245/275

[LAP1DOUG]

I normally run 255 Front / 285 Rear, and that size combination works well on track and on an autocross course. This is about the widest fitment that I can make work, and it works very well if sway bars are adjusted accordingly.

There are a few 285 /30 - 18 tire sizes available, but not many at all. A higher up at Bridgestone told me that they will finally be importing their RE-71R in this size within the next few months.

The NT-01 in 245 Front / 275 Rear also works well on my car with the same sway bar settings as my 255 Front / 285 Rear set-up. Obviously if you maintain the same front to rear stagger (in this case 30 mm), you can generally maintain the same balance set-up. As others have mentioned, you have to give up some acceleration with the NT-01 due to the OD of the tire, but that isn't too bad.

The larger OD occasionally helps by allowing you to carry a gear a bit longer. For example at the dip going into Turn 5 at Road Atlanta, I am just touching redline when running NT-01's with a tire diameter of about 25.6" , but I'm starting to bounce off the rev limiter with a 285 / 30 - 18 tire at 25" diameter.

The tire diameter is probably more important in autocross than road racing, as some slow corners can really catch you off the cam.

Have fun.