03-26-2007, 08:04 PM
Beej Wrote:There are soo many arguments on the web about this topic, mostly between the physics equation guys and the guys that actually run the man-style tires. I don't know enough to pick a side, but it's made for a couple interesting reads.
I'm convinced and side with the physics equation guys FWIW. The contact patch doesn't actually change area, it just changes shape. And the grip stays the same assuming the tire is at the same temp. Which, like RJ pointed out, means you could have too much tire because it won't warm up. This is of course ignoring that a larger tire weighs more, so that works against it even further. And of course the opposite is true, too little tire and it overheats.
In your case, of course, a 285+ might make plenty of sense when you have a 3000+ lb car with a billion HP. Similarly, the 245's on an E30 might be just fine if they're a soft compound that heats quickly, and obviously they were. But I'd be willing to bet that car tipping up like that has more to do with an ultra stiff setup and too much bar, which is pretty popular for autocrossing. And it also heats the tires more quickly of course.
My 318 loves its 205's on track! Sad really. :lol:
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