RTF tires

[Bill Martin]

Okay, it might have been smarter to ask before I ordered them, but I've got Tire Rack shaving me a set of 195/50-15 R1Rs for an imminent 01 Celica GT RTF project. Something Kathy will drive (won't drive my FF) and worth taking to Lincoln.

These the right tires for 6.5" rims? I understand they like high-20ish pressures and lotsa water?

[Jonathan Lugod]

on those smaller rims i would assume it would be mid to high 30s.

[Steve Ekstrand]

On 7.5's, I've felt they are complete crap at 33 or so when we've forgotten to bleed them down. I'd probably start at 32 and play around that area. No, experience with 6.5's. They are a sloppy sidewall tire, hence the reason for blowing them up on a narrow rim.

[Bill Martin]

Okay, I usually start high, bleed down to get 1/4" of scrub over the edge and then play with the pyrometer. Works on slicks -- work on these?

[Steve Ekstrand]

Okay, I usually start high, bleed down to get 1/4" of scrub over the edge and then play with the pyrometer. Works on slicks -- work on these?

I'm not sure if you can even the tire contact with air pressure on a camber challenged FWD. I'd think the outside is going to fry regardless. And you'll probably get more than 1/4" of scrub! On stockers I tend to start wearing off the makers name.

[Kurt Rahn]

Totally different tire on a totally different car, but I keep my fronts inflated to 43 psi at El Toro. I get between 1/4" to 1/2" of heelover. I generally shoot for the line that demarks the tread from the sidewall. But like i said, The Toyo is completely different than the Hankook.

[Craig Naylor]

Hi Bill,

I think your going to enjoy the Celica. I had the pleasure of running both a GT (GS) and GTS (DS) on occasion back when they were new. We ran very similar pressures in them as I did on the Integra. We had a gentlemens agreement to run street tires locally, however no SK classes existed at the time. Admittedly tires have come a long was from the Falcon 215's, but you may wish to look at something a bit wider, running a more cantilever (look) than the stretch the ST(?) cars run. Primary due to the fact you can't play with your suspension like they can. We ran 225's all around or 225's front and 205's in the rear. That said you can play with the rear bar, we couldn't then.

The staggered setup allowed for some tail play. The fronts were run between between 35-45psi, and the rears 45-55psi, depending on weather or not they were staggered, and the GT vs. GTS.

Have fun enjoy the car. IMHO it's the only car that has a chance against the Mini's.

[Morgan Trotter]

depending what you end up doing with the car I might not go with toyos...

[Bill Martin]

What I relied on for tire info was Andy Hollis's FAQ on ST tires. I have no idea how reliable that is, but it seems to enjoy a reputation.

If I read correctly, the current 15" favorites are the 195/50 R1R and the 225/45 R-S3. It's said that the larger tire offers no performance improvement on narrower rim widths such as my 6.5". The pro for the Toyo is cold, 1st lap performance. Corresponding con is earlier overheating, especially with multi drivers, requiring significant watering. And mitigated somewhat by shaving, particularly since this size appears to have good rubber all the way to the last of the tread.

If any of these "facts" are in question, or if there are other factors to consider, I want to hear. Morgan, could you add some detail to your comment?

BTW, the Celica has opportunity for significant front camber greater than 2 degrees. And I assume the roll will be minimal with Koni SA's and a large rear bar. I imagine these might affect tire performance and selection.

[Morgan Trotter]

Bill,
personally I would first test the Dunlop Star spec in the 205-50/15 first. I think the dunlop is pretty good right out of the box when cold, but can handle the temps caused by a 2nd driver better than the toyo.

If you are only going to single driver this car... I would use the toyos.
if you plan to cram 2 to 3 drivers in the car... I would try the dunlop.
if you want to you could try the Kumho XS in a 205-50/15 as well, I have not had a lot of luck with these though. On my cars they tend to break traction under braking easier and though they have good steady grip, I felt that they tended to break free with out warning. they are not bad, but not all that great in my opinion.

Also, If you think that the dunlop is not competitive because no STC drivers are using it, consider the suspension on a STC car compared to the Celica. The mechanical (roll over) grip created by a tire rolling over can often increase with a softer stock type suspension.
I would probably avoid the larger Hankook due to the soft side wall that would create a numb feeling when squeezed on a narrow wheel. The Celica is very nimble and quick so avoid anything that would take that away from it.