I did post this in the wheel and tire forum, but I think this forum moves quicker.

Just got the car (86' 951) and it came with two sets of wheels. BBS E26 that will be run a majority of the time and a set of 996 stock wheels that I will most likely use for winter storage on the car. The car will be used for mostly weekend drives and maybe an occasional autocross or DE event. I'm looking for a good tire that will last, but also give me plenty of grip for track type stuff and back road driving. I need to replace the tires soon, so the ones available are as follows:

Bridgestone Potenza RE71RS
Continental Extreme Contact Force
Hancook Ventus R-S4
Toyo Proxes R1R
Falken Azenis rt615k+
Falken Azenis rt660

Kind of leaning towards the Hancooks at the moment because of the possibility of driving in wet conditions here in CT but any help would be greatly appreciated. Tire sizes are 225/45/17 on the fronts and 255/40/17 on the rears

 

Look into the Yoko AD08-R too.

 

bit more than what I wanted to spend for tires, thats why I did not include them in my list. but thanks

 

You're welcome. My friends ran these tires on their 944s in DE and Club Racing at Road America. They were very fast drivers and have class wins and track records.

 

I run the 200 TW version of these and have been happy with them. They're sold out in your sizes now, but run a 50% off sale a couple times a year. You'd be at just under $400 for 4 tires with free shipping.

https://tirestreets.com/products/acc...31336942207034

 

I ran the RE71RS on my old e30, they have lots of grip and a stiff sidewall. Unfortunately they are pretty harsh on the street and have lots of road noise. Great tire for auto-x/track days.

 

I am running the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500XL Ultra High Performance Summers in 245R/45/17 F and 275R/40/17 Rear …they have a 300 tread wear rating and well rated.

 

+1 on the Firestone Firehawk Indy.
Underrated and very reasonably priced.

 

Another overlooked budget option are Riken Raptors. I just put a set on in the same sizes you mentioned and I've been impressed so far. Grippy, quiet, smooth break away. Around $400 shipped from Tire Rack.

 

Coopers have performed great on mild track
but the hankooks are a great tire

 

Ended up going with the Bridgestone RE71RS

 

Excellent choice.
Careful in colder temps. And wet, even more.
Those wheels look great, pics once mounted.

 

FYI - watch the E26 cast mag centers closely when using on the track. They can crack thru the spokes and from the lug nut holes. I've had it happen to some of mine.

 

I was told by BBS that the e26 were aluminum centers. Regardless, the wheels will get a thorough go through once the old tires are removed