the kumho V730 (new) and the nexen nfera sur4g (or something like that!) may also be choices. the maxxis VR1 isn't as fast in the dry but i hear it wears well and is good in the rain. The hankook rs4 is not quite as fast nor as good in rain, but it wears like iron.

 

Thank you all. It sounds like since my vehicle has the mid pipe on it, I need to move up to STX? Or is that a deal where nobody cares if I race CS since I’m a newbie anyway?

Plenty of good tire brand suggestions above, so I’ll see what’s available and the price.

Also Hufflepuff wrote that I probably want to switch from 19” to 18” or even 17”. No problem there, I don’t really care what it looks like. So IF I stay CS I’m under the understanding I can’t change tire/rim size, is that correct? And what about if I step up to STX?

Probably not my last question...but do rim brands really matter? I want something that will hold up but also don’t want to be paying for some “cool” name on the rims. I’m seeing $150 rims out there that look pretty good. I’ll probably be ordering everything online but would rather pay more now for something that will last.

 

If you're a newbie racing locally, no will typically get hot to trot over classing. If you're in the wrong class and trophy at an event, though, you could be messing up someone's season points and that's not cool.

STX still requires a converter, no cat puts you in DSP.

You're allowed to move 1" up or down on wheel diameter and +/- 7mm on the offset, but you can't change width. STX allows (I believe) 9" wheels.

Cheap wheels usually aren't lightweight - they make up for cheaper, lower-strength materials and processes by adding more material, so you get heavy wheels. That being said, if you find a wheel you like you can usually

 

Sounds like I need to start shopping for 18” wheels and something around a 225/45 tire. I’ve got lots of tire brand suggestions above. What’s a few good bang-for-the-buck wheel brands? I’m ready to order this stuff.

 

in stock class you’ll want 245 or wider tires

 

Best $/lb you can find, as long as it's a decent brand and not a knock off lacking certification(s). wheel weight usually makes a difference in handling and performance, lighter is better. and it makes it easier on the back when swapping wheels!!

 

https://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazd...t/61-1430.html

$200 and under 20lb/wheel.

https://www.bbwheelsonline.com/enkei...87-880-6550bk/

$190, 21.5lbs

https://amzn.to/3dSCnGR

$168, 21.5lbs

https://amzn.to/3sWyvZE

$138 each, but about 24.5lbs

 

the old 18x8 SSR Comp-C wheels were around 16 lbs each if you can find a set still