bags142

I do hpde only!

No racing, no auto-x. So, no tire rules.

Where I am at is trying to figure out the "best" tire option for me.I have been doing this for over 5 years. I have spare 18's square to fit said tires on. I have been running the NT-05 and liked it, but the soft sidewall has been difficult to get used to. So like to improve that feeling.

What am I looking for?
A better tire for hpde than I drive on daily that does not break the bank. They don't have to be good in rain, street tires work for that. And the least expensive tire that works on the track is a huge plus.

I have a c5z. So, 275/285/295 is width range. I don't want to do a dry sump. And I would like to get at least 8 weekends out of the tires. I know I am not gonna WIN hpde, so fastest tire is not my goal. But, sticky is never bad lol

I guess I am looking for others opinions who may have been, or are in, my same boat and have found a decent tire that works.

Thanks!

SunnydayDILYSI

I run R888s and get about 6 weekends. I like them (much more sticky than the NT-05s), but they do get a bit greasy late in the session on hot days. If you are looking for something that lasts longer, I've heard good things about the Michelin PS2s and Bridgestone Potenzas.

Magister Ludi

The Michelin PS2's are great, for about $400 each, but I've managed to destroy a new set in two weekends. I prefer Hoosier A6 scrubs, which I get for about $100 each. At that price, longevity is less of an issue.


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-per-tire.html

bags142

The re-11 or re-71?

bags142

I heard the a6's are great. Worried that I would need a dry sump with the a6.

Grabbed_Crow_Mobe

The NT01 is my favorite longevity tire.

Dan H.

And 4 SKF hd wheel bearings.....

I'm in the same place as the OP. I think I'm going with rivals for my next tire. Interested to see what people reco on this thread

moose.b3

R888's.

tmtraylor

[QUOTE=moose.b3;1590760260]R888's. [/QUOTE
I'm on my second set of R888s. I got 11 track days on the first set. $1300 or so for a square 18" setup. Had them flipped once or twice to even out the wear. I really would like to try the scrub route but by my estimation tire cost is more and other parts wear quicker too. My first track day tire was the NT-05, less expensive, but certainly less grip than the 100 Treadwear options. good luck!

63Corvette

For YOUR usage, I recommend the Michelin Pilot Super Sport (PSS). It is the best "value, and pertty sticky, will last well, and cheaper than the PS.

Soloontario

Absolutely agree with the Michelin PSS. Great all round tire with longevity and better resistance to overheating. The 295/35-18 is really big for a 295 but still good in the wet. Not going to win any race but certainly faster than NT-05s

Personally I like the NT-01 a lot but forget about the wet and noisy as hell on the street. Personally I have NOT had a good experience with Toyo R888s as they seem to be very sensitive to heat cycling.

fleming23

I am running R888 295/30-18s and like them at both Road Atlanta and AMP. I, like you, basically only run HPDE so there are no trophies to win. I have heard great things about the NT-01 but have not tried them. I do have a set of 295/35-18 NT-05 and the 888 feels substantially better, granted 100 vs 200 UTQG. I did run set of Toyo RRs but in a 255 on a set of 17s and the slick was phenomenal at Road Atlanta. I am hesitant to put a slick like the R7 on my 18s just due to oil starvation with my LS3.

I think my next set of tires will be 200TW tires (BFG Rival S) so I can use them for autocross next year so I may give up some time on track.

JeremyGSU

For the amount of time you are trying to get I would stick with a street tire. R-comps are not going to last that long. The most I ever got out of a set was 6 days on the rear and there was nothing left.

Also, going to stickier tires such as R-comps or slicks is much harder on the car. I never needed a dry sump at Sebring but I wore out stuff a lot quicker.

Jeremy

bags142

Thanks!


After some local chat, the SKF hd's tend to last multiple years, so not opposed to that.

Glad to see I ain't the only one! lol

Noted, thanks!

[QUOTE=tmtraylor;1590761194]Thanks for all the input, 11 days is not to bad. And I agree, trade tire $ for wheels bears and ball joints, never easy!!!


I would agree. I did 1 lap this year and folks running the PSS were doing VERY well. Initial cost sucks though!!!! lol




Hmm, That is interesting, bever heard about the 888's having heat cycle issues

AMP and RA are in my backyard, so that is always good to know!!!


That is the biggest concern, if I do X tire, I gotta fix Y and Z parts more. Besides, to be truly better/faster, I need more seat time!

Thanks for the info

SunnydayDILYSI

I'm sure if you DD any R-comp it will heat cycle out. However, I bought a set of R888s in February and just finished my 14th track day on them. I probably averaged 3 sessions a day. They are pretty much worn out now, but I was still in line with my base lap times from earlier in the year. Only issue I've had is that the get greasy once they are too hot (on a warm day, about 12-15 minutes into a session).

hungryhippo

Nt01's are much better than r888s in every way, but they don't have as many sizes available.

Phoenix64

If you don't like soft sidewalls stay away from the Michelin PSS. I've run two sets of them, and they're a great tire, but they have poor steering response compared to the R888's.

The MPSS lasted more track days, but I much prefer the toyo R888's.

C5Natie

I DD on Toyo R888's and the fronts lasted me 90 weeks. The grip has been going away the last couple months though as they're a bit hard now and have heat cycled themselves out but they lasted much longer than I expected.

Dan H.

Have the people running the R888's needed to replace wheel bearings or had any oil pressure/starvation issues?

I see that these are 100 tread wear versus the A6's which are 40 tread wear. Seems like a nice middle ground between the 200 tread wear tires that people favor and Hoosiers which are popular as well.

Soloontario

I once used a set of 888s for competition use only and found they heat cycled out almost as badly as Hoosiers. There is a reason why NASA's Spec Miata, American Iron and Spec E 30 all pitched them after one season and went back to RA-1s. They might be ok for daily driving where they don't get hot but I have never used them for that.

If you want R comps, go to the NT01.