With autocross season up and running again in the northeast, I inspected my old OEM wheels/tires which I've used for autocross. The rears are practically gone. Maybe 3,000 miles left on them. Swap them out, or do they make better auto-x tires since there is more contact with the ground?

 

Make sure the thread is deep enough so they won't burst open when you go through that 45mph sweeper around the cone.

 

From the 2006 rule book:

"Tires must be in good condition, with no cord or belts showing or cracks in the tread or sidewall. Each tire must have measurable (i.e. exhibiting positive measurement values) tread depth at no less than two points on the tire which are 180 degrees apart around the circumference, and which are within the center one-half of the tread surface that normally contacts the ground. Tires may not have cord visible at any time during competition. Tires may not be re-grooved, nor may grooves be added to the tread pattern where none existed on the original tire."

You might as well do a couple of events on them if they meet the above standards, just to get the seat time/experience. As far as handling, my Hankooks that I had last season were nearly bald for the last event of the year - I found the traction very poor compared to when the tread was 1/2 gone. It was difficult to keep the rear from sliding out on me. Thats my take...

 

Which Hankook tires did you go with? The Ventus?

 

There are several 'Ventus' tires from Hankook. I had the Ventus R-S2 Z212 tires sized 245/45/17 last season.

This is what they looked like after the final event last year (yes, I had my pressures too high before I got a pyrometer mid season. They liked 36.5 psi front and 34 psi rear but it was too late for these!):



I now run the Falken Azenis RT-615 tires (sized 245/45/17). You can see a size comparison here: http://crazymike1.smugmug.com/galler...227/1/52315331

Particularly this picture shows the difference:



I liked them both, but the Azenis definately have an advantage. Long answer to a short question, but I hope it helps!

Mike

 

Based on the car and driver tire test, I was thinking of going with the Ventus R-S2 Z212 based on performance to cost ratio. How do the Falken's compare in price? Thanks for all the info thus far!

 

That was the reason I got the Hankooks last year (The 615's were $156 then). The Azenis RT-615's have come down quite a bit since last year - they're going for $114 per tire (plus s&h) at www.falkentires.com right now. www.edgeracing.com has the Hankooks for $106 plus s&h. You can't go wrong with either, but I prefer the falkens now since they are much better priced than last year.

 

Damn, tire shopping is so complicated. Everytime I find a tire I like, it doesn't come in OEM sizes. I'm out of luck with both the Falkena and Hankooks. You have any recommendations for 245/45/18 that I can beat up on the autocross track and road courses?

 

If you have a second set of 18" rims - I'd recommend the Falken Azenis RT-615's. They don't come in the 245/45/18, but they DO come in 245/40/18. If you do have the extra set of rims, get all four sized 245/40/18. I have 245/45/17 tires on all four corners when I autox and have no vdc/abs issues. There are several threads on staggered vs non-staggered setups, but you'll find no-one has had trouble with a non-staggered setup. The biggest benefit is you can rotate tires all the way around - the 615's are non-directional, btw.

Otherwise, I'd recommend getting a second set of 17" rims and size your tires appropriatly for the sport you wish to drive in. If you want to stay in STX class for autox, get 245/45/17 tires. If you don't care about going to BSP then go 275/40/17 for even better grip. You're at a slightly better advantage with 17" wheels for two reasons: 1. Cheaper tires! 2. Better sidewall flex/tire compliance - you'll be able to stick to the road better on uneven surfaces.

I really don't have any experience with other tires than the Hankooks and the Falkens. I do know the Kumho Ecsta MX is a very popular autox tire. I've also seen some BF Goodrich and Toyo tires out there, but I really don't know what the models are or their performance. Hope that helps!

Mike

 

STX? I've always been tossed in BS with the coupe. In the Northeast region. I'll definitely look into the Falken's now that I know it won't be a problem with those sizes. Thanks man!

 

Oh yeah - forgot about stock class!! In that case, you'd be in FS. Prior years the g35 was in BS, but was bumped to FS in 2006. In that case, you're limited to stock RIM dimensions, but can put whatever size tire you want on them. Assuming you have the stock 18's as an extra set, I'd say go with the 245/40/18 tires I described before.

Sorry about the mixup. I keep forgetting about stock classes since I never qualified. My intake knocked me out before I ever saw a course!

 

Really? Yay! I won't get tossed in with those damn s2000's anymore! Trophy time!

 

You really shouldn't have ever been racing against S2000's unless there were too few of you in BS and the moved you to AS. S2000's moved to AS in 2005 from BS. They are fast! I think you'll like FS, none-the-less. I kinda wish I could race there, but I don't want to give up my mods!