sheshnwoody

New car to me, 02 Z06, car had 32k miles when I got it, but tires had maybe 11k miles according to owner who took them off and put others on to drive.

Planning to do an HPDE this spring, but debating about tires. They are the original equipment (date code is 2701) and are in very good shape visibly. However, they are approx 11 yrs old. Do I take it to the HPDE with those old tires or replace with new rubber first?

I already plan to replace the engine oil/filter, trans fluid, diff fluid, clutch fluid, brake fluid and potentially engine coolant.

Thanks.

ErnieN85

ditch those tires 4yrs max for safety look into Kumho esta XS at tire rack

gmccreary

I like the Nitto NT555 RII. 275/40-17 front, 305/35-18. They fit just fine.

Bill Dearborn

If driving the car with that old of a tire I would be concerned about just getting to the HPDE let alone what might happen on the track when the tire is heated up and stressed much harder than has ever been stressed.

Bioll

Bad Karma

Change them.

I remember the tires that were on my C4 when I bought it. They were old and dry. There was no transition from grip to slip. The back end just kicked out; no gradual loss, very abrupt.

JeremyGSU

Great tire but it's not a good beginner learning tire. It's essentially an R-comp.

I recommend the Nitto NT-05. Lots of people on this forum use them.

beerkat

Since you are just starting out get some tires that are 200 tread wear or higher. You will save some money, you can drive back and forth to your events on them. The biggest thing they will do for you is help you learn car control.

JimbeauZ06

I drove on Toyo T1Rs for my first three seasons before moving to Nitto 555RIIs. Biggest mistake new drivers make is moving to R-comps too soon before they learn car control.

Nitto, Kumho and Toyo all make good high performance street tires that will fit your wheels and work for both street and track. Have fun!

blkbrd69

If its the PBOC or NASA class at Sebring, remember you will be doing around 150 on the back straight, through a very fast dog leg at speed then a high speed corner with 2 apexes and big barriers.

Track brake pads and new high temp fluid are paramount.

Good tires are needed. I like RE-11's got mine at Costco for a great price, PM me if you want to see my setup. Kumho esta XS is also a great choice in another non runflat.

If you want to stay with runflats that is a huge search topic, I ran runflats my first couple of HPDE days and did fine.

doveboat

02 C5Z all stock > I started with NT05's and then moved up to the 555rII's, was happy with both tires for value and performance.

Only caution on NT05's is be mindful of not trying to keep up with folks on an rII, R888, NT01 on the same car setup as they are grippier.

Ed

avizandum

IMHO XSs deal with heat best of any street tire.