I just bought some wheels and I need some help deciding what size/brand competition tires to put on them. I've been going to track days held by www.speedtrialusa.com and it's been a lot of fun. I feel like getting some good sticky track rubber is my next step. I'm not worried about the tires being legal in any racing class, so thats not an issue. The car will probably be trailered to the events or I will run my street wheels to get there...so no restrictions there. Basically, anything goes. Here is where I'm at:

Wheels: 15x7 Enkei RP-01, 35mm offset, 14lbs (already purchaced)

Size tires: 205-50-15 or 225-45-15 (not sure yet)

Brands/models: Kumho Ecsta V700, Yokohama ADVAN A032R, Kumho VictoRacer V700, Hoosier A3S05

So the big question is; Has anyone had any experience with any of these tires on a first gen?

 

The Yoko's make good rain tires but they do not stick as well as kumho or hoosier.

Kumho's stick well but not as well as hoosier. If you're just starting out I would go with the Kumho's, they cost less and last longer than the hoosier.

Toyo's last long and keep stick after many heat cycles and are a good option too.

I think those 250 rear springs are too stiff, I bet the back end rotates around a lot.

What are you doing for brake pads? Swapping out to Hawk Blues at the track will REALLY help your stopping power.

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for the info. I was hoping I'd hear from you.

Before the 250lb springs I had some 200's in there. I like the 250's much better. Since I no longer run a rear swaybay, upper trailing arms, or a watts link the rear end stays planted really nicely. The torsen might be helping there too. I actually wish the back end would come out a bit more, as understeer is sometimes a problem. I've been running Hawk HPS all around (gsl-se), and so far have had no problems with brakes. I was going to try the Carbotech Panther XP8 next, any experience with those? I have heard the blues are good several times. So far I've only gone to streets of willow, which does'nt seem like track that eats brakes.
Next Saturday I'm going to a practice drift event at the Balcony -Willow Springs just to see what it's like. My friend is gonna let me borrow 300lb rear springs to help cure the understeer. hahaha

 

Don't forget about Hankook.

They are making some great race tires. They are now offering several compounds also. They compare in price to the Kumhos.

 

tirerack seems to be the best place for the brands I mentioned. Who has good deals on Toyo and Hankook?

what about the sizes you guys? you think a 225-45-15 would work better than the normal 205-50-15 for a 1st gen?

 

205 is not much rubber. I would say better 235 or 245, but it depends on how much power you have.

 

yeah, but I'm still running stock fenders and the car is really low. theres no way I'd be able to run a 235 or 245 without serious rubbing.

 

I'm on my 2nd set of Toyo RA-1's on the street/track, and very happy

 

sweet. What size and who do you buy them from?

 

i'm running the V700's right now and i'm having problems with them overheating and getting greasy at autox events. so let me know what you try other wise. i'm in the same boat right now, i can't decide what tires i want to go with this year. i'm leaning towards the V710's or the AS04's. so i'm also curious what everyone has to say myself