I'm looking for a better street tire for a 2-driver car. I currently have Falken Azenis, and like everyone says they get greasy.

Some of the events I attend are small, and we don't always get even 5 minutes between are runs. I've seen quite a few people spray their Falkens with water to cool them down. Does this really work?

I've been thinking about trying the Kumho MX, but I am open to suggestions.

 

I’ve had good luck with the Yokohama ES100’s. It’s a good all round street and performance tire.

 

I've had good luck with my ES100's, too, but the Kumho MX's are WAY better. They seem to handle heat much better than the Azenis, too...

 

I liked my Kumho MX's - they seem to hold up to higher temps better than the Azenis.

 

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For aggressive street use consider the Bridgestone potenza Pole position S-03 or Goodyear Eagle F1 DS-G3 (both good autocross tires).

I've used Yokohama ES100 in 215/45-17 for autocross and weren't that impressed. They are good street tires though.

 

Since I posted this thread in the G-stock forum I thought it was obvious I was asking about tires for autocrossing. I'm asking about "steet" tires because I don't want to have to haul an extra set of tires in the back of the MINI to every event.

A 2-driver car means my husband and I both drive my MCS at the same autocross events. We both drive the car aggressively, as our times our usually very close (ie, I got 1st place last weekend at a local event, only beating my husband's time by 1/10th sec).

Minihune, do you autocross? I thought the term "2-driver car" was pretty common, maybe I'm mistaken.

 

The water does work. Give them a good spray down between runs. Also a good spray on the intercooler and air intake system will keep you from heat soaking. You can use cool water but cannot have ice in your sprayer.

 

Hey Boilermini,

Haven't seen you in a while at SBR events. Anyway sounds like you are plenty fast taking 1st place with Chris running similar times.

On to your question...Grassroots Magazine did a Autocross tire test less than 2 years ago and rated the BF Goodrich TA/KD dry tire virtually the same as the Azenis in the "true Street tire" category without the mentioned loss of grip when hot. However, (there always is a downside) they cost almost double. This would put them about the same price (or more) as R-compound DOT race tires. How fast do you want to go? The closest I can get to the G-stockers with R-compound tires is about 1 to 2 seconds with my Azenis. If you don't mind the cost benefit downside in favor of "drive to the track convience" try the KD's. If you want to keep up with the fast guy's (and gals) change your tires at the track to R-compounds.

I will be in the same boat next season when my son plans on co-driving my car. I guess I will have to make a decision also. I rather like being closer to the top of the group instead of the bottom.

Hope to see you at the Tire Rack the end of August!

Minifinn

 

Unshaved MX's seem to handle heat only a little better than Azenis and they're not as fast. When shaved, the MXs handle heat a lot better and are just as fast as Azenis.

Of course a tire that starts life at 3/32nd inch of tread-depth isn't very streetable, either. You'd want to swap them at the event unless you were very sure there would be no rain; then you might as well get R tires.

The BFG KD's are pricey but are probably the best solution to your problem; at full tread they handle heat better than Azenis and are just as quick.

 

OK, You're right, for a moment I thought I was in the tire forum.
Autocross tire for street use- Falken Azenis for 16" (you didn't mention your wheel size) and Kumho MX are fine but there is that heat problem and very little time to cool off in your case.

I think if you talk to Alex@tirerack.com he will tell you that the Potenza S-03 and Goodyear Eagle F1 DS-G3 are solid performers for both purposes. Most people do not look at them due to the higher prices. We do have several MCS that autocross in my area with S-03 but in 17".

2 driver is a standard term for autocross. I run in Street Mod.

 

I e-mailed Alex at Tirerack and asked him about the Kumho MX and Goodrich TA/KD. He said KD's all the way, however the KD's don't really come in a good size for 16in wheels.

He also said the Kumho MX grease up when hot. Now, I am really unsure about what to do for our tire situation.

It looks like I may be switching gears and looking at R compounds. How long will an R comp tire last with 2 drivers? What's the best size for a 16in wheel? Should I go with Hoosier or Kumho? Help!!!!!!!!!!

 

Half as long as a one driver car.....OK I'm a smart ***.

Boilermini, check out these threads. They cover it pretty well.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=28766
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25988
I'm thinking of trying the Avon's when they get our size in next year. Again, everything is a compromise.

 

Kuhmo MX's are definitely the tire of choice for HOT weather running. Take a look at the STS guys at nationals and the tours and Prosolo's. I'm sure you'll find the majority running MX's or Azenis. Put some Ice in your sprayer if you run the Azenis, it WILL make a huge difference with the heat issues.