Hey guys,

My previous set of track tires are toasted and it's time to get a fresh set.

I started doing track days last year and is now a monthly track visitor.
I run in the intermediate group with completely stock 2001 Ap1, except for the hawk HP+ pads.
(I will put in SS brake lines & better brake fluid after this set of brake pads is done)

Here's some of the things that I'm looking for in the tires. No I do not care about noise or comfort. Other than driving to/back from track. I don't drive the S2000 much.

1) Grip - Don't need to be best in class, what I'm looking for is seat time. I'm not there yet to do any other upgrades. Don't really care so much about grip in rain.
2) Durability - Again seat time, I need the tires to last longer, I know they typically don't I'm looking for best bang for the buck. (eg. I heard AD08 wears a lot faster compared to others)
3) Price - What to do, I'm a broke cheap ass trying to run track days.

Previous tires
Front - 205/55/16 Dunlop ZI SS
Rear - 225/50/16 Dunlop ZII

I'm sure this topic has been covered before but I can't seem to find any... At least in the racing section...

Feel free to suggest any tires that you think I should include in the poll.

Thanks!!
Von

 

I don't have experience with the other options, but I track on RS3 in AP1 sizes, and I don't think you can go wrong with that setup. They are known to handle a lot of heat cycles better than some of the other options.
There is also the RE-71R that promises to be the latest hot tire, but I haven't seen much feedback on their longevity.

 

I have a friend who uses RS3 in stock AP1 on track that tells me the same thing.
He recently up size to 17 inch and 255 all around using ZII SS. He actually didn't like it the ZII comparing to RS3.

With the price diff of RS3 comparing to others, it does sounds like they're the tires to get...

 

Either I have a bad wheel bearing, which is unlikely given that they are new, or RS3s are loud as fu@k! That said they do everything else awesome and are cheap, so I will certainly toss two more rears on when these go south (and secretly hope they will be quieter).

 

Yes, they are noisy.

 

So far no votes for ZII andthe old-currently-on-sale RE-11A. More votes guys?

 

I don't have experience with these personally, but since nobody else is jumping in:

The ZII are well-respected tires but if I'm not mistaken, the consensus is that they generally don't take the heat from long track sessions as well as RS3's, and I think they cost more.

I have not seen much about the RE-11A, thus my impression is they're not quite in the same class as the others you mentioned, but this is only my assumption really. If you can get a set at closeout prices and want to go that way, then I think you'd be happy with them.

I actually think you'd be happy with ANY of the choices you listed. Also, as you track more, and push the car harder, you'll discover this decision is not as long-term as you expect. So don't sweat it too much. My personal vote is still RS3. They fit all 3 of your listed priorities.

 

I have an 01 with upgraded pads and stock rims and AP2 rear sway bar(helps the snap oversteer). I track it every 2 months or so. I have been running the RS3 and have liked them. The sidewall is a little soft, but I add a little more air to help with that. Mine are the version 1 RS3.

 

RS3 seem quieter than Z2 to me

 

Thanks guys!
I think I'm gonna try out the RS3!