Looking for some advice on tire and alignment specs. This is my play car so it will never see snow and while I try to avoid it if I can, I will get cought in rain from time to time. I don't track the car but I certainly do love me some spirited driving and have always enjoyed opening it up on twisty roads.

I just purchased AP2v1 wheels for my AP1. After scowering this site, I've found tires and the alignment spec people are using to be all over the place and is obviously dependant on a person's use and feel.

Below is my tire choice and what I think is the alignment spec I leaning towards and would appreciate some feedback.

Tire Choice:
Continental ExtremeContact Sport
F - 225/45
R - 255/40

Alignment Spec:
Front:
Camber: -1.00
Caster: 6.45
Total Toe: 0.00

Rear:
Camber: -2.00
Total Toe: 0.20

 

I think what you have will work just fine

Maybe a tiny bit of front toe in (0.06" total) would help keep the tire wear even.

 

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport have a good rain rating but have never experienced them.

Not seen any reported fitment problems with those size tires with OEM wheels at stock ride height and didn't pay attention to problems on lowered cars or with bling wheels.

"CR" spec uses 215/45 front and 255/40 rear and is what I'm running at this time at stock suspension height. I questioned what 225 front would do to the steering -- the answer appears to be "that depends." I may move to the 225 front when I replace the current tires. I need to verify when my tires were manufactured as they'll probably age out before I wear them out.

-- Chuck

 

pretty sure I went with like max stock camber at -2.5ish up front and -2.2ish in the rear with 1/8th toe in at the back and 0 toe in front. feels great but I plan to do an occasional trackway

 

The Conti ECS has great grip, I'm sure..but the sidewalls are soft.

You might do better for steering feel with something else.

The Falken Azenis RT615K+ makes a surprisingly good street tire.

 

This is a great idea. I am not the most savvy when it comes to alignment specs, so just want to make sure doing this isn't going to exacerbate the AP1's snap oversteer somehow will it?

I have also been doing a bit more research on tires (including the RT615K+) and the soft sidewalls on the Continental EC Sport was something that has had me slightly hesitant for awhile, and I think now I am leaning more towards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Or rather I may wait just a bit until the 5S comes out, which according to articles is on March 1. It is being said the 5S improves over the 4S in responsiveness, grip in dry and improvement in wet.

 

For steering feel, I'd go with a 2 ply sidewall tire. NOTHING WRONG with the Michelin. Its an excellent tire for long, smooth service with a ton of grip. I really liked the MPSS on my friend's S2000.

But if driving feel is more important, then a 2 ply tire...even one with less grip...will be more fun.

The AP1's oversteer tendency is blown way out of proportion. No, your alignment spec isn't going to cause you to drive into a ditch. BUT...it also won't save you from driving into a ditch.

Just don't drive like you want to crash it. I know that sounds condescending. But ....every crashed AP1 was driven by someone who was....well...driving it to crash it.