Sirmilton

I spent some timre reading the sticky at the top of the page regarding tire widths and staggering etc. I was looking at getting some Falken Azenis RT-615's for my track day at Laguna Seca next month and after doing the reading it occured to me that Falken does not make a 245/40/17 tire. So I did a little further reading and tried to match up the Falken's with the RE050's, here's what I found:


RE050

215/45/17

Rim Width - 7"
Sect. Width - 8.3"
Tread Width - 6.7"
Revs/Mile - 840

245/40/17

Rim Width - 8.5"
Sect. Width - 9.6"
Tread Width - 9"
Revs/Mile - 847


RT-615

215/45/17

Rim Width - 7"
Sect. Width - 8.3"
Tread Width - 8"
Revs/Mile - 871

235/40/17

Rim Width - 8.5"
Sect. Width - 89.6"
Tread Width - 8.7"
Revs/Mile - 836

Is it me, or do the front RE050's have a significantly smaller tread width than they should?

I could use some help in making the right choice, I want to try different tires on the car without significantly changing the dynamics of the tire sizes and contact patch.

Here are the links to the tire information:
TireRack
FalkenTire

CaptainMike

I'd run a 255/40/17 RT-615 in the rear with those fronts. You are correct abount the OEM AP2 fronts. they are VERY narrow for a 215.
I don't know what your track day format is but the Falkens have a reputation for getting very 'greasy' once hot. Anything over 15 minutes on the track on a hot day and they get sloppy.

I really like the RE050A Pole Positions in a 225/45/17f and 255/40/17r, though they will also get greasy when hot. more $$ than the Falkens though.
You can do searches here on any tire and get tons of opinions.

Java Junky

Cap'n Mike; never had the opportunity to "track" Stewie so, I don't have any experience with prolonged abuse of the RE050s. But my daughter n' 'er hyper-Miata r' gettin' a mite too cocky. I can't avoid it much longer.
Does the same 15-minutes-to-greasy time frame apply to them also or are they different than the Falkens in that area?
Be well n' thanks.
Java

CaptainMike

I haven't run the Falkens, that seems to be the general consensus of what I have read about them on the track. Obviously not a problem at an autocross style event. The RE050A Pole Positions have gotten 'greasy' on me after 15-20 minutes on a short track setup (Gainesville, FL) hitting max speeds of 80 or so with track pads. Pretty good for street tires IMO. Especially if you can only afford to go out every couple of months and don't want the expense/hassle of trailering R-comps.

Java Junky

Thanks muchly Mike . . but I godda ask . . is that picture your "other car"? Bet'cha that's got real cup holders!
Thanks again n' be well.
Java

Sirmilton

I think you are right, almost any tire is going to get greasy in high heat prolonged usage, just like stock pads will deal with brake fade on the track. What I'm looking for is a tire that will perform well on the street, much like the 050's but also be highly capable on the track. I have heard good things about the RT-615's and Falken's intention of making it a capable track day tire.

Anyone with any expereince? Or better suggestions?

CaptainMike

The Bridgestone RE01R is supposed to be their most track capable street tire ever, I plan on giving them a shot once these RE050A Pole Positions are worn out.

Java, that is the ship I captain out of Bermuda. About 3000 hp and the torque is measured in "TONS of Bollard Pull" max speed is about 13 mph though Also takes about 77,000 gallons to fill up.

CaptainMike

street tire link from Racing and comp forum

Partway down the 1st page of that thread is a good writeup by maxrex on a comparo of RE01R's and RT-615's
Hope that helps.
Mike

stealthx32

RE-01R's have a $100 rebate if you're an SCCA member.

I drove the RE050's and they were pretty well behaved, but then again, I wasn't pushing that hard, and the stock brakes didn't even fade (it was ~30 degrees out though). I've had the RT-215's on track, and those get greasy super quick (and make for nice 4 wheel drifts ), and though the RT-615's are better, they still exhibit some of those characteristics. I love the Falkens though, and the uber stiff sidewall was incredible for steering sharpness...and I'll probably make them my next tire.

One tire not mentioned here is the Hankook RS2 Z212's. Drove 'em out in California @ Willow Springs, and although Grassroots Motorsports claimed they greased up on their autocross runs, I drove 'em in 120 degree weather (probably closer to 140 degrees surface temp) and they were fabulous.