I've got an 06 6MT coupe. I took it to the track for the first time this weekend. I loved driving it on the track and hope do do it a lot more.

Got new rotors and track pads and brakes worked fine.

The problem is tires. Four 20 minute track sessions a day for 2 days shredded my new Hankook Ventus Evos. They are on staggered 19 inch rims which means that they cost a lot even for Hankooks.

Some folks at the track recommended getting a set of track rims and tires so I wouldn't wreck my street tires. You don't see many 19" track tires and if they make them I'm sure they are unnecessarily expensive so I'm going to go to 18" rims. But the best idea was to make them all the same size so I can easily rotate them.

What size rims do I need to look at that will work on front and back?

 

I don't know much about racing tires, but if they are anything like street tires go for 18s since they would be cheaper (and since 20s for track stuff sounds like a bad idea in terms of rotating mass). 19s just cost too much - 18/20 options are usually more affordable.

I don't really know much about it, though. If it were me I'd look into some 350z track wheels, or maybe some oem 18s

 

Id look something light like the enkei rpf1. As for all the same size to be rotated you'll probably have to bypass vdc or I think it'll get unhappy with you.

 

My track setup is Enkei RPF1 18X10.5 all the way around. I currently have 265/35R18. As for the VDC everything works perfect. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

Thanks. I'm not clear on p-metric tire sizing issues but your wheels would be wider than even the stock 19" Rays on the rear of my coupe. And at 265 the tires are a good bit wider than the 245/45/R19. What I'm not clear about is the '35'. Is that an aspect ratio? I guess what I'm wondering is how the sidewall height of your '35' compares to the sidewall height of my 245/45's?

And with your set up there are no rubbing or fitment issues up front? Do you have to use spacers or anything?

I'm assuming you drive with VDC off while on track?

I really appreciate the help on this. I don't have a huge budget for this. I don't mind spending the money but I do want to get it right.

 

Good stuff at 1010tires.com:

http://www.1010tires.com/tech.asp

Lots of info there and a calculator/imager to see the tire/rim sizes to compare.

 

Definitely vistit my350z.com and check out the Drag section, lots of good info.

 

Thanks.

I wonder, is a 265/35 'stretched' (is that the word?) on those 18x 10.5 rims?

 

18" wheels are indeed what you want.

Go with a square setup as this reduces the car's natural tendency to understeer and makes tire rotation easier.

As for tire sizes, you will learn more if you rear up on it yourself. I prefer the guides at www.tirerack.com

Enkie RPF1 are the most popular track wheel, but look so-so on G35's. You might want to look at O.Z. wheels also.

When selecting tires, you want them with just a little bit of stretch (NOT A LOT), this will keep the tires from rolling over too much during cornering.

As for actual sizes, I'm not sure on the coupe.

 

Thanks. I'll definitely do more research. I'll probably get two more track weekends and maybe another year of street use out of these current tires so I've got some time before I need to do this so I'll have time to get it all figured out.

Right now I need to get my own helmet, a CG-Lock for the oem seat belts and maybe stainless brake lines. That will tap the immediate track day budget as is.

I appreciate everyone's advice and look forward to more.

 

For tire/rim size this is the best advice for the track....^....The word "Stretched" shouldn't even be included in this thread, that's trendy street bullsh!t!
Gary

 

^ the last decade of drifting begs to differ.

Guess you didn't realize that a 265/35 is a very mild stretch on a 10.5" wheel, this is to increase sidewall rigidity. Weather Dubi did that on purpose or just wanted a 265, I don't know. But it does affect his cornering in an advantageous way.

 

It really all depends on which tire brand you go with. I have three different sets of tires. First set are Nitto NT05 those have a mild stretch. Didn't really expect them to. Second set are Yokohama Advan AD08 these are NOT stretched. Third and last set are Michelin Super Sport, these have a mild stretch but only because the tire has more a rounded sidewall. Each manufacture uses a different mold to construct there tires so not every tire in the same size will fit the same. PM me if you would like more info on different setup....


BTW Tracking your car will get expensive.

 

I would get 17inch RPF1's with some either hankook RS3's or Nitto NT05's 17x10-10.5 should be fine.

 

If you have the money get the Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 or the Bridgestone RE11.