track tyres

[andyc.]

Do they make alot of difference.I ran newish kumho street tyres a few weeks back and they didnt wear much and seemed to do well.

[chrisr29]

On a dry, warmish day they can make a world of difference.

[git-r]

Yes but a lot of people that buy them don't use them to their full potential and they are expensive!
I have tried a few different types over the years but find i have more fun and am much less in debt using part worns at £100 fitted for a set of 4 (245/40/17).
What type of tyre did you find ok?

[chrisr29]

I've used Toyo 888 (so far the best I've tried), Hancook RS2 (good for the money and last well but a bit on the hard side). Currently have a set of Yoko A032r but it's really getting too cold to get any real benefit from them.

Of all the things you can do to your car for track days I'd say sticky tyres make the largest, single difference. Pound for pound anyway.

[gruffalo]

I know rex runs his E36 M3 on R888's, here is a vid of him in the cold and wet at bedford yesterday, not much passed him, they seemed to cope with the contitions very well!!

Guess it is all about the right tyre for the car and set up, heavier cars will work the tyre more so generate more heat, lighter better set up cars will be easier on their tyres so will benifit from something softer.

The nice people at Adams and Page in High Wycombe always offer good advise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ3jW5fQ9s4

[fushion julz]

I use Toyo R888s on my E30 M3...they are fantastic value and are a huge improvement over road tyres in braking, roadholding, grip, etc..

However, they aren't cheap...I use 215/50/15 in GG (medium) compound and they last around 4-6 days depending on the track and the weather...The nearside (left) front wears quicker but I've never wrecked one in less than 3 trackdays...
They are E marked, too, so can be used on the road if you choose...

A cheaper option, assuming the TDO allows it and you can find a size suitable for your car, are part-worn slicks...Obviously the can't be used on the road and you will still need a set of wet weather wheels/tyres

[jon-]

It's something I've done a lot of work on, and it comes down to what you want from the tyre.

Driving back to back I personally ENJOYED driving road tyres more, but I like the car to dance and move around a lot. When less experienced friends tried them back to back they felt much more comfortable on the track tyres due to the added grip.

Few links worth checking...

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/road-tyre-vs-...
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/road-tyre-vs-...

I'll have the full article up at some point (been saying that for years )

[andyc.]

cheers chaps.