Cheapo Semi's And Toe Arms

[No Crust Racing]

What can people suggest in the way of cheap semis, new or second hand, for 235 17's I bought a learner set from Donnelans a while back and they were only $260 delivered to Albury, granted they were nothing special condition wise but they've done me alright for 3-4 track days to learn on. I'm happy enough in my braking and the balance of the car that I can afford to buy some better second handers or maybe even something new as I won't be flat spotting them hopefully.

I'm also after cheapy Toe Arms for the S13, I've used ISC rear camber arms and they were decent for the money. His toe arms are about 180 and I've seen sets on ebay for around $100, not sure on quality though.

Given the car is only a CA and doesn't run blistering laps times it's not going to be critical but has anyone had any experience with anything cheaper than the isc items?

Edited August 24, 2010 by ActionDan

[No Crust Racing]

The KU36's seem to be quite popular, though not a semi slick, but I'm guessing that lap times on a new set of those would be similar and possibly better than what I'm getting on these thrashed semis. Is there a semi that's comparable cost wise?

[badhairdave]

The KU36's seem to be quite popular, though not a semi slick, but I'm guessing that lap times on a new set of those would be similar and possibly better than what I'm getting on these thrashed semis. Is there a semi that's comparable cost wise?

I was still considerably faster on thrashed re55's than i was on fed 595rs's. Unless you have AO48's, then yes, all rounders will be faster if the semis have been heat cycled a fair bit. The kumho semis would be the pick of the cheap ones but you are still looking at 1300ish. Personally i'll never bother with r888's again, they are around the same price.

On the toe arms front, I've seen 2 isc arms snap at welds. I wouldn't use them, or anything cheaper for that matter. I use D project camber and toe arms in my track car, cheapish and the quality is ok. They seem to be holding up too, plus replacement rose joints are available. Camber arms are about 3 years old now with many track days and toe arms have survived 7 or 8 track days.

[Marlin]

Mine is quicker on absolutely flogged bald and blue heat stroked Dunlop O3G's than on Kuhmo KU36's in the exact same size.

[No Crust Racing]

Interesting in the differing opinions. the KU36 thread seemed to have some OK results when compared to flogged semis, which mine are.

The other option is finding some half decent second handers. Being heat cycled a few times from what I thought just makes the compound harder so longer to get up to temp and less grip but also harder wearing?

Edited August 25, 2010 by ActionDan

[Marlin]

Why not have a 2nd set of wheels and 2nd hand slicks? I'm using ex Mini Challenge slicks and they're pretty good for a hundy each.

[No Crust Racing]

I do have two sets of rims, but I only use one set on the track and the car is pretty much track only so I can use whatever tyres I want. The street rims are just plain 5 spoke 17's with the tyres that came on the car. The track rims are 9" volks with 235 semis.

[Peter89]

http://www.cazmanindustries.com/

he makes super high quailty parts. cost a little bit more but are full rebuildable and wont break. send him an email and see what he says.

he's highly recommended on nissansilvia.

[evil_weevil]

Ben,

How long do those slicks last for you?

[No Crust Racing]

ahh yeah I nkow Caz from NS. Good idea.

MArlin, where were you going with that second set of rims comment? I'm not worried about burning up tyres on the street as I dont street drive very often and when I do it has street rims/tyres. So I can leave my semis on the track rims. What are the mini ones setting you back and what size?

[Marlin]

I've used the Mini ones for 270klm at Lakeside so far (at 10/10ths), and the worst of the four is maybe one third worn.

They were virtually new (maybe 5/6 laps) when I got them and they cost me $100 each plus some freight to me from Melbourne. I since found I can get in Bris for $75 each. LOL

Dan, two sets of wheels means you drive to the track and bolt on the second set that were in the boot and back seat with proper race tyres, slicks even. IMO you are over-wheeled with 9 inch rims on that car.

The Mini Challenge tyres are Dunlops, size is 215/45/17, but I measured them because they looked so much bigger, and turns out they are nearly identical in size and width to my Dunlop and Kuhmo 235/45/17's.

Edited August 25, 2010 by Marlin

[No Crust Racing]

I dont need to do that as the car gets towed to the track so the track rims and tyres stay on

That's awesome value!

I think you should PM me some details on where I can hook up with those

Correction 8" fronts (or are they 8.5's? can't remember) and 9" rears. For the cost of the rims I couldn't say no. A bit of extra rim width is fine to me, they take the 235's well with nice straight sidewalls, none of this drifter stretched habib shizzle going on.

Hook me up Ben If they're as wide as you say they would be perfect for my car.

[Marlin]

Talk to Troy.

No secrets here mate.

I run them on an 8" rim and they're not at all stretchy.

Edited August 25, 2010 by Marlin

[No Crust Racing]

Awesome, thanks. If they're as wide as you say then they should fit my 9" rears without issue also. Just to confirm, you comapred your 215 mini tyre to a 235 Dunlop and Kuhmo semi or road tyre? What model is the mini tyre?

[Marlin]

I placed them beside both 235/45/17 Kuhmo KU36 road tyre and Dunlop O3G road/race tyre and they are virtually itendical in width, so they are a 'big" 215.

I make no promised re the suitability to 9" rim.

This Dunlop slick has no info other than "Dunlop" and a big bunch of Japanese text. I suspect they are imported specifically for the Mini Challenge.

[No Crust Racing]

Is the O3G considered a proper semi or a hi-po road tyre like the KU

[Marlin]

Proper.

[No Crust Racing]

That's a big ass 215 0_0

[Marlin]

Gimme a bit, I'll post a pic of one on my 8" rim ya tossa.

[No Crust Racing]

lol "tossa" no need mate, if you say it's as big I believe ya.

But we all love pics of rubber so do it anyway.