Got a track related question? I'll try to answer.

[Apex_BRZ]

Originally Posted by dp1

What size rims/tires do you want to run

I have Enkei RPF1 wheels, OEM diameter/width. I'd like to stick with the tire size I've been using, which is 225/45/17.

[dp1]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

I have Enkei RPF1 wheels, OEM diameter/width. I'd like to stick with the tire size I've been using, which is 225/45/17.

That size tire fits best on 17x8 rim though it works with stock also. Rim in RimWidth size recommended by tire manufacturer (usually the middle of three numbers for min-measured-max) or a little wider than measured usually works best for optimal tire feel.
Check out some common options at http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84188
Look into Nitto NT01 and Maxxis RC-1 for dry and Dunlop Direzza Z2 for dry and wet, aside from what you tried. Common wet choices are Michelin PSS and Conti DW, neither as good in the dry as RE-11 or RE-71R.

[Apex_BRZ]

Originally Posted by dp1

That size tire fits best on 17x8 rim though it works with stock also. Rim in RimWidth size recommended by tire manufacturer (usually the middle of three numbers for min-measured-max) or a little wider than measured usually works best for optimal tire feel.
Check out some common options at http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84188
Look into Nitto NT01 and Maxxis RC-1 for dry and Dunlop Direzza Z2 for dry and wet, aside from what you tried.

I work in the tire industry, so I'm very particular about choosing the right tire size and wheel combo. But that was 3 years ago and I have no idea what they even are at this point. The tires fit and wear perfectly.

I'm aware of the options, but looking for solid feedback from firsthand experience. I didn't think the NT01's were any better than the RE-71R or RE-11, they've been around quite a while. Have you actually used all of those tires on the track? What are your thoughts about how they compare to each other?

Also, really looking for feedback on R-Compounds like the Toyo R888 as well.


edit: Reading through the link, thanks...

edit 2: Looking a lot harder at the NT01's. I think the Maxxis RC-1's are out, as they might be a little too extreme and the car will see rain. I guess it comes down to how many track days I could get out of them. The RE-71R's wore down VERY fast.

[dp1]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

I work in the tire industry, so I'm very particular about choosing the right tire size and wheel combo. But that was 3 years ago and I have no idea what they even are at this point. The tires fit and wear perfectly.

I'm aware of the options, but looking for solid feedback from firsthand experience. I didn't think the NT01's were any better than the RE-71R or RE-11, they've been around quite a while. Have you actually used all of those tires on the track? What are your thoughts about how they compare to each other?

Also, really looking for feedback on R-Compounds like the Toyo R888 as well.


edit: Reading through the link, thanks...

Cool, so you should be in the know...

My experiences:
- Toyo Proxes R888 like specific pressures and wear unevenly if they are outside the camber/pressure "happy place" - only tried them on Lotus Elise. Very good compound but never again since Toyo RA1 and Nitto NT01 and Maxxis RC-1 are available in our sizes. Some swear by them so take my comments with a grain of salt.
- Nitto NT01 were awesome - they provide very good stick and allow for some serious hooning without loosing it. They will wear if pushed hard. This tire may save you where you should not be saved
- Toyo Proxes RA-1 work very well for me. Wear like iron and behave predictably at the limit. Great for rain when new and get faster in dry as they wear. Likely will heat cycle out before they wear out.

Heard that Maxxis RC-1 like clean lines and require some skill to keep in check at the limit if driver is not smooth. I see that as a great learning tire for advanced driving with plenty of tread and without crazy stick that hides many mistakes. Similar performance in hot temps as NT01 but faster in colder temps. I will get them for next season in 235/40-17 on 17x9 rims.

[dp1]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

I work in the tire industry, so I'm very particular about choosing the right tire size and wheel combo. But that was 3 years ago and I have no idea what they even are at this point. The tires fit and wear perfectly.

I'm aware of the options, but looking for solid feedback from firsthand experience. I didn't think the NT01's were any better than the RE-71R or RE-11, they've been around quite a while. Have you actually used all of those tires on the track? What are your thoughts about how they compare to each other?

Also, really looking for feedback on R-Compounds like the Toyo R888 as well.


edit: Reading through the link, thanks...

edit 2: Looking a lot harder at the NT01's. I think the Maxxis RC-1's are out, as they might be a little too extreme and the car will see rain. I guess it comes down to how many track days I could get out of them. The RE-71R's wore down VERY fast.

Don't expect too much from NT01 in the rain, even when new

[zdr93523]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

I work in the tire industry, so I'm very particular about choosing the right tire size and wheel combo. But that was 3 years ago and I have no idea what they even are at this point. The tires fit and wear perfectly.

I'm aware of the options, but looking for solid feedback from firsthand experience. I didn't think the NT01's were any better than the RE-71R or RE-11, they've been around quite a while. Have you actually used all of those tires on the track? What are your thoughts about how they compare to each other?

Also, really looking for feedback on R-Compounds like the Toyo R888 as well.


edit: Reading through the link, thanks...

edit 2: Looking a lot harder at the NT01's. I think the Maxxis RC-1's are out, as they might be a little too extreme and the car will see rain. I guess it comes down to how many track days I could get out of them. The RE-71R's wore down VERY fast.

The Maxxis are great dry tires, equivalent to the NT01 and they wear extremely well. Beyond that, you're looking at a BFG R1 or something way more aggressive. In the wet, I highly recommend the Pilot Sport AS3. They're newer tire tech than the super sport and much better in the wet. You can daily those and use them as your wet track tires.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

I work in the tire industry, so I'm very particular about choosing the right tire size and wheel combo. But that was 3 years ago and I have no idea what they even are at this point. The tires fit and wear perfectly.

I'm aware of the options, but looking for solid feedback from firsthand experience. I didn't think the NT01's were any better than the RE-71R or RE-11, they've been around quite a while. Have you actually used all of those tires on the track? What are your thoughts about how they compare to each other?

Also, really looking for feedback on R-Compounds like the Toyo R888 as well.


edit: Reading through the link, thanks...

edit 2: Looking a lot harder at the NT01's. I think the Maxxis RC-1's are out, as they might be a little too extreme and the car will see rain. I guess it comes down to how many track days I could get out of them. The RE-71R's wore down VERY fast.

If you write off the RC1 for rain use, you sh ould also write off the NT01. Those grooves won't do anything to evacuate water.

RA1 is your answer.

[Apex_BRZ]

Awesome, thanks guys! The car will see rain, but I think they'll be good enough. I have a lot of experience with my other car in heavy downpours and very wide R888's. Seemed to do "good enough". Still something to consider though. Any word on the newer R888R's yet?

The Maxxis RC-1 really sound great, but I can't see going with those. They really look like slicks with a couple grooves cut in them. I mean, there is no design at all for water evacuation where the other tires at least have a chance. While I hold a line really well and am a very smooth driver, I'm still learning and can make mistakes. They might be more than I'm looking for right now.

Maxxis RC-1

[Prmspen]

Somewhat off topic, but do you have a recommendation for a good home racing simulator setup? Looking to spend in the hundreds (low hundreds if possible), not the thousands.

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by Prmspen

Somewhat off topic, but do you have a recommendation for a good home racing simulator setup? Looking to spend in the hundreds (low hundreds if possible), not the thousands.

Logitech will get you the most for the money, particularly if you're on a budget and not getting really serious into it yet. G920 for PC/Xbox One or G29 for PS3/PS4/PC will both run you right around $300.

Thrustmaster would be a step up in quality, but also price. Wheel/pedals are sold together, but the shifter is a separate purchase.

Then of course there's Fanatec, but you're wayyyy over budget there.

I use the G920 for FM6, DiRT, and iRacing (the occasional times I decide to temporarily renew my subscription for a month) Built a pretty sweet setup for it too.

[OkieSnuffBox]

What do you want out of the simulator? Fanatec seems to have dropped their more entry-level, you might look around and see if you can find a retailer with old stock.

Even their Porsche GT2 wheel and pedals, I thought, felt noticeably better than G27 setup.

And for about $75 more.

But I also ran iRacing on 3 27" monitors. But I believe iRacing now has some support for the Occulus Rift.

Asseto Corsa, etc, all suck as racing sims but are more "fun." iRacing has much more realistic physics, but aren't as pretty.

[ysu]

Originally Posted by OkieSnuffBox

Asseto Corsa, etc, all suck as racing sims but are more "fun." iRacing has much more realistic physics, but aren't as pretty.

Highly debatable. Lots of people say (me included) that AC is actually a better representation of realism than "iceRacing". I've played both, extensively (years and years) along many others. Got up to 'A' licence in iR, nearly pro (my last race was a disaster when I went for it) Both are approximations of reality; nobody has worked out a full, 100% simulation for tyre physics as of yet.

But in iR I had to learn to predict; you cannot really react. By the time you'd react it's too late. AC is more forgiving; you can react & correct. iR is inherently more oversteery - every car wants to spin - whereas AC seems more neutral, even understeery ( but most tin-tops should be that way out of the box ).

iR is also a _lot_ more expensive (read: about 10 times or more), and what you get for your money is not much IMO, unless you want to seriously compete online with random people. Organised leagues exist for AC as well.

[Prmspen]

Originally Posted by OkieSnuffBox

What do you want out of the simulator?

Skill improvement and winter seat time, mostly. Looking to be sharp (and improved) for the start of next year's autocross season / track days. A bit of fun wouldn't hurt...

[Apex_BRZ]

Don't forget about Project Cars. I feel the order of things as far as realism would be more like Asetto Corsa, then Project Cars being better yet. IRacing is highly debated as being the best.