R56 Track tire choices for R56 17" wheels?
I have no brake upgrades as of yet other than RBF600 and EBC redstuff pads. And again, I dont need to drive these on the street any more than just getting to track events. Otherwise, no street driving. So all I need in that regard is something that is "street" enough that can get me there and back.
I can't believe anybody didn't say this yet but don't start square 1 on a dedicated track tire like an Toyo R888, Nitto NT01, or Advan A048. You should learn the characteristics of the car on a high performance summer tire like a Dunlop Z2, Hankook RS-3...etc. This has been repeated a lot before, but diving straight into a more sticky competition tire hides a lot of driver mistakes.
Not to toot my own horn too much, but at Grattan in May I was on my old Dunlop Direzza Z1 star specs and was much faster compared to some people with less experience running R888s. Take it one step at a time. You learn far more on a summer tire at first on track. You'll know when you're ready for a dedicated track tire based on your consistency at the track.
Not to toot my own horn too much, but at Grattan in May I was on my old Dunlop Direzza Z1 star specs and was much faster compared to some people with less experience running R888s. Take it one step at a time. You learn far more on a summer tire at first on track. You'll know when you're ready for a dedicated track tire based on your consistency at the track.
Learn the technique of driving before jumping into something race related. You will be technically a much better driver as you move up if you stick with street tires. Please take no offence at the following, but judging by the fact that you find the Red Stuff pads acceptable on the track says that you are still at the "learning level". If nothing else you still need to learn to brake later and harder. That technique will toast those pads. Once you find that you need a set of real race pads and you are at the limits of the street tires in braking and cornering, then think about a set of R-comps.
I too learned on Z1s and they are an excellent tire and I have only this year switch to the R888s. My data says that the Z1s will easily pull between 0.95 and 1.0 gs in a corner when driven right. Not to shabby. From what the Tirerack comparison test says, the ZIIs are even better. Also, consider the costs. The Toyo R888s are about $210 each as compared to about $150 for a set of Rivels. The Toyos might last 7-8 track days. In comparison, I have put over 10 track days on a set of Yokohamas AD08s (never did wear them out on the track). That's over a $1000 savings in about 14 days of track driving. Because of that cost difference I thinking of returning to street tires. Right now, my choice would be the Rivals.
I am indeed still at the learning level. And I have only just begun to track my car. I do this like twice a year so far maybe. I'm thinking about getting into it more. First couple times I went out, I had TOTALLY stock. It pretty much still is. The first thing I noticed was big brake fade. So this time was DOT4 and redstuff pads. I mentioned that I went with redstuff because its still a daily driver and I didn't want pure track pads just yet.
My next step, as stated below is actual track pads to swap in and out, and better tires. Again, as a daily driver, I beat the crap out of my everyday tires. So I need a different set anyway. As long as I'm getting a set of tires for the track, I want track tires. Or at least as it sounds so far, extreme performance street tires to start with.
That was my original questions. What is the NEXT step up from totally stock. Answer so far: better brake pads and stickier tires.
And yeah, as you stated, I need A LOT of practice braking.
My next step, as stated below is actual track pads to swap in and out, and better tires. Again, as a daily driver, I beat the crap out of my everyday tires. So I need a different set anyway. As long as I'm getting a set of tires for the track, I want track tires. Or at least as it sounds so far, extreme performance street tires to start with.
That was my original questions. What is the NEXT step up from totally stock. Answer so far: better brake pads and stickier tires.
And yeah, as you stated, I need A LOT of practice braking.
What countryboyshane said
Learn the technique of driving before jumping into something race related. You will be technically a much better driver as you move up if you stick with street tires. Please take no offence at the following, but judging by the fact that you find the Red Stuff pads acceptable on the track says that you are still at the "learning level". If nothing else you still need to learn to brake later and harder. That technique will toast those pads. Once you find that you need a set of real race pads and you are at the limits of the street tires in braking and cornering, then think about a set of R-comps.
I too learned on Z1s and they are an excellent tire and I have only this year switch to the R888s. My data says that the Z1s will easily pull between 0.95 and 1.0 gs in a corner when driven right. Not to shabby. From what the Tirerack comparison test says, the ZIIs are even better. Also, consider the costs. The Toyo R888s are about $210 each as compared to about $150 for a set of Rivels. The Toyos might last 7-8 track days. In comparison, I have put over 10 track days on a set of Yokohamas AD08s (never did wear them out on the track). That's over a $1000 savings in about 14 days of track driving. Because of that cost difference I thinking of returning to street tires. Right now, my choice would be the Rivals.
Learn the technique of driving before jumping into something race related. You will be technically a much better driver as you move up if you stick with street tires. Please take no offence at the following, but judging by the fact that you find the Red Stuff pads acceptable on the track says that you are still at the "learning level". If nothing else you still need to learn to brake later and harder. That technique will toast those pads. Once you find that you need a set of real race pads and you are at the limits of the street tires in braking and cornering, then think about a set of R-comps.
I too learned on Z1s and they are an excellent tire and I have only this year switch to the R888s. My data says that the Z1s will easily pull between 0.95 and 1.0 gs in a corner when driven right. Not to shabby. From what the Tirerack comparison test says, the ZIIs are even better. Also, consider the costs. The Toyo R888s are about $210 each as compared to about $150 for a set of Rivels. The Toyos might last 7-8 track days. In comparison, I have put over 10 track days on a set of Yokohamas AD08s (never did wear them out on the track). That's over a $1000 savings in about 14 days of track driving. Because of that cost difference I thinking of returning to street tires. Right now, my choice would be the Rivals.
Sounds like a good plan. Smart choice on the pads and brake fluid.
You will have great fun and will learn a lot with set of extreme performance summer tires.
Your red stuff pads will work fine as you learn. When you are ready to move up to a race pad and are still running the stock brake setup, look into buying a set of Carbotech XP10 pads. They are rotor friendly and they are streetable for a few weeks at a time. That is what I did as I used them on the track and for autocross and didn't want to be changing them out every week.
You might also want to invest in a set of Schroth Quick Fit racing harness (http://www.schrothracing.com/tuning/...t-pro/qfp-mini). You will need one for you and one for an instructor. These are easy to put in and take out and are better than a set of R-comps when out on the track. HMS Motorsports carries them for the MINI.
BTW - My S is basically stock too, but with the sports suspension, tires, wheels and brakes (Wilwood BBK). It is a blast to drive on the track just the way it is.
Good luck with the tracking and let us know how you make out with your purchases. Most of all have fun.
You will have great fun and will learn a lot with set of extreme performance summer tires.
Your red stuff pads will work fine as you learn. When you are ready to move up to a race pad and are still running the stock brake setup, look into buying a set of Carbotech XP10 pads. They are rotor friendly and they are streetable for a few weeks at a time. That is what I did as I used them on the track and for autocross and didn't want to be changing them out every week.
You might also want to invest in a set of Schroth Quick Fit racing harness (http://www.schrothracing.com/tuning/...t-pro/qfp-mini). You will need one for you and one for an instructor. These are easy to put in and take out and are better than a set of R-comps when out on the track. HMS Motorsports carries them for the MINI.
BTW - My S is basically stock too, but with the sports suspension, tires, wheels and brakes (Wilwood BBK). It is a blast to drive on the track just the way it is.
Good luck with the tracking and let us know how you make out with your purchases. Most of all have fun.
Last edited by Eddie07S; Sep 11, 2013 at 06:15 PM. Reason: edits
Well thanks all of you for all the input. Definitely helped. Going to go with the Rival 215/45/17 when I'm ready to do it. And think about dedicated track pads for my next event.
It's a good tire but it just can't keep up with the latest crop of extreme performance street tires.
I also like Bridgestone RE-11 tires for track use. I'm looking forward to getting some RE-11A when they're available in the right size. I've used both 16" and 17" wheels on the track, and I can't say I've noticed much difference. We had 16" for the Cooper-S and had to go to 17" when we got the JCW. I have barely gone faster in the JCW than in the Cooper-S.
With the RE-11 we had to go to 205/55-16 which is slightly larger than stock and the extra gearing actually helped. With the JCW I'm thinking of going up to 215/45-17 for a little extra width and gearing (and is available in the RE-11A).
With the RE-11 we had to go to 205/55-16 which is slightly larger than stock and the extra gearing actually helped. With the JCW I'm thinking of going up to 215/45-17 for a little extra width and gearing (and is available in the RE-11A).
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
I have the RE-11's and have been impressed! I have recorded ~700 on track miles on them so far.
Wear is better than expected with proper rotation and enough camber to not accelerate outer edge wear. I expect ~300-400 more track miles on this set (I drive very hard on track)
They get slightly greasy once heat soaked at the end of a session, but no different than any other tire I have had.
To me the majors pro's to the re-11 is good wet traction so you can enjoy your track day wet and dry. Also they make noise when you have higher slip angles. Great for someone learning.
I do not think you can go wrong with any of the latest crop of extreme perf summers... With that said I will probably be switching to the rivals for next season
Wear is better than expected with proper rotation and enough camber to not accelerate outer edge wear. I expect ~300-400 more track miles on this set (I drive very hard on track)
They get slightly greasy once heat soaked at the end of a session, but no different than any other tire I have had.
To me the majors pro's to the re-11 is good wet traction so you can enjoy your track day wet and dry. Also they make noise when you have higher slip angles. Great for someone learning.
I do not think you can go wrong with any of the latest crop of extreme perf summers... With that said I will probably be switching to the rivals for next season
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: coral springs fl
properly packed you can bring alot of tools and toys to the track including 4 track wheels and tires. I do that with my r-56 quite often. I run Hoosier R-6 225 17 with 5 mm spacers in the front. My wheels have a 43mm offset if I remember correctly. Test fit whatever you buy well before track day
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