need to pick new r compounds

[ted dibiase]

I jumped on the discounted v710 bandwagon earlier this year and got 4 225/45/17 r compounds for $320. Since then I have used up the 2 front tires and I'm now addicted to the grip. Tire Rack has new v710s on back order, so that isn't an option.

My car is trailered to and from HPDEs and I drive it to local auto x events. This year I will do 2 more HPDEs and 4-5 more auto-x events.

Which R compound would you recommend? They seem to be all about the same price, although I would really like it if this set of tires lasts me the rest of the year.

My options:

BF Goodrich g-Force R1
Hankook Ventus Z214
Hoosier A6 or R6
or maybe some other r compound that isn't sold on Tire Rack

Thanks for the help.

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[mug23]

Since you are only doing HPDE's I would get whatever is cheapest. If it was a time trail or any other competing event, then you need to look into what the fastest guy is running.

[coolblue05]

A048's, enough said

[nickrice20]

Just pick up some used racing tires for cheap. It is the way to go for the non-sponsored weekend warrior. If you have the money to blow I would recommend the Ventus I have heard nothing but good things from the guys I race with.

Here is a link to the cheap used tires:
http://store.bimmerworld.com/contine...sed-p1380.aspx


I run the used Continental tires on my race car and they work excellent and will last while. I was told by the race team that I had bought these from that they will last about 9 hours of on track time before they are really toast.

[alcoolaid]

r888?
nt01?

[Patrick Olsen]

Take a look in the Motorsports Classifieds for the guy selling used R-comps. I haven't picked up any myself, but I know a few people who have, and that's probably what I'll do for my next set. They're lightly used (a couple/few heat cycles) and significantly cheaper than brand new tires.

If you decide to go new, it's tough to beat the pricing on the NT01s through Discount Tire Direct. They're not the grippiest of R-compounds, and would definitely not be up to par with the V710s in the auto-x realm, but I've run them on track on my CTS-V and been very happy with them. Much better bang for the buck than the R-888s.

For a little bit more per tire I shifted to the Z214s (C51 compound) on my CTS-V. Quite a bit more grip and seem to wear reasonably well. I read here or on some other forum that the difference between the C51 (medium) and C71 (soft) compounds really isn't that big, so the Z214s in the C51 compound would do well on track for you and should do pretty well at auto-x, too.

Originally Posted by coolblue05

A048's, enough said

Seriously?

Pat Olsen

[katsimbris]

I second the recommendations on the Nitto NT01. I found the sidewall a bit softer than the Pirelli PZero Corsas I used to own (they discontinued the tire in the size I was looking for), but a great buy.

Mike K

[BlueSTI4Me]

Third on a used set of Nitto NT01's. I bought a used set that lasted for 5 HPDE's. Good enough for my use and added to my R-comp addiction.

[cucamelsmd15]

Originally Posted by alcoolaid

r888?

Not only no, but HELL no. You would be better off buying a hot summer tire before you bought those pieces of ****.

If speed isnt your ultimate goal (i.e. you mentioned HPDE and I dont know how competitive you are at autoX) you could:

1. Pick up gently used Continental race tires that Nick mentioned (which are really just re-badged Hooser R6's)
2. Buy a fresh set of NT-01 or RA-1s and run them until they cord. They are fastest right before they cord, so the grip/speed lasts a long time.

A set of Nittos may get you through your remaining events. Hoosiers/Continentals may not.

[07LegGT]

+1 on the Nittos

[sureshot007]

Buy whatever is cheap. If you are addicted to the grip of a 225, then you really won't notice the difference too much between brands.

[Robin2]

nittos are pretty good... liking them so far.... it's not A6/V710 but durable. Better than R888's in the dry...

[coolblue05]

Originally Posted by Patrick Olsen

Seriously?

Pat Olsen

Why would you be confused? The A048 is an excellent r comp tire with lots of grip. Short of a full slick hoosier R6, the A048 is a great choice! I have used several sets of A048's, all with great success at the track.

[joshuaj]

I run Hoosier R6s in 275 width and the grip is great but even with a lot of tire they are fragile (easy to cord).
I ran BFG R1s last season and while not quite as grippy they last forever. Ran them at all the NW tracks, NorCal and Reno. Fernley is hell on tires and I did 2 events there, 1 at Thunder Hill and another at ORP on the same set. Granted they cycled out at the last event but you can't ask for much more out of a tire. I drove several hours to track events on them regularly too. They will cycle out before wearing out.
The season prior to that I ran R888s and T1s. T1s are better as noted above but I didn't think the R888 was too bad

[Robin2]

A048? never had them but only person who i knew who liked them are Lotus / miata owners.... cause light cars.

[rjrutzky]

Originally Posted by coolblue05

Why would you be confused? The A048 is an excellent r comp tire with lots of grip. Short of a full slick hoosier R6, the A048 is a great choice! I have used several sets of A048's, all with great success at the track.

same price as hoosier/less grip than hoosier makes me say too

[cucamelsmd15]

Originally Posted by rjrutzky

same price as hoosier/less grip than hoosier makes me say too

Uh, in 205/50/15, you can get the purple crack for $172 if you shop around, vs 220 for the A048. But Im just as as you.