optimal street tire size for RTR on 17x7

[ABQautoxer]

Like the Star Specs, they are stopping production on them for their replacement (RS4?).

[GingerExtract]

Got a source? Google has not brought up anything to support that the RS3's are going bye-bye. The new Star Specs I knew about,
http://squarespokes.com/04/news-dunl...able-in-japan/

[ABQautoxer]

I don't. Several people were discussing it at Nationals like it was common knowledge and I was the one out of the loop though I don't use the tire.

[mla163]

From Andy Hollis regarding new tires...

Originally Posted by Andy Hollis

There are people that have already tested the new Dunlop (note: Goodyear owns Dunlop in the US and there are Goodyear test engineers that autocross nationally...and live in Texas). It is faster than the Z1 when used for autocross. Also, BFG finally semi-announced at the banquet than they will have a UHP tire for 2013. Expect that to be competitive, as well. They are a subsidiary of Michelin...who makes the PSS. And at least one more tiremaker is in with an update, for sure. That one should be no surprise. Announcements at SEMA.

I expect that nobody will care about tw in 2013, because new > old, and the new are all 180+.

The fun part will be the delivery/availability schedule of sizes. I predict LOTS of consternation on that one.

So, new Dunlop, new BFG. I believe the RE-11 will get a sequel. A lot of this stuff is rumor until spring. There are a lot more tires than there used to be. Off the top of my head...

Dunlop Starspec
Hankook RS3
Toyo R1R
Yoko AD08
Falken RT-615K
Bridgestone RE-11
Kumho XS
Conti DW (rain tire)

More tire info (I hope the link works, I can't get to it from work)
www.facebook.com/HollisRacing/notes

[Kido1986]

He thinks no one will care.. What about the people with existing tires? i bought my current set just days before the 180 treadwear announcement

[GingerExtract]

Originally Posted by Kido1986

He thinks no one will care.. What about the people with existing tires? i bought my current set just days before the 180 treadwear announcement

Once again, unless you are running the car at Nationals, no one locally will call you out on running the RS3s, T1R or whatever it may be.

[simpleisbest]

Originally Posted by GingerExtract

Once again, unless you are running the car at Nationals, no one locally will call you out on running the RS3s, T1R or whatever it may be.

Most local clubs should let it slide for the first year or so. Just be sure to let your class competitors know in advance and get their consent as a courtesy.

If it becomes an issue, you could always just run TIME ONLY and at least be able to compare your times to your class competitors.

[simpleisbest]

Quick question for RTR guys who WILL NOT be using their competition tires on the street:

Do you have your wheels/tires balanced?

I have heard of many people who run R-Comps not balance their wheels/tires, as supposedly the R-Comps actually rotate on the tire while racing and thus a waste of time.

[Miniata]

Originally Posted by simpleisbest

Quick question for RTR guys who WILL NOT be using their competition tires on the street:

Do you have your wheels/tires balanced?

I have heard of many people who run R-Comps not balance their wheels/tires, as supposedly the R-Comps actually rotate on the tire while racing and thus a waste of time.

I used to not always balance my Hoosier and Kumho R-comps when I was just planning on using them for autocrossing, and swapping tires at the event. I've been running ST and RT classes for the last few years though, and driving to the events on the same tires (and occasionally on the street, but not lotsa miles) and I always get those tires balanced.

I suppose it isn't really necessary to get tires balanced that are only going to be used on the autocross course and not see any street miles or track use, personally I'd save the $40-60 it costs to balance if that were the case for me, but one of the main reasons I run RT and ST classes now is that I just got tired of swapping tires at the beginning and end of every autocross event (the other main reason is the price increases for R-comps over the last few years).

[Biggins]

Originally Posted by simpleisbest

Quick question for RTR guys who WILL NOT be using their competition tires on the street:

Do you have your wheels/tires balanced?

I have heard of many people who run R-Comps not balance their wheels/tires, as supposedly the R-Comps actually rotate on the tire while racing and thus a waste of time.

I did not balance my old set of Hoosiers for another car. I will be shaving (I think) and balancing my RT tires on the wheels for next season.

[mla163]

If they are just race wheels, then you don't NEED to balance them. I prefer to have mine balanced since it can help diagnose suspension issues. Also, would an unbalanced wheel poorly affect suspension? I don't know. but I'll pay the $10 per wheel to not worry about it.

Do they actually move around on the wheel? Sounds odd.

As far as shaving goes - I have never done it before on 6+ sets of ST tires. I think I would on this set, though. I have never burned through a full set of ST tires. Even if they are driven in the summer and at autocross, they usually lose their edge before they get corded.

Unless the tire is special (a la R1R), I'd probably shave it to 6/32". It saves a lot of weight and reduces some squirm. It could affect the heat retention of tires that like heat, though. Full tread RS3s are harder to get warm, but stay hot. Shaved RS3s heat up quicker, but cool off quicker.

[simpleisbest]

With the recent rule change allowing for 140 treadwear and above, any new suggestions on brand and size?

[Kido1986]

The new rule will be 180 or higher, not 140. RS3s will be better on hot days, Star Specs tend to be better on cooler days. And I know RS3s are below 180... for now. I won't say much else, just "For now"

[simpleisbest]

Not according to the new Fastrack! 140 or higher is the ruling from the high court that is SEB!