X25

I finally ordered my C6 Z06 tires (21lbs front 24 lbs rear !!!!!), and will use them as a separate set for track duty. I have been looking at Tire track (which does not sell Nitto tires by the way), and I realized there are only very few different competition tire options that I can use with these wheels, with few different sizes available.

Original tire sizes (from Eagle F1 specs):
Fronts: 275/35/18, (29 lbs, 25.6" diameter).
Rears: 325/30/19, (34 lbs, 26.7" diameter).

I only listed the sizes that fit on the OEM wheels (9.5" wide at the front, 12" wide at the rear).

Hoosier R6:
Fronts: 275/35/18 (23 lbs, 25.5") or 295/30/18 (24 lbs, 25.3")
Rears: 325/30/19 (28 lbs, 26.8") or 345/30/19 (30 lbs, 26.8"; same? )

Kumho Ecsta V710:
Fronts: 285/30/18 (25lbs, 24.8")
Rears: 335/30/19 (32 lbs, 26.9")

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup:
Fronts: 265/35/18 (24 lbs, 25.2"). 285s require 10" wheel . Sucks.
Rears: 345/30/19 (32 lbs, 27.2").

Considering I'll stick to my beloved very lightweight brand new Z06 OEM wheels, which combination do you think is the best? We should also note that pricewise order is Michelin > Hoosier > Kumho. Kumhos are about $500 cheaper than Michelins for a set.

I'm personally leaning towards Kumhos or Hoosiers, since they are a better size match, are lighter, and are a lot cheaper!

Travelor

I went to a local autocross this weekend with some serious competitors showing up. The tire of choice almost totally was the Hoosierbut I could nto tell if A6 or R6.

George

Wayne O

I'm a little confused if you have a separate set of wheels for track use. If you're serious about tracking your car and being competitive you will need a separate set of track wheels/tires. Virtually all serious Corvette road racers use 18" wheels all-around (including the Corvette Racing C6.R's). 18" wheels give you a far better selection of tires to choose from and the 18" wheels lend themselves well to a track setup on the car. Also, you'll undoubtedly want wider front wheels...I use 11" wide front wheels. I've gone as wide as a Hoosier 315 front tire and as narrow as a 295. Personally, I think the (Kumho 710) 305 is a good size front tire for track use.

If you need a combination street/track tire go with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup or the Nittos.

I haven't done a parking lot autocross in years...I buy track tires for road course use. For a 'track' (road course) tire I recommend the Hoosier R6 or the Kumho 710. As someone who replaces track tires often, I feel the Kumho 710 is somewhat longer lasting (than the Hoosier). If you really want the best track tires look for actual racing slicks. We often buy lightly used racing slicks (scrubs) which are used in testing by some of the major racing teams....Dunlop, Michelin and occasionally other brand slicks. IMO the Michelin racing slick is the best track tire going. If you need a source for new Michelin slicks feel free to PM me. Good luck!

Daekwan06

If youre just doing trackdays, I'd go with the Kumho's. $500 is a pretty hefty sum. While Im not the most knowledgable person on Z/GS track tires.. I do know the difference between a trackday where you are just having fun.. and actual racing where every bit of performance counts. Also depending on how much experience you have, and how hard you push yourself and the car.. chances are you dont need the absolute stickiest of the sticky.
Starting with the Kumho's will give you all the additional traction you need as a Novice who's mainly out there looking to have alot of fun.. while allowing you to learn your vehicle and hone your driving skill. As you go up in skill, also go up in tire. And then purchase the more expensive, stickier rubber.

LFZ

You can still run those 285 sport cups on stock front Z06 wheels with no problems. I'd do that and not even consider the 265s.

BoosterClub

There aren't really any cheap 18" rear wheels that have the vette bolt pattern, offset and width for it.

yow

Subscribing.

I'm going to replace my nitto invos soon and want to know what tires to run that will be better on the track. I lost a lot of traction with the invos and want something stickier. Any input would be appreciated. I plan to do 2-3 track days next year. I'll be running the same tire on the track and street, though.

Gearhead Jim

Track Duty =

HPDE?
Wheel-to-wheel racing with timing & trophies?
Autocross?
Drag strip?


If you are just starting in HPDE, use street tires until you build some experience. The street rubber typically gives more warning as you approach the limits, and you are going slower when you do start to lose it.

For real competition, a different story.

X25

This is for HPDE. I have been attending such events with my '06 Z06 for some time, and I feel now is a good time to switch to something better than street tires. A brand new car ('12 GS), and a new level of stickiness

X25

I bet they were A6 since they are designed for autocross. By the way, did the people drive to the event on those tires? I obviously do not intend to daily drive these tires (R6 or Kumhos), but I am wondering if I could just drive to the track (30 minute drive on the highway) from home and back during the track days when it's not raining; would it be safe?

68sixspeed

You might want to throw Pirelli Trofeo on the list, only a few dealers have them but the reviews have been good and they have sizes to fit stock rims. 60 treadwear so it should stick, and I like the idea of having a bit of tread to be safe driving to the track if I hit rain vs the hoosiers. http://www.pirelli.com/tire/us/en/mo...ro_trofeo.html

It's on my list to try next. -Dan

BoosterClub

Of course it's safe to drive them when not raining. Safer then a regular tire. A6 could overheat though, they are designed for REALLY low temperatures.

madmax4499

your going to have to go to the track and use what others are using. they already have it figured out! stay away from the V-710 for road course duty, when they get hot they get very greesy feeling, you wont like it at speed. driving R compounds on the street, i have once! every rock and piece of trash will stick to them, then fly off at speed and chip your paint. the few that dont fly off will gouge into your tires. you wont be happy with yourself.

X25

Haha yeah I forgot about that rock eating behavior :-) No budget for an additional SUV + trailer right now, so I'll have to endure!

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! Considering all this info, I'm leaning towards R6s 295 at the front and 345 at the rear. I can't wait to see how they feel!

madmax4499

nice choice. where are you going to run? im in tacoma.

X25

Mainly at Pacific Raceways road course, and most probably a few times at the Oregon Raceway Park. Looking forward to the new season. I used to drive a '06 Z06 or a '11 EvoX, now I'll use the '12 GS but with much better tires than I ever had. I'm very very excited to see what will happen at turns 2, 3A, 3B at the Pacific, and T3/T4 at the ORP