Need suggestions for tires on ACR Wheels for a 13 GTS

[SKETCHN]

Hello everyone! Long time lurker, first post. So excited to finally join your ranks!

I got my 2013 Viper GTS back in April, and acquired some ACR wheels for it. Just not sure which tires to get...
The idea is to make the Viper equivalent of a "GT3 Touring".

My concern is the 295/25R19 Kumho front tire will be too thin for daily street use. Our roads are garbage in Detroit. And the thin sidewall might look funny on a GTS, without all the dramatic aero of the ACR. Not sure. Also, are these too sticky/aggressive for the street?

Alternatively, going up to a 30 sidewall tire (Michelin) makes me think it could also look funny, raising the front end a bit too much with the larger OD.
Perhaps this can be compensated for by using a lowering cap on the front? Currently at factory ride height...

Figured this would be something the community can help me with... Anyone have pics of a similar setup? Or recommendations?

Thanks,

Ren

[Aevus]

Garbage roads here too, and I run the 355-30-19 Kumho ACR but not the matching front 295 (gen 3 wheels), it's very decent for street use, much better than say Pirelli Trofeo R or similar... But then again you need to find a solution for the front or go with a full matching set (Conti? Michelin?)

[Lawineer]

Why would the 30 series look odd? It looks fine on the GTS.

I wouldn't worry about the 25 series tire though. It's a strong wheel.

I'm not sure I'd want either of those tires on the street though. They'll wear fast and for no benefit other than grip you won't (or at least shouldn't) be using on the street. If you're driving harder than something like a pilot sport or Corsa can handle on the street, you need to chill out before you kill someone.

[SKETCHN]

With the larger 19” front wheel, and the same 30 sidewall, the new setup would grow in overall diameter. So I’d imagine it would pitch the nose up slightly compared to how it is currently sitting on the factory 18” setup. That’s why I was hoping someone would have pictures of a similar setup. I could be mistaken.

[Hawk]

You could get a set of OEM Venom wheels ,they are the same style but 18” fronts. You do not have to worry about clearance on the rotors(if they are still the original ones) and you would have more choices in front tires . I don’t suppose you have SW2 wheels that you want to sell? I have a set of new venoms that I’m going to sell if I can find some used sidewinders
Dennis

[SKETCHN]

I’ve got venom wheels currently. Thanks though.
Love the aggressive look of the ACR wheels. Just need to settle on a tire.

[ViperGeorge]

Hello everyone! Long time lurker, first post. So excited to finally join your ranks!

I got my 2013 Viper GTS back in April, and acquired some ACR wheels for it. Just not sure which tires to get...
The idea is to make the Viper equivalent of a "GT3 Touring".

My concern is the 295/25R19 Kumho front tire will be too thin for daily street use. Our roads are garbage in Detroit. And the thin sidewall might look funny on a GTS, without all the dramatic aero of the ACR. Not sure. Also, are these too sticky/aggressive for the street?

Alternatively, going up to a 30 sidewall tire (Michelin) makes me think it could also look funny, raising the front end a bit too much with the larger OD.
Perhaps this can be compensated for by using a lowering cap on the front? Currently at factory ride height...

Figured this would be something the community can help me with... Anyone have pics of a similar setup? Or recommendations?

Thanks,

Ren

The Kumho 295/25/19 is virtually the same diameter as a 295/30/18 Pirelli PZero or Corsa that would have come on your car. So it shouldn't look odd. I suspect they went with a 25 profile in the 19" Kumho ACR tire to keep the front to rear tire ratios the same as compared to a non-ACR car. On the other hand a 295/30/19 will be taller than a stock Pirelli front tire. This could cause a problem with traction control, stability control, and ABS. There have been cases of problems with these systems when the ratio of tire diameters front to rear vary by more than maybe 5% to stock. When the problem occurs the traction system keeps intervening because it believes one axle is slipping relative to the other. You could shut it off but there will still be an impact on ABS for the same reason but you can't shut ABS off. The Kumhos are a great tire but could be a little sketchy in the rain, if you were to get caught in a sudden storm.

I might also suggest the Venom wheel in 18" front and 19" rear as they look like ACR wheels, are lighter, and give you more front tire choices that are about the same diameter to the stock Pirellis.

[Martin]

Anyone tried the Pilot Sport 4S tires? I'm still running original Kumho tires (very low mileage, but past their expiration date) and I'm curious about the Michelins. They come in ACR sizes, and they look like they could handle some rainy weather if I ever had to get out of my place in the rain. Not excited about the looks, but if the performance is OK, and they're at least as stout as the Kumho tires, they look pretty good on paper.

[ViperGeorge]

Anyone tried the Pilot Sport 4S tires? I'm still running original Kumho tires (very low mileage, but past their expiration date) and I'm curious about the Michelins. They come in ACR sizes, and they look like they could handle some rainy weather if I ever had to get out of my place in the rain. Not excited about the looks, but if the performance is OK, and they're at least as stout as the Kumho tires, they look pretty good on paper.

I ran the 4S on One Lap but in 18/19" wheels. Liked them. What do they have in 19" for the front if using an ACR wheel?

Tirerack only has the Kumho in a 25 series tire, no 4S. Don't know if a 30 series 4S on a 19" rim would cause problems with the traction, stability, and ABS though. If you run 18/19 then the 4S is a great tire!

[GTS Dean]

If your roads are garbage - full of expansion joints and potholes - I would recommend a smaller wheel diameter and/or a taller sidewall tire. This will help protect the rims from damage. Tires are typically a LOT cheaper to replace than rims. Wider tires are more prone to camber thrust, or tram-lining and punctures from debris. It's OK to be practical.

[Fastbusy]

The 4S is available in the correct sizing for a 19/19" ACR wheel combo. We will have an ACR running them on track in July so I can let you know what they say...

[ViperGeorge]

If your roads are garbage - full of expansion joints and potholes - I would recommend a smaller wheel diameter and/or a taller sidewall tire. This will help protect the rims from damage. Tires are typically a LOT cheaper to replace than rims. Wider tires are more prone to camber thrust, or tram-lining and punctures from debris. It's OK to be practical.

True enough. The OEM ACR rims are stupid strong and heavy though. When they were developing the ACR they were cracking rims due to the extreme downforce the car generates. For this reason they went with a much stronger rim. Advice from an SRT engineer for those running non-ACR rims on an ACR that is tracked is to periodically check rims for cracks.

[Martin]

I ran the 4S on One Lap but in 18/19" wheels. Liked them. What do they have in 19" for the front if using an ACR wheel?

Tirerack only has the Kumho in a 25 series tire, no 4S. Don't know if a 30 series 4S on a 19" rim would cause problems with the traction, stability, and ABS though. If you run 18/19 then the 4S is a great tire!

I believe Michelin just released them in the proper ACR size. They're expensive, though... In any event, it's good to have an option going forward. I can't imagine Kumho making the ACR specific tire forever.

[ViperGeorge]

I believe Michelin just released them in the proper ACR size. They're expensive, though... In any event, it's good to have an option going forward. I can't imagine Kumho making the ACR specific tire forever.

You are correct! Michelin now lists the 4S in 295/25/19. I'm sure JonB at Partsrack can get them for a good price.

[stradman]

Anyone tried the Pilot Sport 4S tires? I'm still running original Kumho tires (very low mileage, but past their expiration date) and I'm curious about the Michelins. They come in ACR sizes, and they look like they could handle some rainy weather if I ever had to get out of my place in the rain. Not excited about the looks, but if the performance is OK, and they're at least as stout as the Kumho tires, they look pretty good on paper.

Yes just got a set. Will be trialling them at the Ring mid July.

[Aevus]

Anyone tried the Pilot Sport 4S tires? I'm still running original Kumho tires (very low mileage, but past their expiration date) and I'm curious about the Michelins. They come in ACR sizes, and they look like they could handle some rainy weather if I ever had to get out of my place in the rain. Not excited about the looks, but if the performance is OK, and they're at least as stout as the Kumho tires, they look pretty good on paper.

Michelin 4S is not in the same performance category as the Kumho ACR (300 vs 200 TW) but without a doubt an excellent street-only tire. It would be my first choice if I didnt want ultimate grip and steering feel.

Look at that test by TR, it's pretty good in all aspects:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=270

[stradman]

Michelin 4S is not in the same performance category as the Kumho ACR (300 vs 200 TW) but without a doubt an excellent street-only tire. It would be my first choice if I didnt want ultimate grip and steering feel.

Look at that test by TR, it's pretty good in all aspects:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=270

I wouldn't read too much into the TR of each manufacturer and directly extrapolate performance ability. Its much more complicated than that . Nonetheless I wouldn't expect the 4s's to have similar ultimate dry grip to the Kumhos. However I'm pretty sure I will be able to drive to the Nurburgring from London( a 6 hour road trip) in whatever conditions, and then easily do 2 full track days at the Ring and then be able to drive back comfortably back to London-again in any conditions without worry. Sure they might be say 10 or even 15 seconds slower around the Ring but should still I reckon do a 7 minute BTG time, should the circumstances allow-which would be extremely respectable. Of course if it rains or is damp then I could still do my track days with the 4s's, whereas with the Kumhos it would be zero chance And that overall would be a success in my mind!

[jwalk]

Heres my GTS Targa with Kumhos on black chrome ACR wheels. IMG_5533.jpg

[Aevus]

I wouldn't read too much into the TR of each manufacturer and directly extrapolate performance ability. Its much more complicated than that . Nonetheless I wouldn't expect the 4s's to have similar ultimate dry grip to the Kumhos. However I'm pretty sure I will be able to drive to the Nurburgring from London( a 6 hour road trip) in whatever conditions, and then easily do 2 full track days at the Ring and then be able to drive back comfortably back to London-again in any conditions without worry. Sure they might be say 10 or even 15 seconds slower around the Ring but should still I reckon do a 7 minute BTG time, should the circumstances allow-which would be extremely respectable. Of course if it rains or is damp then I could still do my track days with the 4s's, whereas with the Kumhos it would be zero chance And that overall would be a success in my mind!

My experience with the Kumho is limited to the rear 355, however it's on par with the Pirelli Trofeo R and Michelin Cup 2 (non-R) if not better. I ran the 3 on what is the first F1 track in Canada built in the 60's, on different cars, and the Kumho -at least on the rear- are just amazing, for streetable tires. Also far less dangerous than Trofeo R and deliver constant performance when wear starts to hit, unlike the Cup 2. To sum it up: best streetable tire I ever had, on any car.

But then again, if you plan 6 hours trips with possible rain, etc... Yeah, obviously, the Michelin 4S (or Conti, or whatever max/extreme summer tire) will be a better choice. It's clearly a compromise. In fact, even the Kumho is a compromise compared to Hoosier! It all depends of what you seek

[Aevus]

The Kumho 295/25/19 is virtually the same diameter as a 295/30/18 Pirelli PZero or Corsa that would have come on your car. So it shouldn't look odd. I suspect they went with a 25 profile in the 19" Kumho ACR tire to keep the front to rear tire ratios the same as compared to a non-ACR car.

Kumho 295-25-19 is 24.9'' in OD.

It's too small IMO. Poor choice from the designers/engineers. The fact that it exploded in the record attempt at the Ring makes me even more suspicious about the front Kumho... Probably not enough air volume, combined with the constant high-speed vibration and shocks on the thin sidewall+hyper rigid wheels = catastrophic failure.

I run 18 wheels on the front with 295-35-18 and I'm very happy with it. Thats 26.2'' OD, a huge 1.3'' difference. Granted, it's not a solution for a Gen 5 but 24.9'' is less than optimal to my eyes, even for street use only,. (isnt the ride harsh?? whats is the front spring rating on a GTS or ACR??)

[stradman]

My experience with the Kumho is limited to the rear 355, however it's on par with the Pirelli Trofeo R and Michelin Cup 2 (non-R) if not better. I ran the 3 on what is the first F1 track in Canada built in the 60's, on different cars, and the Kumho -at least on the rear- are just amazing, for streetable tires. Also far less dangerous than Trofeo R and deliver constant performance when wear starts to hit, unlike the Cup 2. To sum it up: best streetable tire I ever had, on any car.

But then again, if you plan 6 hours trips with possible rain, etc... Yeah, obviously, the Michelin 4S (or Conti, or whatever max/extreme summer tire) will be a better choice. It's clearly a compromise. In fact, even the Kumho is a compromise compared to Hoosier! It all depends of what you seek

Agree on most points although the ACR Kumhos are extremely sticky and more on par with the Cup2R. In fact the PS4's are not that far off the regular Cup 2 Michelins in term of absolute track time by most accounts. Sure feedback is superior in the Cup 2's but in terms of the stopwatch not a huge difference.

[ViperGeorge]

Kumho 295-25-19 is 24.9'' in OD.

It's too small IMO. Poor choice from the designers/engineers. The fact that it exploded in the record attempt at the Ring makes me even more suspicious about the front Kumho... Probably not enough air volume, combined with the constant high-speed vibration and shocks on the thin sidewall+hyper rigid wheels = catastrophic failure.

I run 18 wheels on the front with 295-35-18 and I'm very happy with it. Thats 26.2'' OD, a huge 1.3'' difference. Granted, it's not a solution for a Gen 5 but 24.9'' is less than optimal to my eyes, even for street use only,. (isnt the ride harsh?? whats is the front spring rating on a GTS or ACR??)

And a 295/30/18 Michelin 4S or an original equipment 295/30/18 Pirelli PZero or Corsa (The PZero came standard on non-ACR, TAs got Corsas) are 25" in diameter. A diameter difference of 0.10 of an inch difference between the 295/25/19 Kumho and the 295/30/18 cannot be noticed.

Running a taller 295/35/18 on the front could cause some cars to have Traction/ESC/ABS issues. Not all cars seem to have the problem but my 15 TA 2.0 didn't like the size difference. In addition you will change the rake of the car, not good if you ever track it.

[Hamrhead]

Pilot Sport 4S 355 rear 295 front.


Viper5-5-22#1.jpg

[ViperGeorge]

Pilot Sport 4S 355 rear 295 front.


Viper5-5-22#1.jpg

Good looking car. I assume that since you have SWIIs that the fronts are 295/30/18.

[Hamrhead]

Yes Sir.