Any Gain With 8's in the Rear?

[jaudette3]

My '73 S has 7's all around. I have installed a number of suspension upgrades mainly for improving performance for track days. My mechanic is recommending that we go to 8's on the rear. I have plenty of room as the back fenders are flared.

I'm a beginning track driver - do you think I would notice any difference/improvement?

Thanks,
John Audette

[platas]

Joe if you go with 8, what will you do with your 7,s if sell let me know, intrested. I think it would handle better, but i am no race expert.

[jaudette3]

Sorry, I'd never part with the 7's - they're factory original to the car.

- JA

[platas]

no problem, wise man

[cosley]

I ran 9x16's w/275 Hoosiers on the back of my '73 targa with factory RS flairs, and 8x16 (951) w/225 Hoosiers on the front. It will stick a lot better, and you will notice a difference.
Harold #334
'73S coupe
'75 RS clone track car w/3.4 twin plug
'79 930/DP935

[RandyWebb]

"I'm a beginning track driver"

- Here is one thing to think about... when you... ah, how shall I put this... "de-stick" with 7s it will be at lower speeds. When you de-stick with 8s, you'll be going faster and have less time to catch it.

[jaudette3]

when you... ah, how shall I put this... "de-stick" with 7s it will be at lower speeds. When you de-stick with 8s, you'll be going faster and have less time to catch it.

So it might be better to stay with the 7's as "training wheels"?

- JA

[cosley]

If your a prudent and safe driver the wheel/tire combo isn't an issue. The tire type (street vs. race) would have more impact. I usually suggest to new time trialers to run on street tires for at least a season before switching to a track specific tire. My first reply was based on the biggest wheel/tire combo you could fit. I suggested a 9" rim over an 8" (unless you already have the 8's) because you could use a 245 or 275 tire.
H.

[jaudette3]

At the moment I'm running B.F. Goodrich G-Force Sport 205/55 front and rear. I won't be racing - just running track days and going fast legally. Do those tires sound OK?

- JA

[cosley]

I'm not familiar with the G-Force. I like the Bridgestone SO-3's a lot. I used them on the '73 targa 225 fronts & 255 rears. Also on the racecar as rain tires for DE events. I have a friend that's been using the S0-3's 205 /225's on his '72S track/street car for a few seasons and is very happy with them.
H.