Minimum R Compound Width for M3

[VP M3]

I want to get a set of R-compounds for occasional track use and am wondering about minimum width that I can run on my stock E90.

I was hoping to use my winter wheels OEM Style 270M, but they are only 8" rims and likely too small.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks guys

Vico

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by VP M3

I want to get a set of R-compounds for occasional track use and am wondering about minimum width that I can run on my stock E90.

I was hoping to use my winter wheels OEM Style 270M, but they are only 8" rims and likely too small.

Vico, if you're not really experienced on the track already, then R-compounds are not needed and likely a waste of money.

If you don't want to budget from rims, then just get one of the top rated summer performance tires in the largest size that'll fit your rims. Yes, you could get faster, but if you're learning, then that will not be real important vs. learning technique and getting seat time.

If you're an experience tracker and "need" R-compounds because you know you'll be in the top group, then you'll likely not settle for lesser wheels. You could just use your stock summer wheels and increase your tire budget.

Dave

[SCCAForums.com]

8" Wheels would be too narrow... you could possibly get away with 9" wheels... but I wouldn't recommend 8's... that is only going to allow for about a '255' width tire and 'possibly' SQUEEZE on a 265, or 275...

If it's just for occasional track use... find the cheapest 'decent' 18" wheels you can (preferable 9" Front, and 10" Rear)... bolt on 'any' dedicated track tire... (I prefer Kumho 710)... and you'll be good to go.

I'm not for beating up 'street' tires on the track... they 'typically' cost more than the race tires... and won't last much longer when they see track time. Whereas the dedicated track tire... can typically give you a whole season... if you're just using at the track for fun.

Peace,
Dave