Ok, so after my autoX school and 3 events, I probably have about another 2-3 events left on the stock tires. I'm not too sure if I want to get another set of Advans due to the cost. I've been looking into some more budget priced alternatives but wanted some opinions and/or suggestions.
Kumho MX's, used them on my celica and loved them but I've yet to hear from anyone racing the EVO on them.
Falken 615's - new tire, probably not much data but worth a shot.
And here is the one I've really got my eye on, the new Hankooks that are supposed to be comparable to the Azenis. They dont make a 245/40 or 235/45 but they DO make a 235/40....I'd heard that they had sidewalls a bit on the spongy side compared to the Azenis, but would the shorter profile help this out? I will probably end up with these tires, but just wanted some feedback first. The price is REALLY nice, I found them for 104$ a corner so even if they are like 6-7/10ths the tire the Advans are, I'll be happy. After this season is over its onto ESP or SM with Hoosiers....but we're talking about this year lol

 

With the 615's just coming out, you can get the older 215 Azeni's for a good price. I just did my whole car for @450. Love them, this is set number 2, and I will stick with them for a while, or until the price goes up.

The sidewall is so critical on the turn-in, I wasn't willing to compromise, much, so I did the Azenis.

 

If the only thing keeping you from A046 tires is the cost, maybe you can find some used ones... Someone with a non-competition Evo is probably going to replace their A046s while they still have autocross life left in them. Availability might be an issue, but cost shouldn't be. Last October, I offered my original A046 tires for $60 for the set -- they were at the wear bars, but still some life left for autoX.

But if you're heading to full R compounds next year, you could buy a set of A046s for full retail price, which will help to get you accustomed to the high cost of competitive R compounds.

 

I race the 245/45/17 Hankooks in STU in Milwaukee and really like them. I know there are many posts on this before (some where I talk more about them).

 

I have two sets of wheels. One set w/ the stock Yoko's and one set w/ Kuhmo MX's. I'm not good enough yet to tell any significant differences. I'm faster on the MX's but I suspect that has more to do w/ 4 classes and nearly a year worth of events.

When the yoko's finally die I'll replace them with another set of MX's

 

get some RT-615s in a 255 40 17 size if your allowed to run that big... They are AMAZING TIRES! Here is a good thread.
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=142215

i got mine from discount tire i believe it was.
Dave

 

Avon Tech has their "R" series that is DOT approved R compound.... some groups are saying they're ok for non-R compound classes. Don't know what the SCCA rules would be for sure. Frisbyracetire.com has them IIRC.

The Azenis 615s are supposed to rule and I love my Sports, so either would be another good option.

 

STU on an AWD car maxes out at 245 width. And you cannot run R compound tires. They go by the tread ware rating. I'm not sure what value you have to have but I think it has to be 180 or above. Yoko's are exactly 180 I believe.

 

From the rule book: "Tires must have a minimum tread wear rating of 140."

 

the advantages of actually reading the rules......