HPDE tire experts, get in here!

[kkakonn]

Hey all,

Been researching this topic to death preparing for the arrival for my new wheels. Currently running 20" and will be dropping down to 18x10.5 square. My main goal is a tire for HPDE however am weighing the options of going to an R-comp. I feel like I want to progress the correct way, currently on street tires. Now i'm looking for something in-between that and an R-comp, preferably in the 140-200 treadwear rating. Is there any reason to do so or just go for the full race compound tire. Here's what I'm deciding between.

BFG Rival - 295/35
BFG Rival S - 315/30 (I'm worried about the tires being to short, 3.73 gears and don't want to shift anymore than I have to. Also worried they may be too 'bulgy' on a 10.5")
NT01 or R888 - 305/35/18 (This is the ideal size I want to run however, R-comp =/)

Would love to hear some feedback and opinions. Thanks again guys

-Mike

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[Trackaholic]

I run R888's on my 350Z on a separate set of wheels . They are 245/40-18. Not my favorite tire, but still good. They last a long time for me, have decent grip, and I can run them @ full tread depth without issue. Price is decent as well. I actually am using them for a street tire right now because they are almost brand new and have more tread than my usual street tires (which are corded and need to be replaced). They work fine in the wet, but I take extreme care when passing through standing water (I'm in Northern CA and installed them just before some storms last week).

The R888 in my size does make a loud whining noise. Not sure if that happens on all sizes or is just a factor of the size I am running combined with the tread pattern.

Many years ago I used Kumho Ecsta V700's, which apparently were an import from Europe and are no longer available in my size (or at all, really). They were quieter and had better grip, but maybe didn't last as long. I'd still be using those if they were available.

One thing I like about the r-comps is the large tread blocks seems to be less likely to break apart like some street tires. Also, they often work better at the higher temps that track use brings. I've not yet used a full slick, but that's because I need to change tires at my house and drive to the track on my r-comps. I therefore try and use something with at least a bit of tread, although by the end of their life they are pretty much slicks anyway.

-T

 

[C7 B8]

I ran 275/35 Rivals on 18x10s square. Are you sure they make 295s? Those weren't available last I checked. My car is set up to run up to 305s. I liked the shorter tire and its a great tire at warm/hot tracks. Rival S should be even better.

I run 275/40 RE11s now. On the track, they don't feel as quick and sticky as the Rivals. For to-and-from the track, the car looks better and more acceptable to live with on taller 40 series. RE71s should be much better but nothing out in my size.

No experience with R compound but I think the NT01 and R888 are quite popular with my R-running friends.

 

[scottdb1]

If you have PP I don't think the 18's will fit over your front brakes .

 

[C7 B8]

If you have PP I don't think the 18's will fit over your front brakes .

On my '11 PP, they clear the brakes. But depends on wheels. Tire width you can run depends on your offset and suspension set up. I run Forgestars, coilovers and camber plates.

edit: for '15 PP with 6-pot calibers.....you are probably right. I haven't read up on tuner test fitting wheels.

 

[kkakonn]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

The 295/35 combo is only available on the Rival, not the Rival S.

There are a handful of 18s that will fit.
Hre ff15
Forgestar cf5
Any of the ccw corsair series

 

[Grimace427]

If you have PP I don't think the 18's will fit over your front brakes .

There are a few 18" wheels that fit the 15" Brembos including the Forgestar CF5 and a few HRE models.

 

[Budwise]

I'd also look at the RE71R's and RE11's. RE71R's are supposed to be the bees knees but like the Rivals are not the greatest dual duty tire. I personally can't afford a set of track tires and street tires so I went to the middle of the road with the RE11's which are also 200 treadwear just like the RE71R's but apparently last a bit longer and handle the wet a little better.

 

[C7 B8]

Agree with Budwise. Rivals are crap in the wet. Main reason I went to RE11s when I moved to the NW.

 

[jdub.csu]

re71R won't last but a few sessions for HPDE...

 

[dontlifttoshift]

That's from experience?

 

[Brent Dalton]

Unless you are competing and need to go as fast as possible, I would stick with the street tire as long as possible. You can still try to push the limits of adhesion and the car with a street tire. R Compounds can also mask mistakes. I don't know your driving background or experience, but in a new car it can also be good to learn the car a little more before moving to an R compound. RE71 or something similar as others have suggested. They are all pretty close these days (and sticky compared to street tires a few years ago). Plus they'll last longer than an r compound and save you some money.

 

[kkakonn]

Unless you are competing and need to go as fast as possible, I would stick with the street tire as long as possible. You can still try to push the limits of adhesion and the car with a street tire. R Compounds can also mask mistakes. I don't know your driving background or experience, but in a new car it can also be good to learn the car a little more before moving to an R compound. RE71 or something similar as others have suggested. They are all pretty close these days (and sticky compared to street tires a few years ago). Plus they'll last longer than an r compound and save you some money.

I completely agree with this, which is why I was trying to avoid going to an Rcomp. I'm not trying to smash any course records or anything like that. And I am still learning the car. Problem is there is a lack of tires in the 200, sub 200 treadware category. The Invos I currently have are not doing too great on the track, constantly trying to break loose and squealing on the tiniest turns. Ive looked at both the RE71 and RE11 and unfortunately the widest they are available are 275/35 and 285/30. On a 10.5" wheel I would like to maximize what I can get. I know stuffing a 315 is probably useless, but at least a 305, 295. The Rivals might be the best option i'm finding in those sizes.

 

[Cloak]

subscribed.

i am also concerned about the tire diameter with 3.73 gearings. looking at 285/35r19(26.9) all around, but thats almost an inch shorter than the 27.7"pp tires (275/40r19)

One thing I found interesting, is that the boss 302 had 3.73 gears , and it came with 285/35r19 rear tires from the factory.

 

[Anthony@HTM]

Why not go with Hankook RS3s?

285/35 all around

I've done 3 trackdays on this setup and it has plenty of grip.

I was on Hankook slicks and Toyo RA1s in the past and did not like it.

Street tire ftw in my opinion

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