Wheels and tyres

[911tom]

Having got out in the atom yesterday it has made me think that I should use it more. I'm not worried about cold weather but will avoid extreme cold due to ice and salt on the roads. However yesterday and indeed today are perfect days for this time of year. All the rain we have had has cleaned the roads of salt etc. However all though it is clear skies now there is still a lot of water on the roads. This is making me think I could do with another set of wheels for winter / wet use.

I currently have team dynamics fitted to the car with with 195/50 R15 on the front and 225/45 ZR16 on the back. Tyres are Toyo R888's. These seem fairly good on dry roads, especially when they warm up a bit. However on wet or even damp roads it all becomes quite terrifying!

Where can I buy another set of wheels? Most companies seem to sell the same size wheels in sets of 4. I need two 15" wheels and two 16" wheels. If there are better options (lighter etc) than my current wheels I could make the new wheels my summer wheels and the old ones could be for wet tyres...

So questions are;

- What are deemed to be the best choice of wheels for the atom (I have alcons all round)?
- Where can I buy them from?
- What tyres will preform best on wet roads whilst still be fairly capable in the dry? I am thinking maybe Yoko AD08R...

What do we all think of my yoko R888's? Could I choose something better when these need replacing?

Thanks in advanced chaps 

[smokin]

- What are deemed to be the best choice of wheels for the atom (I have alcons all round)?

Dymags are, imho, the best - but pricey. I have a set of these Rota's and they're good value but the need for a spacer puts some off.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rota-Slipstream-Alloy-Wheels-for-Ariel-Atom-available-with-Yokohama-AD08R-Tyres-/231888959072?var=&hash=item35fda8b660mFRnU2OqYnc8Rf6ZB5MUXxA

- Where can I buy them from?

Factory for the dymags, ebay or see here for rota http://www.atomclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,15521.120.html

- What tyres will preform best on wet roads whilst still be fairly capable in the dry? I am thinking maybe Yoko AD08R...

I run AD08R in the winter and they're ok - see here http://www.atomclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,11993.msg245245.html#msg245245

What do we all think of my yoko R888's? Could I choose something better when these need replacing?

Subject of much discussion, forum search your best bet initially. Personally, A048R for me or A050 for track (not road legal - only tried them on Ginetta). Nankang have some interesting options too

[911tom]

Thanks all great advice!

Would you say my team dynamics are better used as my summer set over the rota slipstreams?

Out of interest how much would a set of dymags cost?

[smokin]

Best give the factory a call on the Dymags - the factory still do magnesium wheels but not sure if they're branded differently since the firm went under. Never run the TDs so can't help there either but no complaints about the Rotas

[phil4]

I've two sets of TD's, black ones with A048-R for the summer, and Silver with AD08R for the winter.

Dymags as mentioned are a pricey options, but with the weight saving, a good thing.

I believe with the 3.5R Ariel started to look at Kumho v700. I'm not clear on what they recommend today however.

[911tom]

A set of Rota's with AD08r's now on order... Weather looks good this weekend fingers crossed they'll arrive in time 

[smokin]

I trust you remembered to select the 'spacer required' option 

[911tom]

Yes I did! Just had an email to say they have been dispactched and will be delivered tomorrow!

[911tom]

Can anyone tell me the correct torque setting for the wheels?

[CAS983]

Handbook says 96

[smokin]

useful list of torque settings here http://www.atomclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,4111.0.html

[wasp]

I believe with the 3.5R Ariel started to look at Kumho v700. I'm not clear on what they recommend today however.

Mine is in for a service next month and on Rookie's advice I'm having a set of these fitted.

I used to run R888's which I liked a lot but the rears were only lasting 3 track days on my old 2.
I'm currently using A048's which I'm happy with and seem to last a little longer but take another lap on track to get fully up to heat.
Everyone (all 2 of them) that i know have tried the Kumho's seem to say that they are very, very grippy and last well too!

Cheers,
Stu

[911tom]

useful list of torque settings here http://www.atomclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,4111.0.html

Very handy! Print out, laminate, stick on wall in garage 

[reg]

Tom, we used to have a laminated card about the size of a playing card with torque figures in BSB, all the mechanics had their own tool kits with them, along with various drivers pre-set for the regularly used things.

Regarding tyres I have 888's; soft front, medium rear. They're better now I have dropped the pressures right down but still take a while to warm up. For the road I don't think the fronts are soft enough? After doing some digging I was told that there used to be a supersoft which worked very well, it's no longer made.

AO48's are well regarded by many owners, I am looking at these and the V700 next. The only question I have is if the V700's are readily available in standard rear widths as the 3.5R uses a wider tyre/mudguard. The good thing about the Atom is you aren't going to be stuck with any set of tyres for that long 

[wasp]

I am looking at these and the V700 next. The only question I have is if the V700's are readily available in standard rear widths as the 3.5R uses a wider tyre/mudguard.

Yup, they are available from the Factory in both widths for the rear

Cheers,
Stu