Autocross tires

bellspeed

Member
What size and type of R compound tires fit and are the best choice for the MSP/MP3? I've posted the question before with no direct answer or opinion can someonr help?
 
There are some really good threads on this already posted. You can use the search function to get to them.
For the immediate answer, get Kuhmo V700 tires in 205/40/17 size. Hoosiers will NOT work as they require 2.5-3 degrees negative camber, and our cars will get, AT MOST, 1.25 deg stock. I would recommend a lighter wheel, and the ASA JS1 17x7 is a 19.5 lb wheel. If you get the 49 offset, you are able to stay in stock.
Hope that helps, but you might do some searches for autocross to get quite a bit more info.
 
Thanks for the info! I'm planning on running in the SCCA this year. You've had some experience, what class would you recomend for the MSP? D stock? What are my options? Where would I have the most fun? Sorry about all of the questions, but you seem to be a good resource. Maybe I could meet you at one of the events this summer. Do you go to the Peru events?
 
I do go to the Peru events. The Fort Wayne and Cendiv both are having events there, along with the Indy region! WOOHOO! Great surface.
You should be able to have FUN any class you run in. I would stay stock for a while just to learn what you can and can't do with the car. You may get beat for a while, but you'll learn a LOT, and the driving part will be where you gain the most. The car is very well set up in stock form. Once you do mods, things get really expensive. I run GS, and love it!
 
Mazdaspeed is categorized as D Stock

you will be running against the likes of WRX, Neon SRT-4, Sentra Spec V, and the Mini Cooper S

enjoy your competition!
 
Yeah that 205/40-17 is the only r-compound tire that is a reasonable size for stock class on an MP3. I think the Toyo RA-1 comes in that size as well.

5Zigen Fighter wheels come in 17x7 +50mm and are a good weight. So they will qualify for stock class.
 
How much are the 5Zigens price wise? I got my ASAs, wrapped in Kuhmos, shipped from TireRack for about $1225. The wheels wer about $175 each.
Yep, the MSP is D-stock, and you will ge tmauled by Integra Typr Rs and other such cars that have reasonable stock adjustability on camber.
The key is, learn how to drive (take your time) and have fun! You will improve over time, and finishing way behind the leaders WILL HAPPEN. Just acept that they have had YEARS of experience at this, and you are new. Seat time is much better than a car mod to pick up time. The car can only gain a limited amount from mods. The driver can gain INFINITELY from seat time.
Have fun with it!
 
I think the Cooper S already got moved to GS: Couldn't take the heat :D

If you have an MSP, I think the offset is 55, not 49, but I'm not certain...
 
scapamouche said:
I think the Cooper S already got moved to GS: Couldn't take the heat :D

You are correct, the CooperS is now GS, that is the car I shopped my P5 against but other than being a good autocross car, I needed something halfway practical. And I get to compete in HS against the regular Cooper...still scary, but hey! Autocrossing is 90% driver, and I think I'm pretty good :p
 
I believe by far this would be the best wheel and lightest for the price to use for the MP3.

It's 17,7.5 +48 offset and only weighs 15.2lbs.

Retails at $265.00ea. The forum guys get this wheel for $225.00ea. This is what Sean and I will be using for autox and roadracing.

Due to our other mods we cannot remain in stock class. For those who cannot remain in stock class, this wheel would be phenomenal.

Peace, Rishie
 
I don't see a pic :(
I thought stock class had to be same size and within +-6mm offset of the OEM wheel.

For stock class your options are those ASA wheels, 5Zigen Fighter, or Team Dynamics ProRace1 .. at least that's what I've found so far.

Rishi: I will take a guess and say you are talking about the new Enkei RP-F1 wheel?
 
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Woops. Sorry, ya the RPF1. Like I said we can't stay in stock class due to our suspension mods so the wheels don't limit us, they only help. Light as hell and strong as hell.

Peace, Rishie


rpf1.jpg
 
You can always have some fun in STX with a MSP but of course you can't use R-compounds there but it leaves you open for a lot of other fun.
 
IIRC, the MSP is in STS, not STX. Falken Azenis is the tire of choice there. and really cheap from ILP.

of course, in philly that is not an advantage as the STS Subie 2.5's are quicker than most of the STX WRX's.

you could also always use your stock wheels for autoX and buy wheels you like for your stock tires.
 
The MSP is EXPLICITLY NOT LEGAL FOR STS!!!!!!!!

It has TWO components that take it out of STS: The turbo (it takes a special dispensation for that, like in the VW 1.8T) and, more importantly, the LSD (only Viscous LSDs are OK for STS; the mechanical unit in the MSP is no good for STS)

Believe me, I wish it WAS OK for STS: I would be more competitive against my old buds in Celicas and RSXs than the new crowd in WRXs....
 
Nice wheels ARD, but if you are going to go into STX, I would recommend a 15 or 16in wheel, just to go even lighter than that, and also you can usually get much cheaper tires. (If you're just going to use it for AX) Once you move out of stock, go smaller and lighter, it's a great way to lose some weight and gain a little more grip and acceleration.
Just a though.
 
215/40-16 Hoosiers would be nice .. but they are measured on a 7.5" rim if that bothers anyone at all (those RP-F1 only come 16x7 for us)
 
scapamouche said:
The MSP is EXPLICITLY NOT LEGAL FOR STS!!!!!!!!

It has TWO components that take it out of STS: The turbo (it takes a special dispensation for that, like in the VW 1.8T) and, more importantly, the LSD (only Viscous LSDs are OK for STS; the mechanical unit in the MSP is no good for STS)

Believe me, I wish it WAS OK for STS: I would be more competitive against my old buds in Celicas and RSXs than the new crowd in WRXs....

you might be right...i thought i remembered reading that the MSP had a special dispensation to run STS, but i can't find that source now. hmmm. word is that the lack of camber on the MSP will cost it, esp vs. type-Rs. also, i would go w/ kumhos over hoosiers for a Pro since the hoosiers apparently need a lot of camber to avoid being chewed up. plus they are mad expensive compared to V700s.

aw hell. just save up and run an rx-8. ;)

also, you could check out www.sccaforums.com for advice.
 
If you can find that dispensation, LET ME KNOW!!!!!! ;)

I got an autox alignment last week, and the only gains I could get in camber were .1 deg in back: .8/.8 front, 1.0/1.1 rear This SUCKS!!!! I managed to get an extra .25 deg of caster on both sides in front by rotating the offset strut mounts, but no more camber was there. Toe was easy: I went for 1/16" total toe out front and rear.

I ran on these settings last Sunday: the car definitely felt better, and I'm getting closer to the WRXs that rule STX locally, but I've still got a ways to go.

I'm hearing a set of 225/40-17 Falken Azenis calling my name.... :D
 
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