Track tyre review??

[Dan Friel]

I’m contemplating getting another set of tyres (195/50/15) for hillclimbing and track day purposes, although they would also be subjected to some road use. The options seem to be the following, prices are for a set of four delivered.

Yokohama AD08 - £310
Toyo R1R - £280
Hankook RS2 Z212 - £260
Federal 595 RSR - £240

I’ve never seen a test which directly compares these tyre types, does anything exist? The individual reviews suggest that there isn’t much between them although the Yoko may be slightly better wearing and also comes with the full tread depth. It would be good to get some decent mileage out of them if I’m spending the money, and the extra cost of the Yokos may be justified.

Obviously they’ll be compromised in the wet, but I’d be wary of a tyre that is significantly worse than the others – the reviews I’ve seen don’t suggest that this is case. Any experience?

Apologies if there’s already a thread that covers everything above (haven’t found it). Any useful knowledge would be very welcome!

[Clark3y]

How much road use is 'some'?

[Dan Friel]

Clark3y said:

How much road use is 'some'?

Would be great to get several thousand miles out of them. Some reviews suggest that 10k is possible from the Yokos..

Also noticed that the Hankooks aren't MSA list 1b approved, so these are out.

[Munter]

Roddo (Paul Roddison) races on the Federals and supplies them as well. So might be able to give you a steer on those.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0...

[GT4EDS]

I have got the Yoko's AD08 on the Zed if not using the slicks and they have been brilliant. Really like them.
Very very good grip. The wear seems fine too. Did Oulton on the wet too with them and they were not too scary

Eduardo.

[edh]

I've read a French test that puts the AD08 only slightly behind A048's. A very good all round tyre. I'm using them on my 944S2. Bit slippy in the wet at Donington when well worn, but isn't everything?

[GT4EDS]

edh said:

I've read a French test that puts the AD08 only slightly behind A048's. A very good all round tyre. I'm using them on my 944S2. Bit slippy in the wet at Donington when well worn, but isn't everything?

Yes, mine were new when i did Oulton Park. So probably better grip.

Eduardo.

[Dan Friel]

So it seems the AD08 is the most popular choice, thanks for the replies. Have also seen some very positive reviews of the Federals.. and quite a bit cheaper.

[Clark3y]

10k is easy on an AD08. I get that from my rears with a handful of trackdays thrown in. Fronts would probably last twice as long at least if it weren't for the silly 'because race car' geo settings ripping the inside edge apart.
They are very good in the wet too and winter is no problem. The perfect all rounder IMO.

[Herman Toothrot]

I use AD08's and I'm yet to find a better all round tyre, drive to event, drive whatever the weather drive home all fine.

[flobalob]

The AD08,S are a good double use tyre, track/road. However personally I think they leave a little to be desired in the wet in both cases. I use 888,s on track now and find them much better dry or wet than AD08,S .A mate has been using Ad08,s on his clio as a dual purpose tyre and has finally decided to get some spare wheels and some 888,s/ kumho,s.
A good comparison site is this
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/
found it very useful.

[TrackMegane]

Dunlop DZ03G amazing tyre

[clarki]

TrackMegane said:

Dunlop DZ03G amazing tyre

+1

Been using these for a couple of years now, superb tyre.

[Dan Friel]

clarki said:

TrackMegane said:

Dunlop DZ03G amazing tyre

+1

Been using these for a couple of years now, superb tyre.

But sadly too much money in the size I want. Seem to be about £120 per tyre.

Ears Motorsport can supply a set of the Yoko AD08s for £300, and that looks good value.

[budd]

Clark3y said:

How much road use is 'some'?

of the tyres listed only the Yokos are what you'd term trackday tyres and that's if you use the 008-R and not the 008P (the R is a list 1B tyre the P a 1A tyre) I was surprised to find that the Hankook RS2 wasn't a list 1B tyre but I've just checked the blue book and your right it isn't, it is however a very good tyre for the money and if MSA approval isn’t absolutely necessary they are well worth a punt, much better than the Toyo and Federals you’ve short listed, for the proper Trackday variants from these manufacturers you need the Toyo R888 and Federal Z-201 or you could try Silverstone FTZ sport RR, which are excellent, I’ve just changed from Silverstone RRs to Federal Z-201 so it will be interesting to see how they compare.