Balrok

iTrader: (15)

Define lasting the "season". Is that 5 sessions or 100 sessions in how many weekends during what time of year and at what track? Because none of those will last an entire season if you want to be "fast" every time out.

Dallas J

iTrader: (1)

The 200tw tires are really better for single hot lap performance these days. The Rival may hold up to longer sessions best but the RE71 and A052 will overheat the fronts for sure on that long of a session if you're pushing. Need Matt to chime in on what the track guys are using that are lapping competitively for 20-30min sessions.

For fitting in the rear, it'll depend somewhat on rear camber, but with my rear upright you'll want to be around 3deg of rear so 265 for sure and probably 275s will work with minimal fender efforts.

alpinaturbo

iTrader: (5)

Balrok, I only meant lasting 25 minutes without overheating, getting too greasy. They will all get greasy.

Dallas, thank you for the tip, I did not expect needing -3 Camber on rear with uprights, even without. I tended to think -2.5 was good enough, obviously incorrectly.
275/40x17 Hoosier fitted before on narrow rims, but they are old Hoosier -from the decade ago, much narrower.

No 200UTG really, was just "throwing" ideas in, am not looking for 1-hot-lap RE71R.

Its really Toyo RR, NT01, Hoosier, some balance of utility and performance.
NT01 is a great balance of price/performance, and grip-until-worn. 275/35x18 is only interesting size and it's got overall width of 10.91", and 25.51" height.
No more info is offered.


The front of the car is easy, I got wider fenders

Dallas J

iTrader: (1)

Another tire to consider is the Toyo RA1 if you plan to see any rain. IIRC its the same as (or rumored to be) the same as the NT01 rubber. I know they're pretty cheap and they definitely can take a beating.

Balrok

iTrader: (15)

I'd likely do NT-01's then. Purple crack is only really for when it counts.

Lumpy Sticks

iTrader: (3)

Anyone try the Falken RT660s yet?

kaj

iTrader: (60)

I can vouch for being able to beat on NT01s for 20min sessions. I'm not out to shave every tenth from my personal best, though. I just like the seat time.

EVO8LTW

iTrader: (41)

I liked the NT01s okay. They are in a funny middle ground though. They last slightly longer than the really fast street tires, but aren't as fast as the really fast 200TW tires, even though you are technically running R compounds. If you really don't care about lap times, I think there may be better options for a tire that doesn't get greasy but also lasts longer than an NT01 and is cheaper. Maybe a Hankook RS4 or a NT05? I'm also looking for a good lapping day tire for learning new tracks when time doesn't matter.

alpinaturbo

iTrader: (5)

Thank you.

Dallas, we do not run in the rain, its Norther California, more like scorching hot sun or moderate hot sun.

I am very surprised to hear NT01 are less grippy/slower than fast UTG200 like Re71R and the like.

If we stick to Toyo RR and Hoosier -

shorter 255/35x18 Hoosier 24.8" vs taller 275/35x18 Hoosier 25.5" tall,
same 10.3" thread width, and 10.7" section width.

Do I pick shorter tire?

Toyo RR is attractive if I can fit 11.3" section width of the 285/30x18, for that sticky 10.6" thread and 24.8" height.

Wondering if there is any concern with slightly shorter tires, some effect on scrub radius etc..as the "intersections" of the center-lines at tire-center-on-the-floor are moved up.

NT01 is something I would try if I even drove on the same wheels to the event.
Because based on other's experience, they really do last and grip to the last bit of thread.

alpinaturbo

iTrader: (5)

I called Roger Kraus, well respected supplier of Race Tires and race shop for many decades in San Francisco Bay Area.
Brandon Kraus, the junior and hot shoe with decades of experience, spoke about the NT01, Toyo RR and Hoosier.

In his opinion, Hoosier is fastest 1st heat cycle, still almost as fast 2nd heat cycle, and than it starts dropping off. After 2 days on track, they are nowhere as grippy as they started off, so not recommended for track-day lapping multiple sessions for 25 minutes.
Hoosier is according to Brandon 1 second faster new than NT01.

He does not like Toyo RR, he says they are so close to Hoosier, but not as fast, and hardly longer lasting.

His recommendation is NT01 275/35x18 to go fast consistently, and cheaply.
Otherwise Hoosier 275/35x18 to go fast for as long as they don't heat cycle, and expensively.

He says Hoosier 255/35x18 is same size as 275/35x18 but shorter, same price, the only loss is in braking.

kaj

iTrader: (60)

I care about lap times (PBs), just not shaving a few tenths. The NT01 is my happy medium. Like you said, they last longer, just not as fast as some tires, though they are pretty close, especially at my experience level. Add in their price and it's a no-brainer for me. They sure can take a beating.
If I were doing a Time Attack event, I'd run something better suited.
The R-S4 is a great tire, but definitely not capable enough for me. I did daily a set on some old Evo VIII wheels, for a while, though. I even ran the on a road course. Those suckers NEVER gave up. If I had only one set of wheels and tires to daily/track on, I'd probably run them. I had really good experiences with the R-S3 and the 4s seem at least as good.. but I'm addicted to the NT01 now
I had NT05s on the car, back in 2015 or so. Not sure if they needed to be warmed up more (I only did one warm-up lap), if I needed more camber, or they liked more pressure, but I ended up taking chunks out of the outer tread blocks.
For learning tracks and not worrying about time, I'd 100% pick the R-S4. Toss 'em on and no worries for a very long time.

kaj

iTrader: (60)

They grip until you can literally see cords. They probably still would, even then It makes them a great value, in my opinion.

Ayoustin

iTrader: (2)

I love my Maxxis RC1. They just don't die, like ever. Just very useless in the rain.

Construct

iTrader: (4)

I also went with Maxxis RC-1.

Maxxis updated the RC-1 compound late last year. Not many people have had a chance to drive them due to all of the COVID shutdowns, but early impressions are positive: https://baero.tech/blog/2020/6/1/maxxis-rc1-r2-review

I've read that the NT01 was slightly better than the RC1 (old compound) on hot days, whereas the RC1 edged out the NT01 on cooler days (<80F). The RC1 also wear like iron.

And yes, don't even think about driving them in the rain.

Balrok

iTrader: (15)

For those of you with blocks out, Anyone know the length of the Oil Pan bolts? It sounds like they're m6x10mm for the majority, m6x8 for two starter sides. I need to add 3/8 to 5/16 for this new pan in socket head, whats that look like - M6x18? Is there a hard stop in the block or does it go on and on.