Which track tyres for a light hot hatch?

[BenLowden]

I've got a Clio Trophy weighing in at just over a tonne. I'm currently running Michelin PS3s on the standard 16" Turinis, which served me well for four track days last year.

However I'm wanting to step up my game a bit in 2016, and have ordered a set of Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2s in 15". Therefore my tyre size is going to be 195/50/15, and I was wondering if anyone has much advice on what tyres to go for? Toyo R888s seem the main choice, but are there others to consider? Thanks!

[petrolbloke]

Hi Ben. I would recommend joining up on ClioSport.net and having a read over there if you haven't already. Loads of threads on tyres.

From what I've read, people seem to prefer AO48s to R888s. The R888R is also out now, but I haven't heard much about them. I run AD08Rs on my Clio as anything more would be too much for the suspension to take (get too much body roll as it is). You might also find with those tyres that the DS2500s won't be up to the job any more. There's an attempt for a group buy of DS1.11 pads on ClioSport at the moment, might be worth a look if you need another brake upgrade.

[BenLowden]

petrolbloke said:

Hi Ben. I would recommend joining up on ClioSport.net and having a read over there if you haven't already. Loads of threads on tyres.

From what I've read, people seem to prefer AO48s to R888s. The R888R is also out now, but I haven't heard much about them. I run AD08Rs on my Clio as anything more would be too much for the suspension to take (get too much body roll as it is). You might also find with those tyres that the DS2500s won't be up to the job any more. There's an attempt for a group buy of DS1.11 pads on ClioSport at the moment, might be worth a look if you need another brake upgrade.

Thanks, I'll take a look at the AO48s as an alternative. I was considering going back to standard springs too as I find the Mark Fish setup a bit too stiff for the roads around me in Kent, although given that stickier tyres will encourage more body roll, I'm not sure now! Thanks for the tip on the DS1.11 pads too, will definitely look into it.

[rallycross]

I would buy some Ad08's if you want to use it on the road more than track and A048's for track use.
George Polly motorsport is the cheapest source in the UK for Yoko track tyres.

[anonymous-user]

BenLowden said:

Thanks, I'll take a look at the AO48s as an alternative. I was considering going back to standard springs too as I find the Mark Fish setup a bit too stiff for the roads around me in Kent, although given that stickier tyres will encourage more body roll, I'm not sure now! Thanks for the tip on the DS1.11 pads too, will definitely look into it.

Definitely consider the impact of suspension changes if you're putting stickier tyres on.

I started off with PS3's on standard suspension and wheels before changing to the AD08 on lighter 15" wheels, body roll was definitely noticeable but it's not like it was bouncing off the bump stops. I had the suspension refreshed with CookSport springs before running 888's and that was definitely the right move. I wouldn't consider running a properly grippy track tyre on standard springs.

The AD08R is a very good road/track compromise IMO, it doesn't like standing water but other than that it's perfectly fine on the road.

Also look at the NS2-R, in the softer Track compound it's not as good as the 888 but it's not that far off for a lot, lot less.

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 31st January 14:26

[jrgibb]

The TD's are a great track rim, light and cheap but on stock suspension I'd just throw on toyo proxes before going for the more expensive semi slicks.

Have adjustable suspension fitted next and get it setup by someone who can properly set it up and corner weighting (and cross weighting). It'll be a difference car. I've a std MX5, stripped out, Team Dynamics, and Proxes with Gaz shocks all setup by Kent MX5 (who prepare cars for the mx5 race series). It absolutely flies through the corners. You'll be doing at least 5 track days until you really find the limit (playing around with the setup).

[Oilchange]

Set of NS2R in that size are about £260 delivered on Ebay. Great tyres, really very good and possibly a bit less lairy in the wet than an R888. Just wish I could get my sizes that cheap!

Edited by Oilchange on Sunday 31st January 17:55

[AMST09]

Got federal 595 RSRs on my focus RS with 400bhp and they stick very nicely

My car with the federals and standard suspension against a mates focus RS with road tyres (avons I think) with upgraded suspension, my car was noticeably better through the corners

So would definitely upgrade the rubber before spending a fortune on suspension if you need tyres anyway
Tbh the federals are only about £100 a corner on 18s so can't be much for 15s

[MG CHRIS]

AMST09 said:

Got federal 595 RSRs on my focus RS with 400bhp and they stick very nicely

My car with the federals and standard suspension against a mates focus RS with road tyres (avons I think) with upgraded suspension, my car was noticeably better through the corners

So would definitely upgrade the rubber before spending a fortune on suspension if you need tyres anyway
Tbh the federals are only about £100 a corner on 18s so can't be much for 15s

For 15 they be around 250 quid I run them on my 225bhp exocet kit car and are really good for the money.

[Steve H]

I run A048s in that size on my Peugeot, cost just over £100 a corner and have been excellent. They will do a 45 minute race without going off but also carry respectable pace in the wet.

[BenLowden]

charltjr said:

Definitely consider the impact of suspension changes if you're putting stickier tyres on.

I started off with PS3's on standard suspension and wheels before changing to the AD08 on lighter 15" wheels, body roll was definitely noticeable but it's not like it was bouncing off the bump stops. I had the suspension refreshed with CookSport springs before running 888's and that was definitely the right move. I wouldn't consider running a properly grippy track tyre on standard springs.

The AD08R is a very good road/track compromise IMO, it doesn't like standing water but other than that it's perfectly fine on the road.

Also look at the NS2-R, in the softer Track compound it's not as good as the 888 but it's not that far off for a lot, lot less.

Edited by charltjr on Sunday 31st January 14:26

Thanks for the advice all! As it's a Trophy, it already has the remote-reservoir Sach dampers, which I've had rebuilt and unpinned. At the same time I fitted stiffer Mark Fish springs, and the Pure Motorsport top mount and strut brace kit, so my suspension is pretty much sorted already. I was considering going back to standard springs as the MF are just a bit too harsh for the awful roads around me in Kent, but given what people are saying I think I'll stick with them given the extra grip levels.

These will be track only wheels, so I'm not too worried about compromising with a tyre that suits road use too. If I end up on a wet track day I can just leave my standard wheels on with my PS3s. Coming from a Caterham background, I'm surprised no one has mentioned Avon's yet, either in ZZS or ZZR format, although they haven't been around all that long.

[Oilchange]

And they do the ZZR in your sizes. These are awesome tyres too.

http://www.avonmotorsport.com/road-legal/performan...

[thebraketester]

Yoko a048 are ridiculously grippy.

Also consider the Dunlop DZ03G if they come in your size.

[Oilchange]

I find A048 prices are absolutely sky high, at least for my sizes. I can't understand why they are so expensive. Good tyres but not 100% better as the price suggests ^

[Steve H]

I think it does vary quite a bit on different sizes. Perhaps surprisingly, I found Tweaks to be very competitive for mine.

[clarki]

I didn't like the 888's on my R26R. Went "off" quickly and the shoulders rolled in too easy. Puncture easy too. Happy to see the back of them tbh.

The Direzza 03Gs on the other hand were excellent. Took as much abuse as I could throw at them and lasted longer. Worth every penny.