1. What is the ft/lb spec to tighten my lug nuts to?

2.Just Ran my first DE at Watkins Glen Road track ( approx 115-120 mph top speeds so far )with the stock Tires & wheels( Pirelli P Zero Nero 235/55/17 ) -lots of squealling , mediocre traction- need size, & brand recommendations for new tires & wheels.- think i want same size front & rear for rotation purposes ?

Best place to buy ??

Thanks for input !!

 

1. 100 ft-lbs of torque

2. still running stockers, so no input here

 

Based on several recommendations to improve the driver, not the car, I kept the Pirelli's for 10 track days. Why exactly do you want to replace them?

-Wayne

 

I always torque my lug nuts to 98 ft/lbs.

As far as tires, I run 275/40/18 Nitto NT555's on all 4 corners. They grip well, are decent in wet weather, and are predictable at the limit. I love them for my street tires. Now, if you're talking about getting a set of dedicated track rims and tires, go with some R-Comps. Toyo R888's or Nitto NT01's would both probably be a good choice. Hoosier R6's are more sticky, but you'll be replacing them more often and they are true race slicks. As far as wheels are concerned, you'll want something lightweight. 5Zigen FN01RC's are an affordable, light weight wheel. If these are going to be your streets tires/wheels as well, get whatever wheels you think look good and get some Nitto NT555's, Nitto Invo's, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar's, or BFG KDW2's.

 

I torque my lug nuts to 100 ft lb just before going back on the track. They do loosen up a little during hard drivng.

My choice for tires was 285/40/18 KDW2s all round on Steeda 18 x 9.5 UltraLite wheels. The combo works fine for me allowing up to 1 G under braking and cornering on a flat track and tire wear is good considering the track use. They don't like to get too hot and can "chunk" a little if pressures get too high. I run 40 psi hot front and rear.

 

If you are just learning high speed driving do not get R-comps. Part of learning to drive is learning how to slide the car and learning what to do in understeer and oversteer situations. You can not learn these skills on R-comps, they are to sticky and the limits are at far too high of speeds. The ultra high performance street tires are the best choice. Yes - run same size on all 4 corners. This makes rotations easy and hence tire life longer. If you are changing rims you need to decide if you want 17" or 18". The 17" tires are cheaper. Starting out 255/40 is a good size, 275/40 also works well. My favorite place to buy (if I'm not buying used tires) is DiscountTire. EdgeRacing and TireRack are also good choices. Kuhmo XS, Nitto 555RII, Nitto NT05, Falken RT-615 and Dunlop Direzza Star Specs are all good choices.

By the way - what organization were you at the Glen with?

 

Thanks for all the good input
I drove at the Glen with the Niagara Region Porsche club ( my instructor drove a Mustang also ).. Great event

 

Agreed- 275/40/18 on the stock 18x8.5 wheels work fine. I think that's the widest (safe) tire you can fit on the 8.5" wide wheel.

 

my stock wheels are 17" - was gonna keep them for street & do new 18 " for track .. was told some wheels ?? will accommodate larger rotors if i get to that point

 

if anyone has a good used set of 18 " i"d be interested also !