Hi all. I love my PS2s, but I am considering an R rated tire, since I NEVER drive in the rain and don't mind loosing the miles.
Anyone have any input on what tire is good to try? I know that R copound will take some warming up before I can go ape on them and that is okay, too. What I am a little worried about is the tires only being able to heat cycle a few times and then turning to stones. As long as I can wear them out beofre that happens and they handle better than the PS2s, then I am game.

I would try Yokohama Advans next.... there are quite a few r compounds they do...

Sweet, thanks!

I was looking at Toyo R1s, but they don't have a 295/30/18.

Jangy, I've been scouring the scca and autocross forums looking for similar advice. To sum up what I've read:

- Yoko Advan Neova is the consensus choice for the best non-R tire.

- Falken RT615 is about as good for a single lap but gets "greasy" when hot and requires cooling in between laps.

- R compounds come in softer and harder versions. The softer R compound tires (e.g. Hoosiers) are only good for a one or two track runs. The harder R compound tires provide many more miles.

- Of the harder R compound tires, the Toyo RA-01 has a lot of fans. Comes in 8/32 tread depth (for rain) or can be shaved to 4/32.

- Nitto NT01 is a faster tire. Similar rubber. Newer carcass. Semi-slick design but DOT street legal.

- Toyo R888 is the tire that autocross folks in the US are waiting for. It's available elsewhere but not here.

- Michelin Pilot Sport Cups and Pirelli PZero Corsas are good but no better than any of the others and much more expensive, so a waste of money from the autox-er perspective.

Again, those aren't my opinions...just a compilation of what I've read.

I think the biggest problem you'll find is the limited sizes that are available. I'm having the dickens of a time trying to find sizes near the stock SL sizes and finally decided to go with Nitto NT555R2 rears. They get installed next week. I'm still undecided on the fronts.

Good luck!

P.s. My son and I have also decided to run Nitto NT01s on the GTM, unless the Toyo R888s start shipping before we're at the point of buying tires.

Very nice compilation. That gives me a nice start. Thanks

Hi Jangy,

I would look into the Yoko Advan A048. A very good friend of mine states his driver prefers the A048's over the RA-1 and Pilot Cups for pure track use. If the A048's are not available in your sizes, he felt the Pilot Cups are probably just as good as the Yokos.

His car is most likely the highest developed street driven NSX on the planet that puts down 850 rwhp and is extremely quick on a road course.

Good luck on the search!
Sandy

If you are actually driving on the street, I would stick with the Pilot Cup Sports or the Nitto NT01's