Josh Salvage and I tested out a new set of BFG R1-S tires recently and loved them. So much so that he txt'd RJones from the event and told him they needed these tires :-p

It was a small turnout event, so as a 2-driver car we had a total of 10 runs back-to-back. They never got close to overheating (though that means in cooler environments we'll really need to keep the tires wrapped). Turn in felt a little crisper than on the A6 and the overall grip was pretty awesome. The wear on the tires post event almost looked negligible. Makes me wish I bought a couple sets when they were $200/tire.

Oh, and just if anyone wanted to see it, here's a 285/30-18 A6 vs a 265/35-18 R1-S (I can't fit a 285 R1-S in the rear yet, so I went 265). Both tires are mounted on an 18x10.5 rim.

 

Hey I loved the BFG's too. But I encourage everyone to do back to back testing. There is no doubt that the BFG's hold up immensely better than the A6's. So we will probably run them at pros or abrasive surfaces.

 

P.S. Here are a few pics from the event on Sunday. These shot are with the hoosiers on if anyone cares. Me behind the wheel.

http://channelzphoto.smugmug.com/Car...1353&k=vBbKGLH

http://channelzphoto.smugmug.com/Car...1419&k=6jVHLhB

http://channelzphoto.smugmug.com/Car...1507&k=cD7WfWc

 

On your test you said you used brand new BFGs, Ive heard they need a heat cycle before seeing max grip just like the Kumho's. Have you ran the new set a 2nd day?

 

Yeah, I mentioned in the last update.

 

So many rumors about heat cycling so I'm still on the fence. ...... usually I simply put them on with the stickers use one lap to scrub off the release agent then go ***** to the wall hoping for maximum grip.

My time attack is on Monday and I'll be hitting a lapping day on Saturday so I could heat cycle them but I'm not sure that will help or hurt the grip. I know it should make the tire last longer but I really want maximum grip.

 

Jeff, our Time Attack is a Standing Start, so I would strongly recommend at least getting one heat cycle on the tires before your first run. Throw the R1S's on for a session on Saturday, do 3 laps, 1st lap very easy, 2nd lap maybe 7.5/10ths, than one more cool down lap.

 

Been watching this thread, but what I don't know is if the pressure ratings are applicable for the R1's as well. First time running BFG's, so what do they like to see when hot? (considering 80F ambient)

 

So, I got a set of 275/35/18 mounted on RPF-1, thinking all would be fine...BUT clearance issues everywhere, and I didn't think that extra inch of overall diameter (compared to 280/30/18) would cause this much issue....

For the record, my old setup was fine, so I am very surprised the clearance issue is this big.
Old setup:
Wheels: 18 x 9.5 +35mm (5Zigen FN01R-C)
Front spacer: 15mm
Rear spacer: None
Suspension: Ohlins PCV
Tire: 285/30/18 Kumho V710

New setup:
Wheels: 18 x 9.5 +38mm
Front spacer: 23mm
Rear spacer: 3mm
Suspension: Ohlins PCV
Tire: 275/35/18 BFG R1-S

Issues I have:

Fronts:
When the steering wheel is turned, the tires are hitting the bumper and the fender area by the side skirts. I am not sure caster adjustment will help as it is hitting both front and back of the front tires.

I know most of you are running 20mm, and maybe this is the reason why I am hitting the bumper and fender when turning. However, if 20mm is run, there may be clearance issue on the suspension. It is very very close as it sits.

Rears:
With the 3mm spacer, the tires are still pushing against the trailing arms. I assume you guys are running at least 5mm spacer and have to heck away the rear fenders to clear?

This is a major bummer as I was planning to run my first event this year on Sunday.

Any suggestion is very much appreciated! Otherwise, may need to switch back to V710

 

My fronts are 18x10.5 +15 (plus a 10mm spacer). As for your front bumper, you could try pulling out caster. Or just dremel away some space if bumpers are unlimited in your class.

My rears are 18x9.5 +38(plus a 5mm spacer). The rear still rubs just a lil on the trailing arm, but I'm over it.. I think a +30 in the rear would be the way to go though.

 

I am guessing you are talking about Evo X for that setup, correct?

Unfortunately, caster won't help as I am hitting both front and rear.....

 

He's talking about an Evo 9.

I plan on running the 285s with 18x10.5 +30 front and rear (w/ 25mm spacer in front). I'm a little worried about the front though because I'm at over 6 degrees of caster and I'm close with Hoosiers already.

 

I really want to see how your fenders look like fitting those 285 and on 10.5 wheels......there must be some serious pulling and cutting.

 

Well here's what it looks like now w/ 285 Hoosiers

 

Thanks.

What's your wheel spec on the rear? I see you have a fair amount of pull.

I am running 18x9.5 with +35 offset, running on Kumho V710, but no pull at all, just a roll at the back. I don't believe the A6 in 285 is wider than the V710.