Track Tire Options

[ChipG]

Hi All,

I know there are tons of track tire threads around here and TMO, and they all seem to point different directions. I'm wearing through the OEM SC2s (on the stock wheels) and with more upcoming track days need to find a new set of dedicated track tires. Looking for input on my final options here.

Vehicle: 2020 GT350, only meaningful non-stock items are to manage alignment (camber plates, camber bolts, camber arms, toe links).
Wheels: 19" x 11.5" square/rotatable
Driver: a couple of track days in this car under my belt, going to the track about once per month. For "how hard" I drive, I ran 1:45 at Barber in this car with a street alignment on SC2s, so still relatively inexperienced but pushing.
Tracks: Road Atlanta, Barber, NCM, Nashville, Memphis
Use: Will be used only for track days, including driving to/from the track (so no slicks)

Options:

315/30R19 (ideal size)
SC2s @ $419
RT660s @ $294

325/30R19
Eagle F1 Supercar 3R @ $433
Eagle F1 Supercar 3 @ $375

305/30R19
Eagle F1 Supercar 3R @ $382 (SC3 costs MORE in this size, so no point)

So, thoughts? How big a dropoff with the RT660? Should I be looking at 325 or 305 in the SC3s?

Thanks in advance for all input.

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[jmn444]

IMO the SC3 is the best mix between life and grip.

 

[ChipG]

IMO the SC3 is the best mix between life and grip.

Not having used them before, do they run wider or narrower than SC2s? Since they aren't available in 315 for my 11.5" wheels, I'm not sure whether 325 would have too much sidewall bulge and slop in response (and potential to rub) or whether 305s would be too stretched...

 

[jmn444]

Not having used them before, do they run wider or narrower than SC2s? Since they aren't available in 315 for my 11.5" wheels, I'm not sure whether 325 would have too much sidewall bulge and slop in response (and potential to rub) or whether 305s would be too stretched...

i run 305 on 11's so not sure. i haven't had cup 2's and sc3 at the same time to know that answer. The R version of cup 2's though are significantly better than the non-r versions btw.

 

[ChipG]

i run 305 on 11's so not sure. i haven't had cup 2's and sc3 at the same time to know that answer. The R version of cup 2's though are significantly better than the non-r versions btw.

Understood. Are you talking about the R version of the SC3s as well?

 

[jmn444]

I've tried the SC3R as well, and liked it, but I value the extra laps you can get out of the SC3 more.

Hard to balance the desire to drop time with being economical sometimes!

 

[ChipG]

I've tried the SC3R as well, and liked it, but I value the extra laps you can get out of the SC3 more.

Hard to balance the desire to drop time with being economical sometimes!

True story! While it's easy to convince myself to not go with slicks as I have plenty of time to find in my driving, it's a little tougher to think about switching to a slower tire even though the same logic applies. Any experience with the RT660?

 

[jmn444]

True story! While it's easy to convince myself to not go with slicks as I have plenty of time to find in my driving, it's a little tougher to think about switching to a slower tire even though the same logic applies. Any experience with the RT660?

no, 95% sure that's more of an autocross tire, so will (I assume) wear quick on a heavy car and possibly get greasy with too much heat. guessing lap 2 would be amazing though haha

 

[jmn444]

that said, i've used re71r and gotten 6 days out of them, but it was during cooler weather and mostly on a less agressive track.

 

[jvandy50]

my SC3R that came on my car were toast before i ever made it to a trackday, they lasted only 4k miles on the street(but are apparently the tits for track use). i used the MP4S for the last 2 trackdays and am ready to step up to a better tire, but have to also realize i drive mine on the street alot...pretty sure the SC3 will be next for me

 

[ChipG]

my SC3R that came on my car were toast before i ever made it to a trackday, they lasted only 4k miles on the street(but are apparently the tits for track use). i used the MP4S for the last 2 trackdays and am ready to step up to a better tire, but have to also realize i drive mine on the street alot...pretty sure the SC3 will be next for me

I have separate street tires, but still would like to get some life out of track tires - they're quite expensive!

 

[BierGut]

Hard to balance the desire to drop time with being economical sometimes!

Truer words have never been spoken...

 

[ICU812]

Track tire compounds don't last long on the street, if you are tracking the car that much, maybe a small car dolly, and tow it, swap the rears at the track.

 

[ChipG]

Track tire compounds don't last long on the street, if you are tracking the car that much, maybe a small car dolly, and tow it, swap the rears at the track.

I have a trailer and tow rig that I'll use starting next season (getting a garage built and the lift is currently on the trailer).

 

[brokenblinker]

I plan on getting to a track day or two later this year. Are track tires necessary just to go fast? Or for other purposes?

The previous owner put on some Hankook Ventus v12 evo2 I think. What are the main things I'd be losing out on at the track. Is it just lap times?

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