What track tires to go with?
What track tires to go with?
I am running stock enkies(17 by 8) on my evo for road track racing and need real world info on dot tires to choose from. Either in a 245/40/17 or 255/40/17 size. Which size and tire do you guys run and how do they react. I.E when cold and hot. What pressures do you run. All real world info(not opinions) would be much appreciated.
Either will work fine, though technically 255's are too wide for the stock wheel. I've run 255/40/17 and 245/45/17. I like the 245/45/17 because they have a bit bigger perimeter which is better for the track I frequent. I've run Toyo RA1's (not on an Evo), R888's, and Nitto NT01's (current tire). All worked well.
There are lots of threads on track tires & sizes. Search.
There are lots of threads on track tires & sizes. Search.
They are only track tires. DOT track tires is what I'm after. I have 7 track days under my belt on street tires and now I'm after some track only tires. Budget is $500-$1000 for the tires. I am not ready for Hoosiers yet as they don't have any warning before loosing traction. I need a tire that will warn me a little bit before they let go.
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Evolving Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 2
From: Portland, OR
I am running stock enkies(17 by 8) on my evo for road track racing and need real world info on dot tires to choose from. Either in a 245/40/17 or 255/40/17 size. Which size and tire do you guys run and how do they react. I.E when cold and hot. What pressures do you run. All real world info(not opinions) would be much appreciated.
Another tire choice for your stock rims is the Advan AD08 because they come in the stock size of 235/45 - 17. This is my rain tire. In Portland we get some pretty wet track days and having a rain tire is important. I haven't run my NT01s wet yet but my buddy who drives an Audi RS4 leaves his NT01s on in the rain and he has plenty of grip. NT01s have some tread so they will outperform any slick in the wet but the AD08 pattern works well in a downpour.
NT01s will grip well cold and handle reasonable heat.
Discount / America tire will sell you a set of NT01 for ~ $800.
As for tire pressure start with 35 cold then measure when hot. Keep under 42lb when measured hot till you know what works best for you.
+1 on the NT01 in 255/40-17 but consider getting a wider wheel. Tirerack will sell you a set of TR motorsport 17x9 wheels for under $700. Enkei RPF1 in 17x8.5 are nice too and only weigh 16 lb each, but cost $1100 for the set.
Another tire choice for your stock rims is the Advan AD08 because they come in the stock size of 235/45 - 17. This is my rain tire. In Portland we get some pretty wet track days and having a rain tire is important. I haven't run my NT01s wet yet but my buddy who drives an Audi RS4 leaves his NT01s on in the rain and he has plenty of grip. NT01s have some tread so they will outperform any slick in the wet but the AD08 pattern works well in a downpour.
NT01s will grip well cold and handle reasonable heat.
Discount / America tire will sell you a set of NT01 for ~ $800.
As for tire pressure start with 35 cold then measure when hot. Keep under 42lb when measured hot till you know what works best for you.
Another tire choice for your stock rims is the Advan AD08 because they come in the stock size of 235/45 - 17. This is my rain tire. In Portland we get some pretty wet track days and having a rain tire is important. I haven't run my NT01s wet yet but my buddy who drives an Audi RS4 leaves his NT01s on in the rain and he has plenty of grip. NT01s have some tread so they will outperform any slick in the wet but the AD08 pattern works well in a downpour.
NT01s will grip well cold and handle reasonable heat.
Discount / America tire will sell you a set of NT01 for ~ $800.
As for tire pressure start with 35 cold then measure when hot. Keep under 42lb when measured hot till you know what works best for you.
Thanks for the great info! This is exactly what I was looking for.
