I personally ran my RE71r for 3 track days (4x 15 min sessions) in the summer time heat at about 50% tread use. This included probably another 3-4k street miles. I had to ditch them soon after because an alignment shop completely screwed up my toe leading to inside wear.

 

Damn, that sucks. Those tires aren't cheap! My friend with the Z06 noted that RE71R's actually lasted a respectable number of runs for him. There's a 255 square set on racing junk with 200 miles right now for $550 plus shipping. That site seems sketchy though.

Also found a used set of 285 30 A7's on craigslist for $450. Given they are still in good shape the 285's are a certain front fender roll with +43 offset, correct?

 

Yes, unless you have offset bushings or aftermarket arms giving you more than 3 degrees camber up front the 285/30-18 on 18x10 +43 would need a fender roll.

With maxed stock camber (-2.5 or so) they will look like they clear, but catch the fender lip turning up a ramp or hitting a bump while turning and mess up your fender worse than rolling could.

You would need about -2 degrees rear camber to clear the stock lips (attainable).

 

Thanks. I'm no longer opposed to rolling and think I could do a good job of it by heating or scoring the seam and touching up the paint after. I would probably try the east bay tool.

The 255 NS-2R's already pulled the lip down on the left side in one spot during a near spin, but I was able to fix it with a plastic handle in the paddock with no visible evidence. They run wide (the 255's have a section width closer to 285 hoosiers)... it's a shame the compound seems geared more towards road course use and takes an eternity to heat up.

I'll run another event this season on the 'kangs and try to get temps up on the street right before my heat. I have a feeling my driving needs some adjustment as well... Autocross is very different from road course.