RideZX6R

After talking to many people and doing some previous HPDE with another C5 I really thing R-Comps just hide poor driving until you're very experienced. I've done 3 track days in my 02 C5 (2.5 years ago). I have a 99 FRC now with OEM Z06 wheels and I need to buy tires, so I need to be CLOSE to OEM sizes but obviously there's some lee-way to change sizes a bit. I was planning on buying something sticky but not R-Comps. Was curious what everyone is running?

I ran NT05s on my 02 and a few instructors were surprised to find they weren't R-compounds... I was wondering if I should go with them again or what else others have experienced. Please share
Thanks

Bill Dearborn

The NT05s will give you a lot of track miles. I ran them on my C6Z. They don't have quite as much lateral grip as the OEM Supercar EMTs but they are close. The EMTs don't wear anywhere as well. I got 26 track days and quite a few autocrosses out of the NTs before they just heat cycled out. There was tread left but no traction.

Bill

DansBlkonBlkZ06

Many guys I track with in the Southeast that drive their cars to the track go with the Nitto NT-05. I just started on R-comps last year after making the switch from the NT-05. I'd stick with that tire until your instructors recommend you switch to R-comps. The NT-05 has incredible grip and but they still talk to you.

ErnieN85

I have been using Kumho esta XS
and am happy with them
I have been looking for other options but they are slim for C6 sizes
Nitto isn't made in a 285 19 so none of them for me

if your happy with Nitto stick with them

bags142

I run the nt-05 as well. I like them, but I am still new at this. But, I have no complaints.

A buddy runs kumho xs's and I have riden and driven his c6. I plan on trying them or the nitto 555 II's.

Look around and talk to people, also get a ride and see if you can find what you like

doveboat

I also run the 555rII's as a street, drive to track, track tire. Seems to be a good compromise. Comes in sizes for the stock C5Z Wheels. Reasonable cost considering ~ $1,100 OTD at America's Tire.

Ed

topmover

I recently switched to R's however I have ran NT05's when I first started HPDE's then switched to 555rII's I like the 555's very much.

PA Z06

I did HPDE's for almost three years and went thru almost three sets of NT05s, before switching to Rcomps. I loved the NT05s great tire not so great in the wet but fantastic in the dry

sebdavid

I've used a lot of different tires on different cars, top of the heap right now seems to be the Hankook RS3 but they are hugely limited in sizes. Otherwise I was reasonably impressed with the Kumho XS, not great in the rain but decent grip for a good price. Yokohama S.Drive I tried were great in the wet but rolled over like crazy, it was a tall profile tire though. Dunlop Z1 Star Spec give good grip but have a tendency to overheat and chunk. Falken Azenis RT-615 are not great in the rain but reasonable grip, not too expensive and wear well, and are available in our sizes.

TKOGTO

Kumho Ecsta XS.
Positives: low cost, good rear size, they talk back, loud and clear
Negatives: they are loud on the street. Never bothered by tire noise on the street until these and I'm half deaf. Considered sound deadening but will live with it until it's time for new rubber

mikemiller68gs

Another vote for the NT05. I run them on a 99FRC with C5 Z wheels. The only thing I found about them on the track is they are very sensitive to pressure. Once I got them right, they were great.

spdislife

NT 05s

stevensa

I used the Kumho XS and really liked them, good wear, good grip, decent price. The only problem is that they have been on super backorder lately.

Right now I am running NT-01's and really like them, however I am trying to decide if the extra grip and reduction in laps times really increases the fun factor enough to offset the additional cost.

I have heard a lot of positive reviews on the NT-05 and am considering trying them out on the next tire change. They are faily cheap at ~800 a set and if they perform about as well as the XS the cheaper price may offset the reduction in performance vs the NT-01.

The RS3 is an amazing tire, but as stated above has sizes setup more for "tuners".

TKOGTO

What were those pressures?

Canam

I use NTO1's or RA1's on my race car but for HPDE it would be RS3's or NTO5's. RS3's are really good in the rain also.

johninar

I run NT01. They take a lot of abuse and I get a lot of laps out of them.
I ran Kumho's before and they did a good job as well.

gsxnut

I run NT-05 and like them a lot. Before that I had Goodyear tires which were also good but a little pricey. I most likely will go to an R compound tire when I get a little better and can push the car a little harders. I use A compound for Autocross and it made a huge difference.

Joy of 6

I'll throw out a vote for the Toyo 888's. There are a lot of good tires out there and I think if you stick with the name brands, you'll like whatever you get. they all have little traits that make them marginally different, but overall performance will be close.

Canam

He's asking for non R comps.

JeremyGSU

I do the same but the NT555R II is really more of a R-comp than it is a street tire.

If you're wanting more of a street tire than stick with the NT-05's IMO.