Auto-X/Street Tire Choice.

[dallas]

I autocrossed both the RS2 and the RT615 while the RT615 had better turn in feel, I did better with the RS2, it may have been due to running in colder weather, it seemed to me like the RT615 needed to be really hot to work, on cold days in the spring and early fall the RT 615 fell short.

Originally Posted by Loren

Any of those would be fine for street use and mediocre for autocross use.

For serious grip, the current best street/autox tires are (in order from good to better):
Hankook RS2
Falken Azenis
BFG Potenza RE-01 (on closeout, possibly cheap)
Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec
Toyo R1-R

Most of those can be had for under $100 in 15" sizes (except the Toyos), don't know about 16s. Check the status of the closeout on the RE-01 at the Tire Rack, the prices were GREAT, and it's a fantastic tire!

[Loren]

The Azenis (and pretty much every other tire I mentioned) is a "summer tire". Performance is going to fall off as the temperature decreases. You'll probably notice a decrease in grip below 70-75 degrees ambient. And it will SHARPLY drop off from there.

Cold tires suck.

[LtNoogie]

I can't wait to test my new Kumho Ecsta XS in May at the next autox. They are noisy in a gravelly parking lot because the rubber picks up little pebbles which are then flung onto the plastic fender covers.

[Ton]

This year I´m running on Yokohama AVS Sport, I´m gonna test it this sunday!! then I tell you how was it!

[anonymous user]

In my region, a lot of ST classed cars swap tires, even in those classes.
I'd say spend some cash and get some great summer tires. Any of those mentioned would be good, advan neovas would be the king of street tires.
IMO, learn to drive on crappy tires will help immensely when you purchase a better set.

I taught myself how to race on AVONTECH M550's. These tires were horrible for racing, but have like 420?? treadwear. Thresh-hold driving, or driving at the limits can be more easily attained on rock hard-like tires.

[cali yaris]

Toyo R1-R comes in a 205/50/16 -- NICE, might have to put these on next.

[Morgan]

I race in a large, concrete airport/helicopter landing area in south eastern Alabama and I always found that the azenis 615s would overheat they would get slippery between runs and I started carrying a garden sprayer to cool them off between runs since they would slip and chew through tread in the events April-November... the tires were great in December/January!

I'm tempted by the star-specs, anyone running them for an autox tire and recommend them?

[SailDesign]

Originally Posted by Morgan

I'm tempted by the star-specs, anyone running them for an autox tire and recommend them?

My older boy is putting them on for this year - I'll let you know how he likes them.

[Loren]

Originally Posted by Morgan

I'm tempted by the star-specs, anyone running them for an autox tire and recommend them?

Perhaps you should read this thread that you're posting in?

The only street tire I know of that's better than the Star Specs right now is the Toyo R1-R.

[cali yaris]

Loren, what do you think of the BF Goodrich T/A g-force KDW?

I have those on now, pretty sticky and not too bad in the wet.

[Loren]

Never tried the T/A's, they were always WAY too pricey. Heard good things about them, but never even seen them used locally, so have no direct experience.

They're also one of those tires that's not available in 15", so I pretty much disregard them.

I think the KD's are the ones you'd want for autocross.

[Yaris-x]

Like I mentioned earlier I am running Star specs and love them so far my 1st Auto-x is April 28th and we shall see how good they are on track. I have a feeling tire pressure is going to be key.

[Sabretooth]

I think im gonna end up soon buying 2 rims and mounting Star Specs on them just for auto-x...but I need to get out to the track first, lol

[ozmdd]

Azenis are the best bang-for-the-buck, and will definitely give you great performance. Also, they can be "flipped" with no adverse effects, unless driving in water, but fine for autoX. They will get greasy, but almost any tire will down here in Texas, April-November. Everyone uses the sprayer trick here, especially those on R-comps.

The star spec is a better tire for autox, but is more expensive, and is really only a must-have for people running at the top of their class (not a Yaris in HS if there is a Mini there), or someone who just wants a great tire for street and track. If you don't care about the extra $$, you'll love them.

[cali yaris]

ordered R1-R's. 'spensive.

My BF Goodrich's are pretty shot, will wear them out the rest of the way when I get my car back, then switch.

[Loren]

You'll like the R1-R's.

[Sabretooth]

Any updates from out Autocross peeps out there testing new rubber?

[kngrsll]

I just bought a set of Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec and hope to do a track day May 15th. I will let you know how they hold up! :D