Wheels… and tires!
Last night I went to Mercer Island to meet James. He’s the guy who has the wheels I decided to buy. They have tires already on them, some used Kumho Extsa or something like that. The wheels are too wide for autocross per ST1 regulations, but I can use them when I’m not autocrossing. James has a really nice looking black ‘93 900T with 16″ Aero wheels, little lowered, tinted windows, smoked rear lenses… really cool. I think he was a little surprised I’m competing in a non-turbo car, but he agreed that for $800 it’s a bargain. He was asking $150 for the wheels, but he didn’t want me to pay him yet. He said to wait until I decide whether I like the wheels before I pay him. OK with me.
Today Discount Tire called. The race tires came in, Falken Azenis RT-615 in 205/50-15. They promised less than an hour turnaround, so I used an hour about 1:45 to run up there. I was home at 2:30! Looking at the tires makes me glad I’ve got Jame’s wheels/tires to drive on when not on the autocross course. I’d say they’re maximized for dry grip. The car actually looks a little silly with the tires on, but I guess I’m just used to looking at those big rubber doughnuts that it has been on since I bought it.
There is a practice on Sunday (rescheduled from Satureday) but I’ve already committed myself to work on the car instead of practice this weekend. The long-put-off coolant flush/thermostat/hose replacement has to happen. I’ll have to wait for the next practice, which hopefully wont’ be too far off.
