Okay, I've already decided I will probably buy a set of 16" wheels with R-compounds sometime next year. In the meantime, I will keep my 17" x 7.5" rims, but try a better performing tire. I currently have 215/45/17 Eagle F1 GS-D3's and found them to be a little lacking during a couple autocross classes.

So, I am looking at the following replacement options.

1. 215/40/17 Falken Azenis RT-615

2. 215/40/17 Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec

3. 215/45/17 Bridgestone RE-01R

4. Other


Which one would you vote for? I don't care about road noise or long lasting tread wear. Wet grip is not that important either. I am looking for the best performing summer street tire for auto-x.

 

For the size you want, right now the best tire is the Bridgestone. However, if you're willing to wait, TOYO is about to come out with a 215/45-17 size of their new Proxes R1R. Grassroots did a test of them versus the Bridgestones and the R1Rs were about 1/2 second faster all around; but they did wear down faster. Not sure when TOYO is going to be releasing them though.

 

Actually, having owned the Bridgestones, I'd give the Dunlops a try. Tire Rack's testing says it's better all around. Cheaper to boot. The Bridgestones were excellent....I'd just like to see how the Dunlops do, especially given the 25% lower price

 

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the Dunlops. And, I am considering going to 215/40's instead of the 215/45's. The Bridgestones don't come in 215/40 so that's another reason to go with the Dunlops. I did also hear good things about the Toyo's. I'll look into them...

PGT, have you thought about going to 40's instead of 45's?

 

yep...I just may do that if I go 17"

 

The Dunlops!they look great-sounds like they perform too!It's my next choice.

 

How bout Toyo R888?

 

track...won't heat up enough for autox

 

I have the Dunlops and after 2 autox events they have done really well. They are a bit loud on the road, but that's what a radio is for really.

I haven't reached the limit of the tires yet since it has been a little cold, but I would suggest the Dunlops for the price alone. I have them in the 215/40 17 size and got them for $92 each with a $50 rebate from Tire Rack. If I would have acted quicker I could have had them at $82 each!

Good luck with the decision!

 

Thanks for the input! Wow...I'd def pick them for $82

Have any pics of them on your car, Grey?

 

you got Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec for $82? Or, you got the old Direzza Z1 for $84? Or, the DZ101? Three seperate tires and the Star Spec are in a different class.

 

You need to take a look at the Falken 615. I'm on my second set. I've used them for both autocross and track days and have been very happy with the results.

 

Another set to keep in mind is the Hankook RS2. They work very will for AutoX.

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com

 

heheh we should create a Poll on NAM for this very thing.

 

From what I've read, 615's and RS2's are on par. The RE01R's are a big step up. The Star Specs slightly better still, but the benefit is a cheaper price (more like the 615's and RS2's).

 

What about the Yoko A048? Isn't that an Auto-X tire in the Medium compound?

The R888's are a track tire, been using them and so far have 6 full days on the set. They are about 1/2 worn and I just flipped them side to side after this past weekend. I ran about 35 min of an hour long session in 95 degree temps and they never got greasy.

 

I have the A048's on now. They are in between an auto-x and track tire...take a bit to heat up. We'll see how they do at auto-x...problem is, they're super expensive.

 

At MOTD this year Pittstop Mini Club and I gave away some Bridgestone/Firestone discount key cards. Tirerack really liked the Re-01's. My wife is the Manager of the Tread Compound Development Group for BFS, so I might be a little bias. If you didn't get a discount card pm me and I'll see what I can do for you. Tires really can change a regular mini to a very fast MINI! Good luck and have fun.

 

I have the R-S2 and after owning other tires said on this thread (RT-615 and also Kumho MX) I prefer the Hankook. Better wet traction and insane grip.


Hankook FTW

 

Colinmini....PM sent!

rjtrout2000, do you feel that they sacrificed a little dry traction for better wet traction?

 

I'll snap a picture or two today and post it here.

Maybe I am mistaken... I got the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 - they were the tires in the comparison with the RE01R's on TireRack's site. That is where I made the decision - they compared well and were much less expensive than the Bridgestones, Falkens and Hankook which were the other contenders for my hard-earned $. Now those tires are $100 each and not available... guess a lot of autoxers have picked them up for this season.

PGT - I think that answers the question you posed as well, I don't even know what the Star Spec is...my bad.

 

I am currently running some Bridgestone Potenza RE-750, when these wear out I plan to get the RE-01's. I talked to a couple running the RE-01 at the Dragon this past year. They Autocross and really love these tires. Not quite a R-compound race tire but close.

 

Dunlop discontinued the Z1 almost immediately and came out with the Z1 Star Spec. The one the autoxers rave about and the one Tire Rack tested is the new Star Spec. That's not to say the normal Z1 isn't good, just that it's not the same tire.

 

Here are the photos I promised earlier. Maybe someone can shed light on which Z1's these are!

 

could you stand further back and snap a pic please? Preferably in the dark.