner than other street tires I have run on. Lateral grip is great as well. I have never run an official "rain" tire, but the GS-D3 is a great dual purpose tire. I bought a set for my DD (non corvette) just because I like the confidence they give on the highway in heavy rain.

I should add, the GS-D3s seemed better at higher pressures. I think I used 40F 38R.

RX-Ben

The GS-D3s have been discontinued, from what I can tell.

Kubs

Oh wow! When did that happen? I hope they come out with a good replacement.

sebdavid

Toyo T1R is very good in the rain, from all accounts.

Bill Dearborn

Not sure what car you are installing the tires on but the Firestone Wide Oval tires I had on my C5Z were fantastic in heavy rain with streams running across the track and deep puddles on the track. I had them on the car for about 2 months when Hurrican Katrina visited Watkins Glen. It poured for the complete first day of a two day BMW event. My car was one of the few that could run at somewhat close to speed with all of the water on the track.

Bill

RX-Ben

Thanks Bill.

These are for a base model C5 (TTB class).

Wide Ovals have been discontinued.

RX-Ben

Anyone have experience with Bridgestone RE-11s in the wet?