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What are the best performance tires now?

Bluemustang

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I've been out of the game for awhile... wondering what are the best performance tires out there? I am running Bridgestone RE71R right now (I switched back for the dry summer days). These tires are discontinued, which sucks because they are amazing for what they are designed for. I am aware of the Falken RT660, but they seem like an inferior knockoff of the RE71R.

For somewhat practical summer tires, the Michelin PS4S might still be king, but if we're talking extreme performance summer/street able track tires is there a better one out there? I'm curious what the new, hot tire is.
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Michelin is still the king in my book. Of course some Mickey Thompson drag radials might be great if you don`t see a lot of rain šŸ˜‚
 

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I've been out of the game for awhile... wondering what are the best performance tires out there? I am running Bridgestone RE71R right now (I switched back for the dry summer days). These tires are discontinued, which sucks because they are amazing for what they are designed for. I am aware of the Falken RT660, but they seem like an inferior knockoff of the RE71R.

For somewhat practical summer tires, the Michelin PS4S might still be king, but if we're talking extreme performance summer/street able track tires is there a better one out there? I'm curious what the new, hot tire is.
There is a new version of the RE71R, which is the RE71RS. Just came out in the states this month. I haven't tried them yet. I'm currently trying out the new Continental Extreme Contact Force tires...so far I have 3 hours of road course abuse on them and they have been great. Going to try the 71RS next and decide which one to stick with from there.
 

m3incorp

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When you say track....hmmm do you mean a road course or a drag strip....makes a difference. For road course, the Michelin Cup 2's are good...just be aware, they wear really fast.
 

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I ran BFG Rivals last weekend at VIR. I was pleased with their performance.

Iā€™m hoping they come out with those RE71RSs in a 305/35/19 or 305/30/19. Would like to try them.
 

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Been running the squared GoodYear SuperCar3ā€™s on roadcourse, as recommended by many on this board. So far, so good. Plan on trying the Cup2ā€™s next.
 
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Bluemustang

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There is a new version of the RE71R, which is the RE71RS. Just came out in the states this month. I haven't tried them yet. I'm currently trying out the new Continental Extreme Contact Force tires...so far I have 3 hours of road course abuse on them and they have been great. Going to try the 71RS next and decide which one to stick with from there.
Yes I just saw that! I asked and Bridgestone answered.
 
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Bluemustang

Bluemustang

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When you say track....hmmm do you mean a road course or a drag strip....makes a difference. For road course, the Michelin Cup 2's are good...just be aware, they wear really fast.
Yes I am aware. I should have mentioned road course. I look for handling tires not drag focused tires. Sorry about that.
 

Cheo

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I run both the RT660 (305 and 315) and the Yoko A052 in factory 265 square, prefer the A052 for the feel but unfortunately very size limited in 19".
 

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Bluemustang

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I run both the RT660 (305 and 315) and the Yoko A052 in factory 265 square, prefer the A052 for the feel but unfortunately very size limited in 19".
How did you like RT660? What did you like about the feel of the A052?
 

Cheo

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How did you like RT660? What did you like about the feel of the A052?
Tons of grip on both tires, at my level they are both equally fast. The A052 lets you know its limits earlier than the RT660, so I prefer to know when I'm approaching max earlier. It also heats up fast and grip is available right away. The feedback from the RT660 is a little later, good in heat but I've heard they will lose grip fast (extended use). I haven't worn them down yet so can't comment on which lasts longer (I only autox). Obviously running wider is my preference and the RT660 is available in those sizes.
 

Cory S

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There is no best tire. It's all dependent on what you intend do do with it......
 

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The RT660 is not a knock off of the Bridgestone, it's an improvement. On larger cars like Mustangs (or Camaros, newer BMWs, etc), they wear better than the RE71R, a touch quicker lap times, and seem to resist overheating a bit longer. The sizing options for 19" wheels is fantastic too. As with some other tires, they do run quite wide for their advertised size. I would do 275s on a 10" wheel and 295 or 305 on 11". Their 315s belong on 11.5" wide wheels at a minimum, personally I run their 315 on a 12.5" wheel on my Corvette.

For street use, the Michelin PS4S is still king. But it leaves so much to be desired once you hit the track.

Kumho V730 and Nankang CRS are two other great performance tires with solid 19" selection. The CRS is similar to RT660 and A052 performance wise, while the V730 is just slightly "slower" but seems to be a bit more durable.
 

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Kumho V730 and Nankang CRS are two other great performance tires with solid 19" selection.
but do they survive lapping? The problem with A052 and RE71 is they are one-lap heros and go off really fast. Or can only be lapped in wet conditions
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