Petevb

I'm looking for a tire for ultimate dry lap times. The rules of the event state:

"Cars must run on mass-produced, readily available DOT-approved TBA tires with highway-legal (2/32 of an inch) tread depth (no shaving permitted). Corsa series, R-rated tires, any tires with a manufacturers wear-rating of less than 140 or tires intended for autocross style competition are specifically banned."

The car is a 500+ hp 944 turbo, probably running 275 or 285 18s on the front and 335 18s on the rear. Wear is not an issue, and wet traction is not a priority.

Tires that crossed my mind:

Michelin Pilot Sport 2
BFG G force KD
The new Michelins (?) from the Carrera GT

Of course I don't know if any of these are going to be available in the required sizes by April or so next year (the sooner the better). Anyone have any idea? Is there something else we should be looking at?

Matt H

Pete - where did they get those rules? UTQG (treadwear being a part) CANNOT be compared from one manufacturer to the next. Each manufacturer rates their own product and those markings are only to be used when comparing tires of similar design within a manufacturers line-up. I.e. Michelin's 140 rating may be someone elses 220. I am sure you have no power to change the rules but that rule is flawed by design. An example would be Michelin Pilot Sport (BTW, I dont know if these rating are accurate or not they are just for display) UTQG 150 AA A. Michelin Pilot Sport AS UTQG 230 A A. In this scenario ALL you can say *regarding treadwear) is that the Pilot Sport A/S "should" last longer if used in exactly the same manner.

There is not a lot to choose from in those sizes (esp) the rear. I would think the Pilot Sport would be fine.
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tdf360

I see a lot of autocrossers using the dirt-cheap Falken Azenis, and they swear it is the fastest non-R compound tire available. Don't know if they have a size that would work for you, but it is quite a tire, especially for the money.

Gary

RS'd '73S

S-03's work surprisingly "OK" and hold up at high temps .........

Viken

The Carrera GT tires are also the Michelin Pilot Sport 2's as found on the GT3 and '04 GT2's. This tire carries a treadwear rating of 220. If this figure is anything to compare the outgoing Pilot Sport's same number, this is an awesome tire. The PS2 sticks like glue compared to any other maximum performance street tire I've driven this side of a BFG g-Force T/A KD. The PS2 will be available in additional sizes after the first of the year.

The following are the sizes already available in Europe:

David Floyd

Pete,

I can't help with the tires, but I would like to here about your car, pretty please.

tdf360

Hey Viken -

Got any prices to go with that chart? Is this tire available in the US?

Gary

Viken

This is all that's available in the US for right now:

Michelin Pilot Sport 2

Petevb

Thanks for the input guys. It looks like the 335ish rears are going to give me the real problem, perhaps limiting me to PZeros, Pilot Sport 1s and Goodyear eagle F1s. I thought that as a Viper OE size there would be more selection. I’m going to ask some contacts what Pilot Sport 2 sizes are going to be available by April next year; I’ll post if I learn anything.

David- no car details yet. At some point...

dmilzoff

Viken
What is the difference between the 'Y' and 'Y XL' ratings? Which would be preferrable for use as a dedicated DE events tire?

Viken

Well, "Y" is the speed rating on all the tires. But, I don't know what "XL" means. I can only guess something like extra load or whatever. Not sure if it makes any difference. The PS2 sizes for my GT3 do not have this XL thing.

Steve Lavigne

Wow! If that thing is reliable and has a properly torqued nut behind the wheel, it should be a ringer for 2004 OTC T2.

User 462021

XL does stand for 'extra load'

for car tires, you will also see 'reinforced' which basicly means the same thing...

its the same tire but the 'load index' is going to be higher

lets say you have a cayenne, you would want the 'XL' or 'reinforced' tires because they can carry the load properly

dmilzoff

I have a 2003 Turbo with stock 18" wheels. It takes 225/40 and 295/30. Both of these sizes are only available in the XL. It doesn't seem to make sense that I would use 'extra load' tires for a 996TT. ?

Viken

Actually, only the 225/40 has an "XL" rating. It doesn't make any difference whether or not there is an XL. It has nothing to do with the weight of the car.