Thoughts on tire width?

[TouringBubble]

Just wondering how you guys feel about tire width for rallycross ...

I've got 15x6 (I think) wheels on the Beetle, with 185/65 tires. I know that narrower tires are better in softer terrain, like mud, and wider tires are better for sand.

What do you guys think about "general" rallycross use like the fields we normally race in?

Based on my limited experience, it seems like on decent off-road terrain the same ideas of autocross apply, where more tire gives more grip. Thoughts?

I'm trying to look ahead for next season when I change brakes/bolt pattern and have many more wheel options. I was looking to go with a 7" wheel with the proper offset and a probably a wider tire. Just wanted to make sure I'm on the right path.

[slowautoxr]

I can certainly understand that a wider tire would offer more grip on hard pack. The internet wisdom says that narrower tires are better for loose stuff.

The sizes that fit my car are all relatively the same. I wouldn't expect much of a difference between a 185 and a 205. What I do see a difference in is tread pattern. I'd search for aggressive tires and then see what sizes are available. Find a tire you like and then make it fit your car.

So what did I do on my Subaru? I'm running the stock 205/55-16's. It makes it convenient if I were to have a flat - that way I can just put one of my street tires on.

[TouringBubble]

I had a conversation with Joseph Burke last night about this. He suggested I look in to DMack Tires. Apparently a lot of the Rally America guys run them for an affordable rally tire. The tread patterns look pretty good, but I have no idea how that would stack up to a Silverstone. Any thoughts?

From what I've found, 185/60/15 and 195/65/15 are common sizes. I think I could get away with either one. With the right wheel I could likely run a 215 if I wanted ... just not sure it's needed. If it's a wash, I'll just focus on patterns and compounds I guess.

What about poke/stretch for rally use? does the same idea apply where you want to run a wider wheel and pull the tire a little for a stiffer sidewall? I guess it really doesn't matter much for a rally tire, but for winter tires?

[rallyser]

Dmack is about all you'll find for cheap rally tires. I don't know anyone importing Silverstones anymore and last I checked they were near $165/tire! Yok's and Pirelli/BFG will run you more than that.

I wouldn't stretch the tires onto a wide rim. If you have proper rally tires you won't need the extra side wall forces from doing that as they are super stiff by design. I ran 185/65 on my SER with 6" wheels and they were fine. Never had a de-bead or any issues. I think most of the PRO Rally guys are running 15x7 with 195 or 205 tires for gravel. Ice and snow are their own beasts...

For the money, I can honestly say that Winterforce tires are the best game going unless Dmack is close in price.

[TouringBubble]

DMacks seem to be around $200/ea for the sizes I'm looking at. I've got some fresh Altimax to run this season. Just looking forward with this. Looks like a 7" and a 195 is about right, so I'll keep looking at that route. thanks!

[kilgojr]

I'm pretty sure that Edwin is working on getting a DMAC distributor license going. You may want to check with him.

[TouringBubble]

Will do. Thanks.