I've decided to do a series of upgrades on my Evo IX to get it to the next level on the AutoX course.

I'm planning on KW coilovers, camber plates, pillow ball mounts, roll-bars, bushings. Following with an alignment to suit the R-Comps and corner balancing.

Currently I have the factory BBS SE rims with worn but usable Dunlop Star Spec Z1s, and a set of Kosei T1-KS 17" with Blizzaks with plenty of tread left. I want to mount R-Comps on the Kosei T1s.

As I see it I have three options:
Kumho Ecsta V710 - 245/45 ~ $1000
Hankook Ventus Z214 - 245/40 ~ $850
Hoosier A6 - 245/40 ~ $1200

I'm leaning towards the economy option, but what would sway me to spend more would be durability. I try to do about 1 event a month (or more) they are two day events. There are about 6 or so left this season. I would love to be able to store them in December and use them the following season. Is that reasonable? (assuming I store them properly)

Would the 45 sidewall on the Ecstas make any difference?

 

The 245/45 v710 would have the advantage of a slightly taller 2nd gear top speed. But the Hoosier A6 is clearly the fastest DOT r-compound tire today. On a 60 second course, the A6 should beat the v710 or Z214 by at least .5 sec, all other things being equal.

 

There is also the BFG R1-s which is as far as I can tell as quick as the A6 or close too it, but more tolerant of heat cycles.

The Z214s work great but I feel 245s are too small for an evo on that tire. They don't like to be overheated, one time cooking them killed a set of mine after 50-60 runs. Bad enough that they were toast, completely unusable and seconds slower than my rain set of BFG K-DW's.

The 245 V710's can take a lot more heat and you'll be building a lot on the front. They also have the best overall feel of all the tires. So learning to drive R-comps without the squeal you get from street tires is much easier. A6s feel numb in comparison. I've gotten more than 100 runs out of a set and would probably had more but after a winter in the garage they turned to rocks.

The A6's are great, for about 30runs on an evo (a car that's really hard on tires). Then they still work pretty good for the next 30 runs, then start falling off more. Eventually they'll fall off a cliff and/or chord.

 

You might have just sold me on V710s. I'm still a fairly inexperienced driver, so better feel is probably going to help me out. I will be able to store them in my basement over the winter (shouldn't drop below 50 degrees).

In terms of tire size, I'm staying stockish because I don't want to deal with fitment issues and fender mods this round. When these tires are done and if I'm in a financial spot where I can, I'll buy lightweight wheels (18x10 ish), high end R-Comps and modify the fenders to a good fit. Just not enough cash for that right now.

 

Good choice

 

I would suggest look at local autox forums and maybe pick up a slightly used set for cheap so you can at least get some runs in and not do a total investment

 

The Kumho's would be a great bang for the buck fun tire and one that will allow you to learn w/out spending the cost on Hoosiers. Once you get a bit more comfortable and competitive then moving into the Hoosier may be worth it. I would also suggest having them heat cycled to add a touch more life.

 

+1 Definitely look for these tires on the local auto-x forums. You never know who will be willing to sell their tires for whatever reason.

Also I would recommend storing r-compounds in a sealed bag. I had a set I left in the garage open to the environment and they hardened because I didn't use them for six months. The good thing was that they were almost used up anyway.

 

Second sealing them in bag but it would be better if the tires were warmer than 50F.

You can use tire conditioners like formula V but results vary. check with your local autox section for legality and results. Talk to the formula 500 guys.

Also you might follow up on the second hand ones that have good life still as an economy approach...

 

No luck finding these locally... So I'll buy them new from Tire-Rack. Storage shouldn't be a problem.

For the Kumho V710s - Do I want the rounded shoulder or the square shoulder?

 

Sounds like I want the rounded shoulder so I don't need extreme camber to get the most out of the tires. I'll still be driving on street tires to AutoX events.