The new guy needs Auto X and track tires
 

Hey whats up guys I'm new on the site, I just got back into autocross and just finished biulding my EG. I've changed basically everything but I need 1 thing still, TIRES!!! I don't drive the car on the road and I mainly autocross so i want a soft tire but I plan on going to the big tracks in ontario from time to time and I can't break the bank either it is just for some weekend fun. So I am prolly going to get a medium compound tire for now.

What i can get in my price range it a set of 205/50/r15 Nitto NT01 or a set of BF Goodrich R1 205/50/r15. Both are the same price, the Nitto's treadwear is 100 and the bfg's are 40 and there basically slicks, so i'd say even though there are both track tires as oppose to auto cross I think the BFG's would grip better. The down fall is I don't think they would last as long and I'm afraid I could even kill them in 1 good track day plus there an 1 1/2 drive away where as the Nitto's are local so I am leaning towards them because I know they will still be good next year for the track when I buy a another set of real soft autocross tires. Anyone run auto cross with the Nitto's? How are there? Or anyone know where I can get better tires for under $900 even? I live an hour north of Toronto.

Have you thought of Falken Azenis RT615's? They are still very sticky but should last longer and they cost a lot less than those others.

I would suggest toyo RA1's as they are incredible and it's all I have used in autocross in the past. Those and RT615's. But good luck finding the RA1's. Even if you do find them, be prepared to chop off your arm to pay for them...lol.

Oh and welcome to the site. :)

I agree on the falken's I have heard nothing but good but I do also know that aside from in the rain the the Nitto Nt01 are appearently better (stickier) because there only 100 treadwear and falkens are still like $200 a tire. As far as the toyo's you mentioned I believe those are the same cmpound as the Nitto's because Nitto is made by Toyo, Nitto's have the same compound as 1 of the Toyo R compound tires I just can't remember if that's the one. I know the Nitto's are good I just know they take longer to warm up but if you say the Falken's and your toyo's work good than I don't think I have anything to worry about because they are all over 100 treadwear, Thanks for the info.

The tire that replaced the RA1 is the R888. The R888's are not nearly as good as the original RA1's, so I don't recommend those.

The falken RT615's are more of the streetable track tire, not nearly as sticky as the Nitto's or RA1's. The reason I suggested the 615 is because they are still very grippy for a street tire, but should last longer and cost less. If you're getting quotes for 615's ins the $200 per tire range for a 205/50R15 then you should look else where for tires. The 615's should be a lot less than that. I have seen them for more like $140 per tire or less. Just have to look around.

Good luck. :)

I know you are talking R-Comps but I run Dunlop Star Specs for Ontario Time Attack and they have been great, very popular autox tire aswell. If you must go with an R-Comp check out the Hankook Ventus Z214 aswell.

Alright thanks for the help guys but I got 1 more question for you, I know wider is better so here's my deal I can get a set of Nitto 205/50r15's for $700+tax but i wanted 225's. So I can also get the same tire in 225/45r15 at another shop for 860+tax, the difference in width between the 2 tires is half an inch, so is 1/2 an inch worth 160+tax?

Depends what size rim you are putting them on, I imagine just a 15x7 in which case stay with the 205, the extra 160 for a 225 isn't worth the loss in feel and turn in response on an autox course. If you were tracking the car mainly then it may be worth it, but again an R-Comp will have an extremely wide contact patch as it is.

^Agreed. Depends on your rim width. If you have a 15x7, stick with the 205. If you have a 15x7.5 or 8 then go with the 225. But beware if your car is lower that the offset is such that the tires won't rub the fenders.

:wave: welcome