Elise Tyres - A road AND track suggestion
Discussion
This summer after my Yokohama 048s had been used up, I tried (on the suggestion of PH Member Grays) for Kumho KU31 tyres. Initially this was for an Oulton Park drift day and I didn't want to wreck a new set of expensive and fast wearing 048s.
Using the KU31s on the road the week before they seemed ideal. They were grippy, they didn't have the 'is that the wheel bearing' hum of 048s and were utterly planted in the wet. They were great on the drift day (but then that isn't exactly a test of a tyres grip) but afterwards you would have hardly thought that the rears had been driven, let alone abused. We then did a European tour, through Switzerland/mountain passes etc and they were faultless. However, as I got the car for trackdays, the big question was how they'd handle/still grip after 2 laps/resist shredding/still give me something to drive home on etc on a trackday. I tried them for the first time at Goodwood yesterday and they were great. Of course they didn't have the sheer stickiness of the 048s which are ultimate track tyres but they offered excellent grip (far beyond expected), fantastic balance and were actually fun. On the limit, if you go in a bit hot the car would progressively 'wriggle' rather than snap. They wore evenly, no shredding and have almost the same amount of tread left after 3 x 15 min afternoon sessions.
So in summary, if you only use your car for the track and ultimate laptime is your aim, I'd stick with 048s (or one of the other topline suggestions but of which I have no experience.) If you are a mix of road and track, (and dont mind if your tyres dont LOOK that sexy) then bag a set of (relatively little known) Kumho KU31s. In my experience they are great allrounders and particularly if you're on a budget, you'll be laughing!
http://www.kumhotire.com/tire/tire_detail.jsp?prdt...
Bill K (S1 111S)
Using the KU31s on the road the week before they seemed ideal. They were grippy, they didn't have the 'is that the wheel bearing' hum of 048s and were utterly planted in the wet. They were great on the drift day (but then that isn't exactly a test of a tyres grip) but afterwards you would have hardly thought that the rears had been driven, let alone abused. We then did a European tour, through Switzerland/mountain passes etc and they were faultless. However, as I got the car for trackdays, the big question was how they'd handle/still grip after 2 laps/resist shredding/still give me something to drive home on etc on a trackday. I tried them for the first time at Goodwood yesterday and they were great. Of course they didn't have the sheer stickiness of the 048s which are ultimate track tyres but they offered excellent grip (far beyond expected), fantastic balance and were actually fun. On the limit, if you go in a bit hot the car would progressively 'wriggle' rather than snap. They wore evenly, no shredding and have almost the same amount of tread left after 3 x 15 min afternoon sessions.
So in summary, if you only use your car for the track and ultimate laptime is your aim, I'd stick with 048s (or one of the other topline suggestions but of which I have no experience.) If you are a mix of road and track, (and dont mind if your tyres dont LOOK that sexy) then bag a set of (relatively little known) Kumho KU31s. In my experience they are great allrounders and particularly if you're on a budget, you'll be laughing!
http://www.kumhotire.com/tire/tire_detail.jsp?prdt...
Bill K (S1 111S)
Glad to here you were happy with them on track. I totally agree with your summary on how the behave.
I still prefer the feel of the Advan Neovas on the track (I've never tried A048) but I'm not convinced they're worth twice the price.
I use the Kumhos all the time on the road now.
I still prefer the feel of the Advan Neovas on the track (I've never tried A048) but I'm not convinced they're worth twice the price.
I use the Kumhos all the time on the road now.
Edited by grays on Sunday 7th December 17:06
Sorry Bill. I don't like the Kuhmos.
You don't say what sort of suspension etc your car has, and obviously this has quiet a significant bearing on how your car will behave on particular tyres. On my Nitron (400/475) suspended S1 I find they're OK on the road but on track I found them lacking in grip at a (very) wet Snetterton although very progressive in a dry summer's day hooning at Llandow. I actually prefer the much abused Toyo T1-R once they've been properly run in.
I'll probably fit another set of Toyos for the road and a set of OA48s or Toyo888s (on another set of wheels)for the track.
You don't say what sort of suspension etc your car has, and obviously this has quiet a significant bearing on how your car will behave on particular tyres. On my Nitron (400/475) suspended S1 I find they're OK on the road but on track I found them lacking in grip at a (very) wet Snetterton although very progressive in a dry summer's day hooning at Llandow. I actually prefer the much abused Toyo T1-R once they've been properly run in.
I'll probably fit another set of Toyos for the road and a set of OA48s or Toyo888s (on another set of wheels)for the track.
- 48's for dry trackdays though - brilliant tyre Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff