The biggest variable in performance? Tires.
But which ones are the perfect match? It depends on the car choice, setup, rules, venue, weather and driving style. Budget and longevity can also influence this decision.
We’re here to help with a synopsis of available options, culled from all our years of tire testing. If you can’t find shoes that fit here, …
Lots of interesting info here, and some stuff that I wasn't aware of, like the return of the BFG Rival.
Thank you GRM for putting this together!
Minor correction -- the picture for the Nitto is of an NT-05, not an NT-01.
I'm really excited to see what the new Continental/Hoosier collab tire does.
Thanks for this big test GRM! Now to go buy some more tires...
What is tread depth sensitivity? Tire performance in relation to wear?
These are tires that benefit significantly from shaving. Wear to a lower depth will also help, but may put detrimental heat cycles on the tire at the same time.
Anybody know where to get the coopers beside extreme? They don't have any in the 245 15 size in stock for the dry tire.
thashane said:What is tread depth sensitivity? Tire performance in relation to wear?
Tread block squirm... taller tread blocks are susecptible to moving or squirming and not having the responsiveness or wear that is most desirable.
I am running CR1 in 245/40/15 in autocross and so far I really like them!
Very fast and consistent!
wvumtnbkr said:Anybody know where to get the coopers beside extreme? They don't have any in the 245 15 size in stock for the dry tire.
Checking on that now for you.
Can we get a definitive answer to this question (if one exists)? Triangles on the sidewall. Wut?
Thanks!
Not officially a rollover indicator, though they do often tend to end up very close to the rubber seam (what you're actually aiming for most of the time, using all of the tread rubber without getting into the sidewall rubber) and are a decent reference point as a result.
In reply to spacecadet (Forum Supporter) :
Got it thanks. Makes me think of LT tires, muds especially
I'd like to see how the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 compares to the Continental ECS and other tires in the non-200 TW summer performance class. I have a set on my street car and have been quite surprised at how well they grip, in both wet and dry conditions.
If they were available in a 15 inch size, I would try them for an autocross rain tire on my Miata.
Nothing about the Federal Pros eh?
I think they are just fantastic budget 200tw tire. I am really happy with them
adam525i said:Can we get a definitive answer to this question (if one exists)? Triangles on the sidewall. Wut?
Thanks!
They are there to indicate where to find the wear bars. Triangles are most prevalent, but some manufacturers use other symbols. There are articles on the web from various manufacturers stating such. It has nothing to do with rollover.
SirCharlesC7 said:I am running CR1 in 245/40/15 in autocross and so far I really like them!
Very fast and consistent!
Similar experience. Also a very fun tire to drive on.
I want to see the RS3-RS tested against rally tires and snow tires in rallycross. I have a theory.
The ultimate guide...until next year :)
Maybe I should revisit my choice of RR, this guide does not make them look like a good choice. They do seem grippier under the V8 Miata than the NT01 and far better than the VR-1. That car is all about heat tolerance.
Wonderful article!
Keith Tanner said:The ultimate guide...until next year :)
Maybe I should revisit my choice of RR, this guide does not make them look like a good choice. They do seem grippier under the V8 Miata than the NT01 and far better than the VR-1. That car is all about heat tolerance.
The Toyo RR's were a good option a half decade ago, but seem to have fallen way behind. Although they don't include data in this review (or maybe I can't see it because I'm not currently subscribed) I'd bet that the RT660 are onpar or quicker than the RR's while being WAY cheaper, and much more streetable. You're right though, they are much better than the also super outdated NT01's or VR-1's (granted they sell 2 compounds, S1 &S2). I'd definitely try a modern tire next, as the 200 TW's have caught up and exceeded many of the 100TW options.
This is for a pure track tire on a high hp/wt car. Streetability isn't important, "less fusssy and expensive than a Hoosier" is. Basically, I want RA1 ease of use with better grip :) Last time I bought a set was a few years back.
I was pretty happy with the RE71R on a similar, more streetable application. I guess I should what's available in my sizes.
I'm not sure why the rt-660 is labeled a great lapping tire? It's a great TT or autoX tire, but it doesn't hold up in the heat or repeated laps, maybe in really cold weather or fall? That's not just my experience either, no one I talked to at TTNats had anything different to say about it.
Everyone can blast the "super outdated" NT01 but after all of these tests it just reaffirms my belief there isnt a better grip per dollar and least amount of fuss HPDE tire to slide around on to this day. Just set pressures and drive them for a long time while they stick better and better.
The NT01's ancestor the RA1 is a total sweetheart of a tire and the NT01 shares many of its attributes. I am not blasting them, I have happily worn out many sets. My particular car (500 hp, 2400 lbs, Miata tire sizes) is awfully demanding on tires, though, and does respond to something with more grip.
I would love to see a tarmac rally tire in this comparison, but I understand that there isn't a huge market for them. Still I wonder if the rally specific tarmac tires are worth it over a fast 200tw or a well grooved 100tw.
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