Dedicated track tire for 18x10 recommendations

[spiller]

Bumping this one up there.

I'm looking at some track wheels for my S550 GT and Apex EC-7 seem to fit the bill. I wish to run R-Compound so will be going with 18inch. R888, NT01 and Yokohama A050, I have tried them all and A050 are the best by a mile (unfortunately not available for you guys in the States). They only do 295/35 or 265/35.

Would a 265/35 be too narrow for a 10 inch wheel on the S550? The 295/35 should fit nicely on an 18x11 but I'd prefer to go that wide to keep costs down. In any case, what sort of camber is required to get the 18x11 to fit under the fenders?

Running 3.55 final drive so the slightly shorter sidewall will work in my favour.

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[Pablo GT350]

I think 265's on the front are too narrow for a S550 track car. R888 seems like a much better value than the Yoko.

 

[spiller]

I think 265's on the front are too narrow for a S550 track car. R888 seems like a much better value than the Yoko.

Yokohamas are 1.5-2 seconds per lap quicker than the R888 so worth the money if going as fast as possible is your goal. I may settle on the NT01 as they do a 275/40/18. This sizing should work well as a square set up?

 

[ddozier]

Yokohamas are 1.5-2 seconds per lap quicker than the R888 so worth the money if going as fast as possible is your goal. I may settle on the NT01 as they do a 275/40/18. This sizing should work well as a square set up?

So would a 305 square in the NT01, but the 275 square will do on the track as well. However a 275 will limit front end grip and wear much faster in the front than the rear. Proper rotation will extend tire life and maximize value of any set of tires.

You can also look at the R888R as it is a very close cousin to the NT01 since the new shoulder design was implemented.

Personally for HPDE work you will be hard pressed to find a better value than the NT01, there are faster tires but you will pay more and they will not last like an NT01. The tire will run very consistent up to the time you cord them. Having the alignment dialed in and rotation front to rear is key to a lot of use from a set. PS....NT01 like a lot of camber, but use a pyro as you may be working the tire harder than others and need more camber than someone else.

Dave

 

[spiller]

So would a 305 square in the NT01, but the 275 square will do on the track as well. However a 275 will limit front end grip and wear much faster in the front than the rear. Proper rotation will extend tire life and maximize value of any set of tires.

You can also look at the R888R as it is a very close cousin to the NT01 since the new shoulder design was implemented.

Personally for HPDE work you will be hard pressed to find a better value than the NT01, there are faster tires but you will pay more and they will not last like an NT01. The tire will run very consistent up to the time you cord them. Having the alignment dialed in and rotation front to rear is key to a lot of use from a set. PS....NT01 like a lot of camber, but use a pyro as you may be working the tire harder than others and need more camber than someone else.

Dave

The 305/35 is difficult to get in Australia. I agree, the NT01 are excellent value for money. Not the fastest out there and the sidewalls do roll over a bit but if you keep the pressures in spec it's all good. I had a set on my GT3 and just could not wear them out. My alignment will have to be a bit of a compromise given the car is my DD. I can't see myself running more than 2.5 degrees in the front which is not ideal with an R-Compound but it will still be better than running a summer tire.

 

[Norm Peterson]

265/35 tires are measured on 9.5" wide wheels and are generally listed for fitment on wheel widths out to 10.5". They'll be fine on 10" wide wheels.

265's are entirely do-able on track, but not optimal. FWIW, I was running 255/45-18's for about my first ten events (on 18x9.5 wheels).


I'm afraid I can't help you with your 18x11 question directly. But offsets and strut-side clearances will also matter, and I can tell you that 2mm wheel to strut clearance should be enough. Might need a little more clearance at the tire.


Norm

 

[sldghmr]

OEM Suspension or Aftermarket?
FRPP Track handling pack M-FR3A-M8

Coilovers or springs?
Struts and springs

Are you running camber plates or camber bolts to achieve your settings?
MM camber plates

Are you running the EC-7 10" +43 Wheel?
Yes

What size and brand tire do you have that clears?
Toyo RR 275/35/18 with spacers on front (absolutely needed)

Dave

There ya go....

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