Best track tire that's still streetable
 

Hey all, I just acquired some Z06 rims 17x9.5 / 18x10.5 and need some rubber (currently I'm on stock GY RF) and having done track days on these on my '01, I wanted a little more tire.

The car is not a daily driver, but does see the street regularly (about 8k miles per year) and will see weekend HPDE events (as many as possible).

I'm not ready to go to R compounds because my skills certainly don't require it and I'm just not in a position to offer the care and feeding required. Between work and school starting again I just won't have time.

So, any recommendations on a HP street tire that gives good track performance? Cheaper the better obviously but I want a good tire. Can anyone share their on track experience with non R-compound tires?

Many thanks for any inputs!!

Nitto 555RII

I know people who run the Toyo RA-1 competition tire as a street tire also. You just have to leave it unshaved and it works to get to the track, on the track, and in rain

:iagree:

FYI, Toyo owns Nitto. Rumor has it that the 555RII and the RA-1 are the same compound, just different tread patterns.

Nitto 555rII here.

:iagree:

X

None...need to go R. You looking at a lot of burnt up money on expensive street tires to use on the track.

yeah, me too.
I got tired of destroying my street rubber, so I made the move to R, and I'm happy I did.

especially if you go with a tire like victor racers, they stick like glue, and will not come out from under you -- suddenly -- like hoosiers do.

Your best options are the Nitto 555RII and Toyo RA-1, as noted previously. Several friends and I have been running the RA-1 as a track/street crossover tire with good success. I await more information about the Nittos. While both seem produced by the same company, the Nittos have about about twice the wear rating, so should last longer. The RA-1 works fine in the wet as long as you have tread, and remains sticky down to the cord in the dry. The obvious downside of softer, stickier tires is faster wear and higher cost. Both are relatively expensive, especially when considering rapid wear. Obviously, it's much cheaper to run harder street tires on the track. And, the R2s and RA-1s are compromise tires, not true R-compounds. Those who suggest trailering car or tires and going with dedicated track tires make a good point but forget that some of us do not have storage space for trailers and wheels. When considering the cost of various tire options, consider the "true" cost. Factor in the cost of dedicated track wheels, tires, and trailers. When you do so, the compromise Toyos and Nittos mounted on stock wheels don't seem so expensive an option. But, hey, if we were truely rational beings, we wouldn't be doing this, would we?

Bob 33

:iagree:

nittos here...i dont street them though, but great tire :yesnod:

Just got back to the thread...

Thanks so much for all the replies. They are very much appreciated! :thumbs:

After searching tire sizes, I'm curious what size Nittos you guys are running. For a 17/18 combo all I really see is 275 front 305 back.

is this what you guys are running?

Thanks!

Hi,

I am running 275s front (17" rim) and 285s rear (18x10.5 rim)

Steven

On stock ZO6 wheels, the "normal" is 275front/305rear

Very few miles on the R2's but love 'em so far. 275 f and 305 r on Z06 size wheels.