Semi-Slicks and Performance Rubber..

[VT3C]

Trying to get out onto the track ASAP I've been hit with the whole conundrum of which tyres to get for track duties..

Many brands and many types to choose from and obviously each manufacturer claims that their tyre has 'superior grip' bla bla bla..

I'd like this to be a place where members can post their comments through their own experience on the variuous types of tyres available to us in Australia.

For comparison purposes I've only listed 15" sizes..

DUNLOP DZ03G


195/55/R15
195/50/R15

The latest in a range of Dunlop "Tarmac Rally" road legal patterns that are designed for ultimate grip and performance on tarmac roads

The latest evolution in Dunlop's superb lineup of Tarmac Rally tyres has a symetrical, directional tread pattern with excellent drainage capability.New casing and profile designs lift dry performance over previous designs with improved "even wear" characteristics .Made in sizes to suit rim diameters from 13ins to 18ins, including newly available 295/30R18 to suit Porsche and other GT cars.

185/60R14 82H DZ03G M
195/50R15 82V DZ03G R
195/55R15 84V DZ03G R
195/60R14 86H DZ03G R
195/60R14 86H DZ03G S
205/50R15 85V DZ03G H
205/50R15 85V DZ03G M
205/50R15 85V DZ03G R
205/50R15 85V DZ03G S
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DUNLOP D01J



One of a range of Dunlop "Tarmac Rally" road legal patterns that are designed to give ultimate grip and performance on tarmac roads.

Ultimate all-round performance for the serious competitor. Very high levels of dry and wet grip. Several compound options available to suit various applications and weather conditions. Advice should be sought from the Dunlop motorsport distributor in your state for particular applications and compound availability. Range covers popular sizes in 15" and 16" rim diameters.

205/55R15 87V FM-R 01J SPS
205/55R15 FM-R D01J GP
205/60R15 91H D01J TL S
205/60R15 FM-R D01J SPS
215/50R15 88VFM-R D01J TL SPS
215/50VR15 FM-R D01J GP
225/50R15 91V FM-R 01J S
225/50VR15 FM-R D01J GP
225/50VR15 FM-R D01J SPS
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Bridgestone Potenza RE55S



The Bridgestone Potenza RE55S is Bridgestone's ultimate club racing tyre.

Developed for gymkhana and circuit racing, it features asymmetric and uni-directional
tread pattern to optimise tyre performance.

Available in a variety of specialised tread compounds and sizes to suit a wide range of temperatures, operating conditions and racing categories, the Potenza RE55S is a tyre designed to suit the requirements of professional racing drivers.

205/60/R15
185/55/R15
195/55/R15
195/50/R15
205/50/R15
215/50/R15
225/50/R15
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BRIDGESTONE Potenza RE-01R



The Potenza RE-01R is Bridgestone's tyre for drifters. It is used by top drifters in Japan and also the Autosalon Drift Racing team in Australia.

There can be few tougher ways for a tyre to earn its street cred then in drift racing - but that's exactly where the Bridgestone Potenza RE01R is right at home.

It incorporates Bridgestone's semi-slick shoulder block, wide straight groove, racing sit, wider cntre rib, cooling sit and advanced polymer technologies for high speed, high temperature durability along with high hydro evacuation. Best of all, it's completely legal for on road use.
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HANKOOK VENTUS Z209



Splendid performance tarmac rally tyre for superior traction on dry or damp road surface.

180/560R15
180/560R15
180/560R15
190/580R15
190/580R15
190/580R15
190/580R15
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VENTUS Z211



The Ventus Z211 was designed and built specifically for the racing and tuner markets. Specially formulated R-compounds are incorporated into the tire to provide a solid grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The Ventues Z211 205/50ZR15 R-compound is the official spec tire for the SCCS's newest series the Mazdaspeed Miata Cup Championship presented by Hankook Tire.

205/50R15
225/50R15
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TOYO R888



The Toyo RA-1 will be phased out and eventually replaced by the new R888.
By the end of 2008, all sizes of RA-1 are expected to be replaced by the R888

225/50ZR15 91W $349.00 AUD
205/50ZR15 86W $319.00 AUD
I 205/50R15 86V ("GGG" tread compound) Not available
I 205/50R15 86V ("SG" tread compound) Not available
195/50R15 82V $314.00 AUD
225/50R14 89V $316.00 AUD

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KUMHO VU36



Designed for SCCA racing that demands high Uniform Tyre Quality
Grades, this incredible tire delivers unrivaled dry grip with split-second
steering response, and its unique footprint is designed to deliver consistent handling performance at high G-forces.

205/50 R15
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If you have any other tyres / brands to contribute, please post in a similar fashion.. and any comments, your best prices etc.. post away..

[Riced_Civic]

if its your 1st time go out with what u have and get a feel for the car.

then after if u think u need some more grip them switch to semi's.

semis id recommend ToyoR888

[beeza]

^^ Great advice Danny! and great thread!

It's too easy to get caught up in the 'Get everything perfect before I hit the track' mentality.

For first timers just get out there EXACTLY how your car is now and forget about everything else.

After the first time out there you can start experimenting with tyres etc/spend money.

I've just used my road tyres Toyo T1R's and T1S's and they worked a treat!

The Kuhmo KU36's are looking good for my next set of tyres but just how quickly will they wear for a daily compared to say T1R's?

[FLICK]

i got semi slicks for my time out no problem with that. Road tyres on the track will not last long and you will end spending more money i think. But in terms of the tyre range no point in buying the more expensive brands like the re55s or advan 048's. Go with the r888's coz there cheaper.

Until your driving is down pat then you start to try out these other more expensive brands because at that stage you will then be able to tell the difference between these tyres.

ozzy tyres usually have pretty good deals when it comes to the proxies.

[bennjamin]

imo

go as hard as you can on a particular track/setup....on legit road tyres.

Then once you hit a time barrier....chuck on semis and relearn your car. You should maximise your times.

for example...i have hit wakefield 6 times , down to 1.14xx with proper road tyres ( bridgestone RE001's) - i slide a fair abit all over the place but i feel there is a tiny tiny bit more in it. Once i hit this barrier....ill chuck on semis and that should net a touch lower times.

[beeza]

Until your driving is down pat then you start to try out these other more expensive brands because at that stage you will then be able to tell the difference between these tyres.

Yeah that was the point I was trying to make lol

The r888's sound good then.I don't wanna be replacing the Kuhmo's 3 months after buying them or something stupid..

[FLICK]

Yeah that was the point I was trying to make lol

The r888's sound good then.I don't wanna be replacing the Kuhmo's 3 months after buying them or something stupid..

ill be honest with you i've never driven on road tyres coz i was silly and went all out. I wish i did so that i could know the difference between road tyres and semi's.

ditch your kuhmo's when there worn and get yourself a set of r888 and tell me what the difference is like.

[fatboyz39]

+1 for street tyres. Recommend the Kumho KU36.

[Sexc86]

what about the advan a048?
i thought it was an awsome tire. Very noisy, expensive and burnt out real quick though

[beeza]

ill be honest with you i've never driven on road tyres coz i was silly and went all out. I wish i did so that i could know the difference between road tyres and semi's.

ditch your kuhmo's when there worn and get yourself a set of r888 and tell me what the difference is like.

haha,good to hear,I've got T1R's atm and was thinking of Kuhmo 36ers next

How long lasting are the r888's compared to the Kuhmo's?

[string]

If your driving isn't up to scratch you'll wear your $1000 set of tyres very quickly and unevenly, and put down average lap times in the process. Fast times come from fast drivers.

+1 Any of the top level street tyres. I use RE-01R and they're excellent.

[beeza]

That makes sense.