Looking to buy some R-spec tyres but sizes are limited as I am running 13's. I am trying to work out if running a smaller tyre width wise would have much difference in performance. ie: less sidewall movement etc.

The 2 sizes available in the brand I am considering are:

185/60R13 or 205/60R13

I currently have 205's in normal street tyres.
Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Craig.

Craig,

My guess is it all depends on your rim width. What are you running?

I wouldn't put 205's on any thing smaller than a 7" rim.

Shaun

I run 205's on 13x6 rims and have had no issues at all.

Shaun, I am running 6 inch rims which have been fine with 205's on them. Just thought maybe the 185's might have a bit less sidewall flex / roll and would it be enough to sacrifice a bit of width to get it.

What tyres are on your Green Machine Mr Dub?

Craig.

They are the older Yokohama A032R's. I bought the last new set in Victoria a while back.

My suspension is quite hard and the 032's are softer in the side walls than the newer A048's. Having said all that, i have never tried anything other than 032's on it so i cant compare.

I have a set of 14" rims here also that will get a set of rubber when the 032's are stuffed. That could be a while with my recent competition schedule!

Note to self: Must find more time for racin!

Craig, I'd stick with the 205/60's. I've used plenty of skinnier tyres and once I had 215/50's (on 13x6" rims). Traction was very average so went back to 205's and the traction difference was amazing. I realise brand of tyre does come into play and the fact that your using R-specs. If they had 195, maybe, but 185 just seems a bit skinny. Pitty they don't do a 205/50, That'd be perfect.
Cheers, Richo

Craig,

I have the A032R's on a 13x7 rim. They are getting a little old now however they're still soft enough..

Plenty run 205s on a 6 inch rim, myself included.

I dont think the 185s slight less flex will make up for the lack of footprint.

Shaun

Craig I run toyo r888 tyres and 13x7 rims they are a great package for the track.there 205/60 and do not flex in the side walls.I did run toyo proxys 195/60 with 14x6 rims and cannot tell the difference. hope this helps you..[(#)]

Yeh, think I might stick with the crowd on this one and go for the 205's. Although, now that I have procrastinated long enough they wont be available at the super price which is only slightly dearer than a standard road tyre. That's just my luck.

Will ring and order tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Craig.

205/60/13 are perfect on the 6" rims.

Loads of tyre choice in that size, Yoko's are now considered pretty average. Most go for Toyo R888 or Kuhmo Ecsta's, I have Silverstone FTZ-R as per sizing above and they are brilliant!