sydneyACE

I'm looking for a tire to pull street and track-day duty. I was considering the PS2, I have always run PS2's on my bike and love them. (I know that bike and car tires are quite a bit different, but if they share the same quality...)

Anyways, I think the PS2's are gonna end up being too expensive for me. I'd also consider a DOT "race" tire (like the Sport Cup) if the life wasn't significantly shorter (since the're about the same price anyway).

So here are my questions;
What is a quality, inexpensive tire that would be good on the street and pull track duty as well? Where can I get the best price on these tires? Is the life span of a DOT "race" tire significantly shorter?

Also, I'm looking for advice on tire size selections as well. Which sizes are a good match for good balance while on the track?

Front:
245/40-17
255/40-17
265/40-17

255/35-18
265/35-18

Rear:
285/35-18
295/35-18
315/30-18

305/30-19
325/30-19

I put the 18/19 rim combo in there too because I'm considering going an inch larger on each rim in-case I want to go with bigger brakes some day.
I was thinking about just going with a used C6 set-up. Any fitment issues?
Thanks in advance

longdaddy

no such thing.

street performance/longevity and track performance/longevity are completely different animals.

there are some street tires that work OK on the track and some track tires that work OK on the street. None of them are cheap either.

what is the most important to you?

p.s. you should not need to go to 19' wheels for BBK fitment.

MX621

i just went with the nitto nt-05 on my c5 zo6. i have herd alot of good things about them. i went with 275/40/17-f 295/35/18 - R got them for 780$ shipped online. they are a 200 treadware max perfromance tire. cant beat the price. do a search there is a few good write-ups with track experience on this tire. i myself plan on some autox and track days with this tire.

phil

63Corvette

I concur

96CollectorSport

You could buy some used scrubs - the Toyo RA1 or R888 and use them for a dual use. GT race tires or John Berget both sell them for around $400 a set.

rustyguns

sydneyACE

Tell me more about these used scrubs. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal.
How long do a set of those last?
Those NT-05's also look like a great deal. Any fitment issues running a 275 up front? I wasn't really thinking of going over a 265.

When I was saying 18/19 earlier I was saying 18 on front 19 on the rear. I like the staggered set-up.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Todd Z

Check your PM

R Mackow

I've run Kumho Ecxta MS, BFG KDs or KDWs, GY GS-D3s on the track and street on my 2000 C5.
Now I pull a tire trailer to tote a set of c4 ZR-1 wheels with kumho 710s/275s frt and 315s rear. The Hoosier A6s will work 295/315 frt/rear. I buy scrubs from Phoenix when available or check the forum.
When it's dry run the Kumhos. When wet run street tires.

stevensa

Where did you pick those up from?

DRUGschnorr

i too am new to HPDE and need a set of "street" tires that i can use on the track once a month...
where do i find the Toyo RA1 or R888 or equiv.. i am not allowed to run Hooisers or slicks in the blue and yellow levels.. i have bridgestones on some Iforge 18 x 9.5 and 19 x 11 wheels on a 2008 z51.. had a bucket of fun last month and it would be wise to get a set of tires now before i trash a tire on the road...

What is a scrub tire?

sydneyACE

I'm thinking of running 265's up front and 305-315's on the rear.
Would that be a good match? Those will fit without rubbing correct?
If I got a set of the Toyo RA1's how long could I expect those to last if I drive them on the street and use them on the track a couple of times a year?

Edit: After looking, I guess those RA1's only come in 255's or 275's and 305's only for the rear. I'm leaning towards 275's up-front because I prefer oversteer to understeer. I don't know if my wheels are wide enough though, I think the're the 8.5 inchers.

gkmccready

I get about 5000-8000 miles plus a few track days usually. You could get more or less depending on how you choose to drive...

You'll change your mind once you're pushing on track. A neutral to slight-understeer is preferable, especially while learning. You can always use the throttle to get oversteer if you want it. Check out the Toyo R888s, too, as they're replacing the RA-1s in a lot of sizes.

shakedown067

sydneyACE

Considering I've never run a tire that wide in front, I'll take your guys' word for it.

I think I'm gonna go for those scrubs. I called, and those are a good deal. They're more in my price range lol!

What size do you guys run? Which size rims? 18's all around? What rim widths? Any fitment issues (rubbing at full lock turns, rubbing on rear brake ducts, rubbing on spindle duct hoses)?

Thanks for all the input thus far

ssdeuce

I'm also interested in using scrubs to help me decide what I like. I've used my 280 rated Toyo's and want something stickier but don't want to shell out $1600 for new to find out they weren't right for me.

Todd Z

We have the RA1, R888, Hoosier's scrubs in stock. Sizes are limited right now but we might have something for you. Call me at 414-350-6303.

Todd

blkz

I've purchased from John before . Great guy and have always been happy with the tires .

Gordy M

For what you are looking for you can easily put a 275/40x17 on the front rims and 305/30x18 on the back. However, that will greatly alter your rake and cross weights. Essentially you will be running a square set up and proper alignment will give you the results you are looking for.

If your immediate plans are to increase your HPDE events, then the R888 type of tire is your next best option. If you are an occasional HPDE person and mostly street driven then the NT-05 type of tire would be best for you.


For an alignment, a good starting point would be the 01-04 Z06 settings. Use the search button and you will find several others using a little more aggressive front alignment without any problems.

VetteDrmr

IMO, the cheapest (and best) way to get tires that will do both street and track duties is to buy a set of wagon wheels for next to nothing, then get some used Toyo RA1 or R888 scrubs from the racers here. I run 275/305 width tires, and the Toyos (or Kumho V700, or Nitto 555R2) are a very streetable tire that can be driven to/from autocross and DE events.

That saves your street tires for their true purpose: driving on the street.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike