Autocross Tires for 2013

[Zewerr]

So last weekend I didn't enjoy getting my ass handed to me as I ran on an old set of Hoosiers with an FSP index because I finally installed my coil-overs, and had no good street tires to run on. And being tired of waiting for my ZII's, I ordered/mounted a set of 225/45R16 Toyo R1R's shaved to 4/32". So far, my STF build have been slower than expected, having only been able to get my coil-overs in, and still running an Eibach rear sway. Today, while instructing at the novice school, we got to run our cars during the lunch break. Already, my car feels way faster than it did in H-stock form. The tires were very responsive. They don't grip quite as well as the Hoosiers did on sweepers and turn arounds (playing around with shock settings and tire pressures may improve this), but in the slaloms, the car is amazing. There was a good size 7 cone slalom in today's course, and I don't remember ever driving a car that felt that good through a slalom. I will likely be purchasing a set of ZIIs later in the year, but I kinda like running on these Toyos for the contingency.

[STS-focus]

Has anyone gone from B'Stone RE11's to the new ZII's yet? Love my Re11's but they dropped my size in the RE11A, 205/45r16. So I got the email today, the ZII's that I ordered (in February) will be here Friday, I got the 225/45r16's. I am excited to try, but have had a lot of success on RE11's. I will probably have both sets mounted for the Peru, IN SCCA Match Tour just to be safe and crazy like every other autocrosser.

Zewerr, 6 years with my Eibach too big, too stiff rear bar and I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Rotates lovely.

[rent]

My RE-11a's came in today, but as my head is currently being rebuilt, I won't have any impressions of them for a little bit.

Never had a pair the Dunlops... Always had more civilized street tires before. I think I've stepped on the other side of the looking glass at this point

[rent]

Thought I'd update with my general impressions of the RE-11A

Haven't had it on the track yet, might get a free weekend later this month.

Initially had the inflated at 34 psi for the first 100 miles. They drove fine, but felt a little off and would not give me any indication of approaching their limits. I know wearing in new tires takes a little bit, so this might have been the case. Grip was excellent, but I decided to take a little bit of air out and run 30 front and 32 rear.

Big difference in feel. Lateral movement gave much more feedback through the wheel and audibly. Grip improved slightly, but most definitely noticeable. I'm going to be driving on them like this for the next few days and see how I like it.

Ride comfort and noise are acceptable for DD. Coming from junk tires to these is night and day - every single aspect of the cars performance was increased.

As soon as I get out to an event, I'll post some more feedback.

[jmichene]

Just had my first event of the season (2nd lifetime) on my new BFG G-Force Rivals...and when I say new I mean 50mi on them!

I'm running 205/50R15s on OEM 15x6 10 spokes...and let me just say they were AWESOME!!!

I had ZERO wheel spin/slip on straight ahead accel/braking, ABS kicked in way before the tires lost grip! Lateral grip was fantasic as well...in fact the tires gripped half way down the side wall! (probably should have been running higher pressures in the fronts).

On that note, for you expereinced guys...what tire pressures do you start at (and do you measure cold or hot) and what pressure do you try and maintain through out your runs?

[Sully313]

Hey! I know you! You car looked great on sunday.

[Sully313]

Originally Posted by jmichene

On that note, for you expereinced guys...what tire pressures do you start at (and do you measure cold or hot) and what pressure do you try and maintain through out your runs?

Every car is going to be different. I have 2* of camber in the rear so I run a rediculous amount of air pressure in the rear to try to get it to rotate.

Sunday I kept the front at 38psi through the event and the rear I set at 49 in the morning when I got to the event and never checked it again since the rear was staying behind me.

Looking at Rich's pic from the event, I could probably go 40 or a little but the car felt nice and balanced as it was. I'm still a bit upset I coned away P2. But atleast I know the time is there.

I run RE-11A's which I think have a softer sidewall than your rivals.