Just got back from the last track day for me this year.

I'm already thinking about next year and I want to get a good set of R-Compound tires (not slicks). The wheels I want to use are 17" because, from what I hear, the JCW Brake Kit coming in 2008 (which I will most likely get) won't fit under 16s.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't know where to start!

 

I would start by waiting. If your intent is to get the JCW BBK wait till it's out and then see what will fit. It was a general understanding that the MK1 JCW BBK would not allow 15 inch rims. I run 15 Kosei and there are a few others that fit. So don't guess, just give it time.

 

you also don't want to get r-comps and sit on them for six months. They're known to lose grip as they age. Get them fresh.

Another thought....a max performance tire like the RE-01R. My auto-x buddies tell me the compound is as soft as Hoosiers, but street legal.

 

^ i won't be buying yet, as i said above, i'm just starting to think about it.

 

Yeah, get tires in the spring, but don't wait to long since all the other racers are doing the same thing.

Tire Rack has a decent selection or R Comps, look at the various types they have and prices, that might help you decide.

If you want to make an intermediate step before full going from street to stickies check out the Yokohama A048. They have been billed as R Comp training wheels. Not as sticky and a little more forgiving at the limit.

 

I could be wrong but if properly stored they will maintain their grip. At least for a short time like 6 months. A couple of years might be a stretch. Also you might be able to get a pretty good deal in an off season.

 

nope. last month's EVO mag has a summer tire test. They noted markedly worse performance from two week old tires vs. six month old tires....same make/model/size - difference was the date stamp. The older set was picked up from a local supplier, the newer ones sent direct from the manufacturer.

 

How were they stored?

 

at a tire shop. probably on a rack. yes, not in airtight bags. most places offering closeouts on late season r-comps....aka the good deals, aren't going to be any different.

 

True that. Probably why my Avot Techs from Tire Rack are rock hard. On the other hand my previous set of Hoosiers I got from Ebay with one heat cycle on them. The guy stored them properly and even a year later the were fantastic. So the moral would be it is not about the age, but about storing your tires properly. At least in part.

Anyway, if you're going to spend the money just get slicks. About the same $$$ as the R-Compound streets, but the performance will be night and day. I don't care what anyone says.

 

What suspension are you running?

How much front camber?

BF Goodrich g-Force R1 40 treadwear
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...irePageLocQty=
225/45-17 $221 each 24.8" tire diameter
If you have 17x8 rims then
235/40-17 $215 each 24.2" tire diameter

Or Toyo Proxes Ra1 100 treadwear
235/40-17 $183 each fits rims 8-9.5" wide, 24.4" tire diameter

Or if you need street rubber
Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R
215/45-17 $162 each 24.6" tire diameter 180 treadwear

 

stock camber, JCS suspension.

The bridgestones are my everyday tire!

 

Don't go to r-compounds until you're running -2.0° camber (or more) up front. You'll just eat up expensive tires really fast.

205/40R17 RA1 is a good choice though.