Tires

["Glenn Wasserman" <glennwa@domain.elided>]

I just wanted to clarify one thing from the message I sent earlier today
- I have a spare set of 14" rims and I've been using them with autocross
tires just for the autocross events. These tires are now shot and it's
time to replace both the street tires and the autocross tires. This time
around I've already decided that I won't be getting dedicated autocross
tires if I buy a new set (I just don't autocross frequently enough to
justify the expense and time/effort in swapping the wheels when I get
there) - so the question is, should I use what I've got or just buy a
new set of agressive street tires?

Looks like I will need to buy a new set, but I'm looking for any
opinions/experiences.

Thanks,
-Glenn

-----Original Message-----
From: Glenn Wasserman
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2002 1:03 PM
To: 'alfa@domain.elided'
Subject: Tires


Hello all. I have a couple of sets of tires that I am trying to decide
what to do with. I'm not sure which would perform best for what I have
in mind.

I have a '93 Spider that I drive one or two days per week, and autocross
2-3 times per year. The Pirellis that are mounted on the stock 15"
phonedial rims are getting pretty worn. No cords showing, but not a lot
of tread left.

I also have a set of used, half-worn DOT-legal 15" track tires. These
are track-compound, not autocross-compound, but are street legal. They
are rain tires, so they are treaded - but the treads are not that deep.
The tread on these tires is also pretty hardened.

The problem I have right now is that I really don't want to autocross
again on the tires that are mounted on the car - I think it would finish
them off.  I could mount the track tires, but I"m not sure just how bad
they would be on the street... particularly if I get caught in the rain.
I make it a rule to never drive this car in the rain, but it's possiblet
that at some point (if the 164Q is getting work done) that I could get
caught in a shower.

So here are my questions:

1. Which is worse in the rain, DOT-legal track tires (I think they are
R1's) or worn-out Pirelli P4000's?
2. Which is worse in an autocross??

I know the best solution is a new set of tires - like some Falken
Azenis... but I'm trying to control my spending on this car right now,
since I know there's other work coming. Ideally I'd buy a new set before
the winter, or even after it.

Opinions?

Thanks,
-Glenn

'94 164Q
'93 Spider Veloce

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