When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm sure this has been covered but I can't seem to find info. I attend HPDE's and I have heard that a squee setup works well. Whatare people's suggestions for the best square setup. TIA!
I've never tried it, nor have I tracked BUT there was a post a while back about a Corvette spec league. I think the requirements included 18" c5z wheels on all 4 corners with either 305s or 315s on them. Not sure if any trimming was needed to get them to fit in the front though.
I spent a lot of time trying to figure out if I wanted a square setup. For me it just wasn't the right fit. Finding a balance between looks and performance is hard.
Tire rotations yes, but it's a sports car so the tire wear/cost argument gets thrown out the window...... track handling wellllllll, I'm sure there is science behind and real world data but I'd bet there's more to gain from time behind the seat and a good instructor than adding an inch or so of tire up front. What I'm trying to say is, the difference between 1st and 5th place isn't front tire width. In my opinion and I'm a noobie so take that with a grain of salt. I'm sure experienced racers might chime in and disagree with me.
If your serious about tracking then I'd recommend getting a dedicated set of track wheels and tires. I'm kinda leaning towards having 2 sets now after one season of autocross.
And to piggy back on your point, are we out there to have have and go a little faster? Or are we playing to win? I struggle with spending money unwisely.
Do you want faster times? Tire width is a major factor in that. Going wider of a tire is going to yield faster results even if the tire is taller. Having a bigger front tire patch is going to give you a big boost in turn-in grip. Also, yes, you'll be able to actually rotate your tires. Last season I got 158 runs out of my RE-71s (275/305 setup). This season I'm running square 315 Rival-S and plan to rotate them out after each event and expect to get even more runs out of them. More than 150 runs on 200 treadwear tires is killer, and I plan on maxing it out this season.
I could care less how it looks when I'm at the top of the Raw and Pax times. Get a 2nd set of wheels/tires for daily driving if you're that worried about looks. But more tire = more grip, which = more hard front braking, faster turn-in speeds, more turn-in grip, and ultimately faster times. Attachment 48350564
Well I don't care about looks because I care about functionality. I'd love to improve on lap times and that was my understanding to with a bigger contact patch in the front I have a little less understeer and of course more grip. So thanks for verifying my thoughts that makes sense also thanks for the advice.
Here's a cut a paste from Corvsport.com on the switch that was made when C5 came out.
The tires, which were sized 245/45ZR-17 and 245/45ZR-18 respectively, were actually slightly narrower than the 1996model’s base tire package. This proved to be an advantage as the somewhat narrower tires actually aided in improving the directional stability to levels unsurpassed by General Motors.
I've got 18x11's et53 on all four corners. I put Michelin PSS's 295/35/18 on all four. It's an 11" contact patch and the shoulders roll in nicely, making for very good fitment with a bit of camber. I personally feel it's the best modification I've ever done to the car...and my car has been through the labyrinth of mods. The front end of the car finally appeared and feels like it should have. Much more balance out the car, far more front end confidence.
I can't say I'd go with 315's but...my setup feels balanced both in terms of looks and ability. My car runs a slightly lower ride height and the only rub I get is at nearly full lock, the front tires touch the bumper inner plastic liner ever so barely...in other words, no concern whatsoever.
Being able to rotate tires, extend that lifespan, plus gain so much of a car...all positives.
Last edited by KnightDriveTV; Oct 21, 2018 at 06:50 AM.
I've got 18x11's et53 on all four corners. I put Michelin PSS's 295/35/18 on all four. It's an 11" contact patch and the shoulders roll in nicely, making for very good fitment with a bit of camber. I personally feel it's the best modification I've ever done to the car...and my car has been through the labyrinth of mods. The front end of the car finally appeared and feels like it should have. Much more balance out the car, far more front end confidence.
I can't say I'd go with 315's but...my setup feels balanced both in terms of looks and ability. My car runs a slightly lower ride height and the only rub I get is at nearly full lock, the front tires touch the bumper inner plastic liner ever so barely...in other words, no concern whatsoever.
Being able to rotate tires, extend that lifespan, plus gain so much of a car...all positives.
Thanks for the advice. I was thinking about a 10" square setup.
Yeah, I get that. I considered the same. Naturally, I wanted the argent rears on the front and the OEM look but...inevitably, the cost of a set of argents, with centers cost more than a custom offset set of forgestars. As I searched for what was out there, I looked at what Optima USC competitors were using and came upon the 53 offset 18x11 setup.
In the end, I've seen people with 10" argents with 305's or more, so the width of the rim is really not relevant, as the tire really dictates the effectiveness. The width and offset with that given width, dictates the scrub radius only. So, my only point is, when speaking of "width", you're speaking of rim width, but the tire sizes you're referring to, in many brands, are actually well over an 11" contact patch, on a 10" wheel. This will add to the "bulge" fitment, regardless of the 10" rim width.
If you look at some of the fastest T1 setups, actually stretching the tire, taking away sidewall unpredictability led to the fastest setups. So, on the flip side, a larger tire with a narrower rim can really exhibit a lot of unpredictable behavior, especially at lower initial pressures.
From my perspective, running the 18x11 with the 11.1" contact patch, advertised by Michelin, I felt I gave the wheel/tire combo the best chance to perform and fit, as I wanted it to.
Just my .03
Last edited by KnightDriveTV; Oct 21, 2018 at 05:58 PM.
Just as a reference to add to what K.I.T.T. said, I've got 2 sets of rims and tires and the 305s on my Forgestar 19X11s are the same width as my 315s on stock Z06 18X10.5 rims. So he's right that the width of the tire and contact patch is going to vary depending on the rim you put it on. 315 is the goto step for most guys that race that are on stock Z06 wheels. If you go with a wider wheel you can go a little smaller and still get the same contact patch. All depends on what's available tho.
I've got 18x11's et53 on all four corners. I put Michelin PSS's 295/35/18 on all four. It's an 11" contact patch and the shoulders roll in nicely, making for very good fitment with a bit of camber. I personally feel it's the best modification I've ever done to the car...and my car has been through the labyrinth of mods. The front end of the car finally appeared and feels like it should have. Much more balance out the car, far more front end confidence.
I can't say I'd go with 315's but...my setup feels balanced both in terms of looks and ability. My car runs a slightly lower ride height and the only rub I get is at nearly full lock, the front tires touch the bumper inner plastic liner ever so barely...in other words, no concern whatsoever.
Being able to rotate tires, extend that lifespan, plus gain so much of a car...all positives.
what is your wheel set up? I really dig those forgestars. Looking into a square set up as well
Square setup
