Good source for Hankook RS3s?
 

I swear whenever I'm ready to buy tires I can never find them in stock.

TireRack, DiscountTireDirect, all told me they have no idea when they'll get the size I want back in stock (225/45R17), as they are backordered for about 2 months or so.

Does anyone have a good source for RS3s? It doesn't seem to be a tire that local tire shops have access to.

I was thinking of an alternate tire that is comparable to the RS3, something like the BFG Rival, but I'd prefer a tire that I can flip on the rim, and can't do that with an asymmetrical.

Rumor has it that Hankook is phasing out the RS3 for a new tire soon. Of course Hankook nor any of the major distributors are openly saying that, but "folks in the know" seem to have reliable information that Hankook is working on something new.

If you're looking for an alternative with a symmetrical tread pattern, the Dunlop ZIIs would fit the bill. They are directional (meaning they're meant to be run on one side of the car), but they can be flipped on the rim and then run on the opposite side of the car.

Apparently, Hankook has an archaic method for inventory. They have to be completely out for them to make and ship new tires. The end result is huge shortages for months at a time.

Call around to online shops. I think I got a set from Goodwin Racing for my miata (years ago). The big guys may not have them, but the small guys might. Or pick another tire

This happens every time this year. Autocross is season is about to start. Last year I ordered tires at this time and didn't get my set until may. Also the rivals you can flip them and will be just fine for dry events.

I was gonna order a set of 245s because I have back to back pro solo then pro tour on concrete in June and I maybe wanted to get one or two events on them before that then use them up at those two events. Grrr!

I have almost new 255 ZIIs to get the season started at least.

Rivals suck. Z2 is the best backup, IMO.

The RS3 is not a moneymaker for Hankook. Manufacturing capacity is allocated elsewhere. Plus, if everyone is crying for Hankook RS3s, it's good press for them.

RS3 "user surveys" went out over 18 months ago.

Well for people who want them and can't get them, like me, I'm going to spend my money elsewhere... which isn't ideal for them.

Really? The rivals are that bad? I need a tire that can hold up to heat (and that I can drive to/from the events on, about ~60 miles each way which is why I'm not going with an NT01) and thought the Rivals were good with heat.

From what I have read, the consensus seems that the ZII's dont hold up well to heat and will get greasy on a high speed road course, like Sebring, which is where I am at like once a month at least.

Thinking I might chance the 255 R1R?

It's a dual compound tire. The first half will be really good...

If they're not making money on the sale, then it was never ideal to begin with...

Yes, the Rivals are terrible. NT01's are fine for street driving; just don't drive em when it's pouring and there is standing water (or slow down to a safe speed).

What about shaving them? These are going to be used mainly for autocross events.

If you are looking for the autocross Toyo on a 9" wheel, the 235/40R17 is the one to have. That is the tire that was overnighted from TireRack to nationals that the RX-8 won on. I believe they were shaved to reduce squirm, similar to the 195 tire that is popular in STS and STC, and on ST Milatas.
The big warning on the Toyo is that it's temperature sensative (likes to be cold) and that you will wear through the good compound quickly. I've heard the 255 on a 9" wheel is good for <30 runs, haven't heard too much on the 235.

Again, YMMV, but it's what I've heard in the s2000 world. There are a few people trying the 235 Toyo in STR and STX this year, time will tell if it's significantly faster, or if it's all within noise.


To the OP, you should be fine on the Z2 at Sebring. There are a few s2000 HPDE guys that are running the Z2 now at Sebring, and while it will get a little greasy if you are constantly pushing it to the limit, it isn't bad. I want to burn through my RS3s at Sebring in March, then move on to the Z2.

^ What he said.

How badly do the NT01s heat cycle out though driving to/from an event on them?