Track day wheels and tyres

[isitme]

Hi all,

Firstly, I'm not sure if this should go in the track day section or the MK5 section so I apologise if I've chosen the wrong one.

I'm looking for a bit of advice on getting some wheels and tyres for track use.  I have been doing an increasing number of track days in my Mk5 GTi and because I'm going through tyres fast I'm thinking of getting a second set of wheels for track use.   

Now I'm not after anything fancy and I don't really mind what the wheels look like as I'll only be using them on the track.  I want a set of wheels by a reputable manufacturer as I don't want to risk a wheel failure on the track. However, my knowledge of who is reputable or not is limited.  Can anyone recommend a good wheel or manufacturer?

As for size of the wheels, again I would appreciate any advice you have. I've been told the Mk5 is quicker around a track on 17 in wheels but I can't see there being a huge difference even if that is true. When it comes to choosing wheels cost is my main consideration. Though I don't want to sacrifice quality I do have limited budget.

For tyres both Toyo R888s and Yokohamas have been recommended to me by friends (they have an Elise and varuious Westfields) but I would really appreciate this forums opinion as to what is a good tyre for track use in a MK5 GTi. I'm not after ultimate performance but a combination of decent wear rates and grip. 

Finally, I have noticed that I manage to get three or four times more track use out of the rear tyres compared to the fronts (obviously).  So I have been thinking, would it be possible to run a set of track wheels/tyres on the front and standard wheels/tyres (I'm on Goodyear F1 asymmetrics) on the rear? I appreciate this may, or rather will, upset the front-rear balance but by how much? Would it be dangerous or just make the car a little more fun? At the moment it is very rare the rear moves around and that is usually due to induced lift off over steer. Anyone had experience of what difference it makes with track tyres on the front?

Sorry for the long winded post I had more questions than I thought.  Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[Ed30DSG]

Something by BBS or OZ would be ideal as they are both lighter and stronger than OEM.

Don't be tempted by 18's unless you need them to clear your brakes - track day tryes are still very expensive, so stick to 17" (they are lighter still).

Do not mix tyre brands or even tread patterns on the track - you could rotate the wheels front to back to get more life out of them, but you would end up having to buy a set of 4 in one go.

There's plenty of options on track day tyres, I think the toyos will be the most cost effective option. Remember though, the softer the compound the quicker they wear out!

HTH

[Edition30]

Think I read that OZ are now made in China/Japan (the east anyway) and are a soft alloy, which someone said to avoid!

VW alloys, Audi style alloys, BBS, Schmidt etc all have good history with being used on Golfs

He has also got some Team Dynamics 1.2s which are strengthened and lighter than the Edition 30 pescaras, not a big fan but for track days they sound on cue...

Something by BBS or OZ would be ideal as they are both lighter and stronger than OEM.

Dont BBS make the Monzas aswel as the Pescaras???

[Exonian]

Remembering the 'famous' EVO mag tyre test a while ago where they said the GTI was quicker round the track on 17s, I would say go for some second hand Monza 17s which are cheapish and plentiful and very good quality. You just need to throw some trackday tyres on there and you're away!

[isitme]

Remembering the 'famous' EVO mag tyre test a while ago where they said the GTI was quicker round the track on 17s, I would say go for some second hand Monza 17s which are cheapish and plentiful and very good quality. You just need to throw some trackday tyres on there and you're away!

Good point! I'm gutted i did't think of that :embarassed:

[Edition30]

Although if you do get 17's and then you decide your brakes are not good enough for track days then you will run into a problem for upgrading them. 18's are a safe choice imo.

Better brakes will make up for the time lost running the 18's unless your doing it purely for fun. I know I would be chasing lap times though 

[sharpie]

He has also got some Team Dynamics 1.2s which are strengthened and lighter than the Edition 30 pescaras, not a big fan but for track days they sound on cue...

pro race 2s are lighter

[Hurdy]

He has also got some Team Dynamics 1.2s which are strengthened and lighter than the Edition 30 pescaras, not a big fan but for track days they sound on cue...

pro race 2s are lighter

True, but the pro race 2's are fugly

[sharpie]

He has also got some Team Dynamics 1.2s which are strengthened and lighter than the Edition 30 pescaras, not a big fan but for track days they sound on cue...

pro race 2s are lighter

True, but the pro race 2's are fugly

if they're track wheels who cares?

[Organisys]

buy the lightest, wheel you can afford that is a good quality. Use 888s if you are going to drive to the track using them. Otherwise look into slicks (if the weather is dry!)
If it's wet, you might as well use your nprmal road tyres.