I am in process of getting a full set of tires to prepare for my first autocross by Evolution. I searched the internet & came up 355 requires 2 different size for tires: front 225/40-18, rear 265/40-18. I looked up the manual, and surprisingly I couldn't find tire information. Does anyone know why the size of tires are different? If I put all 4 tires in the same size, what problem should I foresee? Currently I am looking at Kumho Ecsta-MX, BF Goodridge G-force, & Bridgestone S0-3 by recommendation of Brian Stradale who advised of Evolution class in TX thread. Since this is my first autocross, some said I'll toast tires in 2 days of classes, so I don't want to spent a lot, but want some decent performance. So if you have any recommendation, pls let me know, too. Thanks
I do not recommend running the same size tires. The car was designed and setup to run the Std. sizes. I'm sure the rears require extra tread because it is rear wheel drive and extra load with the rear engine. Don't skimp on tires they may save your car and your life.
Do a search in the title bar - you will find a few threads. Search for 355 tire - there is heaps of good stuff out there... Most sports cars - porsche, lambo, even BMW roadsters, ferrari, etc all use wider backs than fronts... I will tell you - the f-car will not handle at all - if you do not use the proper tires in front and back.
Eric & Richard, Thanks for quick reply. I wasn't thinking to save money, but wondering why 4 tires not the same size. Since I haven't talked of tires before, I haven't heard of regular stock car carrying 2 different sizes. I overlooked to run the search though. I'll do that tonight. Based on Richard's reply, it is my ignorant part for not noticing my previous cars had different size tires. This is the first time I'm buying tires not because it is flat!
Usually the rears are fatter than front for maximum grip and the manufacturer puts the widest tire possible in the front for best handling/steering response and makes sure they don't rub against the suspension or wheel well while turning the steering wheel, hence two different sizes. If you are going to an autocross with new tires make sure you break them in for at least a couple of hundred miles and a couple of heat cycles, otherwise you'd be frustrated as they will not have any grip. Enjoy your adventure.
Yoshi, those tire sizes (wider in the front) are there for a purpose... its an integral part of achieving balanced handling of your 355. If you put same size front and back, you'll find your car feels "loose"... that is, the back end will seem to have less grip than the front end causing the back end to slide out on you. (That is assuming the same size tires even fit on the rims... your wheels are different sizes as well.)
