ninjabones

I'm looking for track tires (Narrow body, RS ride height, JIC comps at 8/11, camber -1.8, on 8x18 & 8/10 BBS RS-GTs). I'm not yet ready for r-compounds (still on the steep part of the learning curve and need the feedback from higher slip angles). Will have two wheel sets, so streetability/noise or rain performance is not necessarily important.

Looking for max grip, reasonable longevity, and predictability/consistency through the widest range of conditions (i.e., not too finicky with regard to tire pressures, temps, etc). Narrowed the field down to the following (in current order of preference):

1. Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 (seam to have gotten the best feedback on this forum and on tirerack, in terms of the best track tires short of r-compounds)
2. Michelin PS2 (seams that this forum is partial to Michelin tires, but I've read a few complaints about consistency and isolated quality issues)
3. Kumho Ecsta MX (nice and cheap, but little feedback regarding track use)

I'd be interested to hear feedback and whether the Kumhos would be worth a shot since they're so cheap. Since track-dedicated, what's the feeling about having them shaved to 6 or 4/32"?

Martin S.

tirerack.com has a tire comparison feature. You select X number of tires and cross compare them feature by feature.

Bill51sdr

I wouldn't rule out the Falken Azenis RT-615 if they make it in the size you need.

Stealth 993

Yoko Advan Ao32 are great!
Why not S03's?

Really you can get a Toyo R1a's they last a while, so don't Kumho V700 or the other like rubber form both of them.

MetalSolid

ADVAN Neova AD07. The range of pressure you can run them at on the street is vast. They're not as quiet as the PS2, and probably won't last as long, but have better grip and much better handling.

Paddy

Advan Yoko A032 have been discontinued for quite some time.

I'd stick w/ a PS2, but I've also had good luck w/ Toyo TR1 tires on the track. If you're a track noob any of the rubber you mentioned will be fine. I know a bunch of Mazda guys who run The Kumho MX tires and love them for their price and grip.

ninjabones

Thanks for the feedback. Prices from Tirerack are as folows:

Kumhos - $626
Yokos - $1130

VNTGSPD

+1 Slightly less grip than the Yoko Neova but nearly half price. Work well on the track and street but do ride a bit rough.

BTW, check the classifieds as there is a nice deal on the Yoko's. I'd have already bought them but I working toward getting my other Autox/track car going and it does not use 18's.

ninjabones

Okay, so I imagine the difference for me is not worth $500 for the Yokos over the Kumhos. Also, the Kumho Ecsta MXs are available in the slightly wider 235/275 versions whereas the Yoko Advan Neovas are only available in 225/265. I did see the Yoko tires in the classified section, but didn't think it was a screaming deal on tires with 50% tread left (especially given the Yokohama's product description of the more finicky rubber compound).

Anyone think I'll have any issues running 235/275 on my NB car (susp. specs in first post) over the stock 225/265 sizes? I was able to squeeze 245/295 PS2s in there that came with the used wheels with no real issue up front, but a bit too close for comfort in the rear without rolling the fenders (just shy of 1 cm clearance at the top/outside edge of the wheel to the inside fender lip)

pu911rsr

Glen,
Keep in mind not all tires with the same size stamped on sidewall are really same size. I have Run the Falkens, good on the track for about 15 minutes.
Phil

icelatte

I tracked the MXs on my subaru for a season and half. Great grip and cheap. Downsides were road noise (but you don't care), softer sidewall compared to something like the azenis, and they got greasy in hot weather at the end of the session. Mind you, this is on a care that's probably 4-500lb heavier.

I replaced them with Dunlop super sport race. Better grip but still gave plenty of predictable feedback at the limit. I still scour ebay and craigslists looking for lightly used sets since they're not made anymore.

MX sizes run truer than the Azenis which are a bit wider for the same size.

Droops83

Bridgestone Potenza RE-01Rs are about the best tire for the money out there right now. They are cleaning house in stock auto-x classes right now. I have no 993 experience w/ them, but I have them on my 951 and they are great. Did only one track day so far, but they gripped really well for a street tire, warmed up quickly and didn't get too greasy. They are nice on the street as well, not very noisy, have pretty stiff sidewalls for good steering feel and I thought they were GREAT in the wet during the monsoon rains we had in SoCal a couple weeks back. They are 140 treadwear rating so they should last reasonably compared to R-compounds, but I just got mine last month and only 1 track day, sop we'll see. My boss has them on his '87 911 and likes them as well.

I have heard some people bitching that the RE-01Rs are a couple pounds heavier than some competitors tires, but I'd sacrifice a couple pounds in unsprung weight for good feel, predictable breakaway and the best all around tire for the money. Remember, unsprung weight is probably the most important in auto-x and look at all the guys running these in street class. Grassroots Motorsports magazine has good tire comparisons, look them up.

FLYT993

You shouldn't have problems with the 235/275...couple of guys here run those with no issues, and I'm planning on that combo on my next set.

mooty

A032 is a R compound.
you want "short" of R compound, the PS2 really is your best bet.
AD07 isn't in the same legue, so are So2 and S03.

Adrienne

I've run two sets of Kumho MX, for street and track. The MX can't be beat for all-around value. At the track they are very predictable and give great feedback, but as stated earlier, they can get greasy. However, you can cool them back off pretty easily and get them back. As they age they increasingly tramline.