Looking for input to help with decision for best tire based on this criteria: 17x7.5 wheel, Dry performance, warm to hot weather. Dual use on AutoX and Club racing road tracks. Car is 2005 JCW equipped Cooper S (eng, susp, brakes). Stock weight with 195lb driver.

Thanks.

 

go with Toyo Ra-1, awesome grip peroid. tested and proven on track events.

 

Those were at the top of my list...Thanks

 

For track events, I love RA-1's. They may not be the fastest, but they are very consistent throughout the session and throughout the life of the tire. They also wear well. OTH there are other tires that will offer better laptimes such as Hoosier and Kumho V710's. RA-1's have been my tire of choice for some time now.

For autocross, it depends on how serious you are and how tough the competition is. I'm certainly no expert, but I know there are stickier tires out there.

 

Yep, I'll second (third?) that, for DEs the Toyos are the way to go.

 

I like my Michelin Pilot Sport Cups... I think they're stickier than the Toyos and last just as long. 'Course they are more 'spensive...

 

Scobib,

Can you elaborate upon the differences?

Also, what sizes are you good kind folk using? I'm opting for smaller than oem. Larger than oem is the only other option since one of these are offered in oem sizes - diameter.

 

Toyos 205/40/17s

 

 

I'm running 225/50R15's and love them in the Michelin PSC's...

Both are great tires - IMHO, the PSC's are stickier on our very rough autocross surface on the MINI (we're talkin' ROUGH here, but the courses are long and more like a Solo I or Time Trial course with higher speeds than most autocrosses). On a smoother surface, they are equals.

Feedback is about the same, the Michelin's might have a slight advantage in turn-in and I do think they have a more progressive breakaway. But that's just me...

Tire life seems to be about the same on the MINI. The RA-1's are better in the wet at full depth, however, they should really be shaved for max performance on a dry surface (especially for the track). The PSC's can be shaved to get better dry performance, but it doesn't get much better than they are right off the shelf - and they last a LOT longer at full depth.

Overall, the biggest difference is the price... You really can't go wrong with either tire, though. The RA-1 is great bang for the buck, and the heavy iron guys (Corvettes, Mustangs, et al) and the Evo drivers like them better. 'Course, they tend to chew on them a bit more, too, and they're cheaper to replace than the PSC's.

 

Okay, just second guessing myself.

Onasled - hope to see you at LRP this season. I've signed up with PDA for every event.