C8 Stingray Track Tires
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Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 64
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C8 Stingray Track Tires
Hello all,
I’ve been running my mostly stock, but fully “track prepped” 2023 C8 Stingray at 3 different tracks for SCCA track nights all season. I’ve got about 8 under my belt so far, no previous track experience.
Anyway, chatting with other guys out there, it’s been pointed out that the stock tires, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are not the best for track use. I’ve only been passed be a few cars, two of them being Camaros running in Goodyear F1 Supercar 3R tires, which I see are made in the same size as the stock PS4S.
Has anyone jumped to the F1 Supercar tires on stock wheels? How much more traction should I expect?
I’ve been running my mostly stock, but fully “track prepped” 2023 C8 Stingray at 3 different tracks for SCCA track nights all season. I’ve got about 8 under my belt so far, no previous track experience.
Anyway, chatting with other guys out there, it’s been pointed out that the stock tires, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are not the best for track use. I’ve only been passed be a few cars, two of them being Camaros running in Goodyear F1 Supercar 3R tires, which I see are made in the same size as the stock PS4S.
Has anyone jumped to the F1 Supercar tires on stock wheels? How much more traction should I expect?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 302
Likes: 148
From: Seattle, WA
Well, the supercar 3R tire is basically the fastest tire sold in the guise of a street tire (aside from some of the special one-off cup 2R tires perhaps). Realistically, it is a racing slick with grooves cut into it - ~R7 grip and requires warmup.
If you are only running TNIA still and have no other experience, I would advise not jumping to 3R if you want the best route of progression as a driver. If you don’t care about that, and just want the grippiest track tire that you are allowed to drive on the street, then go ahead. Keep in mind they have very little grip until warmed up though (i.e. terrible street tire).
The Supercar 3 (not 3R) would be a much better alternative for you, and is also a great street tire as well.
If you are only running TNIA still and have no other experience, I would advise not jumping to 3R if you want the best route of progression as a driver. If you don’t care about that, and just want the grippiest track tire that you are allowed to drive on the street, then go ahead. Keep in mind they have very little grip until warmed up though (i.e. terrible street tire).
The Supercar 3 (not 3R) would be a much better alternative for you, and is also a great street tire as well.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 64
Likes: 59
Well, the supercar 3R tire is basically the fastest tire sold in the guise of a street tire (aside from some of the special one-off cup 2R tires perhaps). Realistically, it is a racing slick with grooves cut into it - ~R7 grip and requires warmup.
If you are only running TNIA still and have no other experience, I would advise not jumping to 3R if you want the best route of progression as a driver. If you don’t care about that, and just want the grippiest track tire that you are allowed to drive on the street, then go ahead. Keep in mind they have very little grip until warmed up though (i.e. terrible street tire).
The Supercar 3 (not 3R) would be a much better alternative for you, and is also a great street tire as well.
If you are only running TNIA still and have no other experience, I would advise not jumping to 3R if you want the best route of progression as a driver. If you don’t care about that, and just want the grippiest track tire that you are allowed to drive on the street, then go ahead. Keep in mind they have very little grip until warmed up though (i.e. terrible street tire).
The Supercar 3 (not 3R) would be a much better alternative for you, and is also a great street tire as well.
On another note, I've been hearing that the Supercar 3R is even better than Cup 2Rs
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 761
Likes: 335
From: Charlotte NC
Stock wheel sizes are tough. Continental Extreme Contact Force is an endurance 200; a bit better pace than the 4S and they'll run a full session without turning into a ball of grease. They work well in wet and wear like iron so they're a great dual-purpose tire. Not nearly as quick as the SC3R and maybe even a bit behind the SC3 but will wear better. Nankang AR-1 and CR-S v2 are also great options. I went from ECF to AR-1 on my C7Z and dropped a solid 1 sec in 30° warmer temps than my best on the ECF. AR-1 are LOUD like the R888R and are a sketchy in the wet. The CR-S v2 is supposed to be even quicker, quieter and better in the wet.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 302
Likes: 148
From: Seattle, WA
So, Supercar 3 is more grippy than PS4S and is a better progression tire? Thinking about doing some time trials and know that I dont have a chance on PS4S, thats why i was thinking of jumping to Supercar 3R. Also, not sure they make Supercar 3 in the correct size for stock C8 Stingray Wheels?
On another note, I've been hearing that the Supercar 3R is even better than Cup 2Rs
On another note, I've been hearing that the Supercar 3R is even better than Cup 2Rs
But, even if a specific 2R could put down a marginally better lap time, they are overall a much worse tire in all iterations it seems.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 545
Likes: 551
From: Oklahoma
If you’re doing time trials, and the rules allow it, you want sticky tires. You sound focused in your interest. So the 3R would suit your needs with proper warm up.
Are you sure your time trial class doesn’t require 200 treadwear tires. This class of tire has gotten all kinds of Cheater tires …. And has a lot of choices. These last longer than SC3R’s which is why they are popular for guys having fun within the rules. But if your ultimate goal is fast times and there are no class penalties, then Hoosier R7, SC3R, or take off slicks. However, I have heard race tires can overpower the street bushings and suspension. I would make improvements to suspension and bushings before going full race tires. To each their own. Sounds fun. Glad to hear the C8 is doing great.
Are you sure your time trial class doesn’t require 200 treadwear tires. This class of tire has gotten all kinds of Cheater tires …. And has a lot of choices. These last longer than SC3R’s which is why they are popular for guys having fun within the rules. But if your ultimate goal is fast times and there are no class penalties, then Hoosier R7, SC3R, or take off slicks. However, I have heard race tires can overpower the street bushings and suspension. I would make improvements to suspension and bushings before going full race tires. To each their own. Sounds fun. Glad to hear the C8 is doing great.
Last edited by Driv200; Aug 21, 2023 at 11:10 PM.
