Thinking of picking up a set of used AP1 16" wheels to use for strictly track use (auto-x and the occasional drag strip trip). Would there be any problem associated with that? I'm thinking they'll be a little lighter than the AP2 17s, and I can also just mount some track dedicated tires on them so I can just swap before any event.

Also, on that tire subject, what's a good DOT approved tire that would work out well on the auto-x, but also give me great traction for the drag strip? I'm not looking for flat out racing slicks, but a good drag radial maybe? I want a tire that works well for both. I was able to cut 2.0 60' times with the stock 17s and Fuzion ZRi tires. I'd like to drop that down a few tenths.

 

not a good idea. the suspension geometery between the cars is very different. 16's on a ap2 make it a drift machine. not the best for grip driving.

 

Well maybe I want to get into drifting... that's the newest craze, right?

Seriously though, I realize the suspension setups are different between the model years, but I also know that several people run smaller than stock wheels with larger tires for drag setups on just about every car out there, and people definitely run larger than stock wheels for looks every day.

If it turns out that 16s aren't best for Auto-X, then I could still run my 17s... but what about drag racing? And before anyone says it, yes I know it's not made for drag racing, but some of us like to do it all (drag, auto-x, and I want to try a road course this year as well).

 

"Mickey Thompson Specials"are for drag racing.!!!

 

Any other opinions? Right now I'm more interested in if AP1 wheels/tires are okay to run on an AP2 for the track than I am about which tires I should get.

 

The shocks, spring rates and swaybars differ from AP1 to AP2. But the actual geometry is the same. You'll have no more issue running AP1 wheels on an AP2 than AP1 wheels on an AP1.

The main issue is that it's much easier to find properly sized race rubber to fit the 17" AP2 wheels than the 16" AP1 wheels. I notice that the Hoosier A3S05 comes in 225/50/16 and 245/45/16 sizes. That might work well with the AP2 suspension...

 

So what tire would be recommended for the AP1 16s given the limited tire selection? Again, I'm looking for something that would be good for both Auto-X and drag... I know you can get a tire that does one or the other really well... but I want to get something that's pretty good at both. Am I looking at 245/45/16 in the rear, or something even wider?

 

I have the above mentioned Hoosiers, it's DOT, 40 is the tread wear, they will last 1 full season and are the best tire you can get for the Ap1 wheel. It's a no brainer, call tirerack.com today :-)

 

I have AP1 wheels with my snows, and have driven that way for two winters. No problems, but I don't drive hard on the street, so if there are subtle problems associated with switching wheels, I wouldn't have noticed them.

Note that AP1 wheels are not stock-legal for autocross on an AP2 car.

 

Just run 225/50R16 front and 245/45R16 rear and those wheels will fit fine on the car. I have Michelin, Yokohama, Hoosier and Kumho that work on the car.
If I can help let me know.