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Well, while I'm waiting for my 2009 C2S that I purchased to arrive in Colorado I'm contemplating what I need to do with it.
I would like to get a set of track tires that will replace the snow tires that are mounted on the 18" rims that are there now.
Any recommendations for what sizes I need and tire?
I'm looking for something that I can drive to the track and back and that will last longer than a weekend.
The rest of the time it will be on 19" wheels and MPS's.
If you're experienced, go for the NITTO O1's on a set of 18" rims. They're street legal, but barely. Seem to have a great durability and don't heat cycle out like some others. You might get better responses on the DE forum. I prefer to just run on street tires myself and so I'm running the Yokohama AD08R's as my only tire. Fairly decent street tire, a bit noisy, but also fairly competent on the track. At least for my level.
I'm looking for something that I can drive to the track and back and that will last longer than a weekend.
I put Bridgestone RE-11s on my GTS for this same purpose. They are not R compound but are considered "Extreme Performance Summer" by Tire Rack's rating system. I only have one track day on them so far as they went on in the fall right before I put the car away for the winter. I thought they were great at the track; excellent grip, very progressive and responsive. I have my first track day of the year in two weeks so I'll get a better sense what the wear characteristics are looking like. On the road, they are not noticeably louder or more harsh than the OEM RE050A these replaced.
Thanks for the feedback!
I'm an experienced driver, but have been away from it for a few years. So perhaps the Nitto's might be a good choice.
What size would you put on 18" rims?
I have a 200C2S. For the track, I use 18" with 9 or. 9.5 in the front and 12s in the back. Love the set up. I got the wheels with toyo 888s on it and they have been great. In general people swear by the NT 01s for street legal track duty.
For dedicated track wheels get Nitto NT01. Waste of money to get Re11 or AD08R on dedicated track wheels. The latter two are great for both street and track but just get R compound for track. Note that the NT01 do have some road noise and drone on the highway. Again, no big deal if just track tires.
If you have an instructor then start with steer tires
Finish what you have and move on to AD08s. When you get experience with Solo Group then move to NT01s with 245/305 tires based on 18" 9x12" set up from CCW, Forgelines, or other reputable forged rims. OZs are great too.
Ok, thanks for the help. For way of background I have had competition licenses with SCCA (formula ford) and NASA (spec e-30), was a group leader for NASA and have been an instructor for NASA, PCA, BMWCCA and ACCNA.
Looking to stay on street tires as I've sold my tire trailer that I towed behind my 993 and my 28' enclosed trailer that I put my race car in. Trying to keep it simple this time and not go back down the rabbit hole of chasing a tenth here and a tenth there! I'll put my Traqmate in and just try to improve myself, better my times and try not to worry about being slower or faster than anyone else. We'll see how long that lasts, kind of like Trump trying to not insult anyone.
Thanks again.
Given your experience, I'd probably opt for the AD08R's for a year to get familiar with the car and get yourself back into the swing of things. They'll keep you happy for a year and when they wear out, you can upgrade for the Nittos. My buddy runs the Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Spec on his 996 on 18" rims and they're nice too. If you're running Pilot Sport 2's. They are pretty competent street tires on track but wear fast and are pricey. You might also look into Pilot Spot Cup 2's. Alot of the gt3 guys are running those. Again, great tire but pricey.
You sound like an experienced driver. Don't waste expensive street tires on the track. R compound in 245/305 will make you happy. If it's not a long or wet drive to the track.
If you are ok with a 2nd set of wheels and swapping before driving to/from/at the track (and compromised street characteristics for that drive), NT01 on 18" as others have said. If you want to stick with street tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 approximate NT01 grip levels but are better for wet track and street driving. The don't last as long and are expensive, however. The Pilot Super Sports are excellent, but I found them to chunk and wear the shoulders quickly when driven at a good pace. Others around here like the AD08R for this purpose, but I don't have personal experience. YMMV of course. Enjoy the ride, it's a great vehicle!
Given the OP's experience level, the pilot super sports won't work. They overheat and the shoulders are too soft to bleed down for adequate pressure increases.
04-24-2016, 11:23 AM
Track tires
