Which modern tire is best for all around use?

[kenjiMR]

I realize that depending on what is important to you there will be varying opinions on tires.

I currently have a set of 15/16 OEM rims with Yoko A032R with 205/XX and 225/XX which I have used on the track a few times now. I've also used my upgraded 17x7.5" and 18x9" TE-37 wheels on the track using Kumho 712 tires. I've been quite satisfied with the Kumho 712 tires considering I've done 4 track events on them AND have driven over 10,000 miles on them. They look like they will still last another 3000-5000 miles if I just use them on the street.

Honestly, if I had the money, I would like a different set of wheels for my track wheels... maybe 17x8" 17x9.5" so that I can use even larger rubber on the track... but I'm currently stuck with what I've got and probably will use larger rear tires on the OEM 16" rims next time around.

My main question is what is the preferred tire for you track goers that use your 17/18" wheels primarily on the track AND use streetable compound? I definitely want to change the Kumho 712 for something more aggressive yet something that will last at least 10,000 miles. My co-worker just recently installed Bridgeston S-03, but he still doesn't know how he likes them.
He is using same configuration as myself, using 215/40/17 and 265/35/18.

If you are using 17/18 combination AND go to the track from time to time, I'm interested to know your preference in tire types.

I'm also curious to know what suspension you have and if your car tends to understeer or oversteer.

Thanks!

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

The Bridgestone Pole Position line used to be fairly expensive. Now they are very well priced and much cheaper than comparable offerings from Pirelli, Yokohama, etc. I have not yet overheated them at the track on either car, however, they don't have quite the level of dry grip as some other tires (great shoot out in last month's Evo magazine). Oddly, they rated the Pirelli P7000 one of the top for dry performance, which is a pretty old design.

Regards,
-- Chris

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Revolutionize your NSX with ScienceofSpeed
www.ScienceofSpeed.com | [email protected] | 877-863-4520

 

[Litespeeds]

I have some Bridgestone Potenza S-02 Pole Position tires in the size 215/40/17 and 275/35/18 and drove at Thunderhill last August and had lots of fun. My car handled very neutral and had more grip than what I care to find out. Overall, if I had to buy another set of tires for both street and track, I would go with the S-03 as I am not sure if I would be able to find anymore S-02's. My car is lowered with stock springs and Bilstein shocks set at the lower spring perch. Also have Dali street/track sway bars set at stiff up front and second from the softest in the rear. Car handles like a dream. Now I just got to get a little bit more power for both acceleration and deceleration and I will be a happy camper 8^)

 

[MYNSX]

I've been running Pirelli p-7000's since I bought the first one.The Red one has Kumo's on it I'll let you know what I think after 10'000 mies or more.
Bill @ www.mynsx.com

 

[ChopsJazz]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, "OEM Yoks".

I've driven these tires on the track in a driving (no pun intended) rain and, after slowly bringing the car, and my confidence, up to speed I was able to throw the car around at speeds that approached those on dry pavement.

 

[kenjiMR]

I don't think they make OEM Yokos for my size wheel. I also believe its possible that there are much better tires these days.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by kenjiMR:
I don't think they make OEM Yokos for my size wheel. I also believe its possible that there are much better tires these days.

The OEM Yokohama and Bridgestone tires were designed specifically for the NSX, and for specific corners of the NSX, with built-in bias that works with the NSX's alignment to maximize crisp, precise handling on the NSX. No other tire was designed knowing which corner of which car it would be used on, with the handling objective paramount.

[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 11 September 2002).]

 

[kenjiMR]

It would be interesting to have a real track comparison of the OEM tires and a newer tire such as the S0-3. Do you know if such test has been done before? Same driver, same car, same day would be ideal. I realize OEM tires are pretty good, but still you are limited to the size, and I think those tire size is one of the limiting factor of the older NSXs. I'm almost positive that NSX with 17x8" and 17x10" (lightweight) rims with S03s or similar will outperform a OEM setup most of the time.

 

[Edo]

As much as PD Cunningham hates them, I really like the Toyo Proxes T1-S. The dry grip is less than the S-02 and S-03's but the wet level grip is amazing. I was able to blow past Frank Nieto(A 10 year track veteran) who was on S-02's.

I did notice however, that since the S-02's have the Uni-Taq tread that softens as it gets more worn, they seem to stay soft for a longer period of time. They do however overheat a little faster than the S-02's.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by kenjiMR:
I'm almost positive that NSX with 17x8" and 17x10" (lightweight) rims with S03s or similar will outperform a OEM setup most of the time.

And I'm almost positive that an NSX with those same rims shod with the OEM Bridgestone RE040 H0 tires in the stock 2002 sizes will outperform an S03 setup most of the time.

 

[Gerard van Santen]

If you can find the Bridgetone Pole Positions SO2, go for it. If you cannot find them anymore, go for the SO3.

Sure it is the best choice. Certainly in wet. The SO3 has more noise reduction and is a slight more neutral than the SO2.

On track I use Yokohama slicks, but on wet I certainly am better of with the Bridgetone's

Gerard

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
And I'm almost positive that an NSX with those same rims shod with the OEM Bridgestone RE040 H0 tires in the stock 2002 sizes will outperform an S03 setup most of the time.

On stock wheels I'd agree. They are great when they get warmed up, really sticky. I'd have my money on the S03s in the rain and the S03s when used in a comparison similar to what Kenji proposed (stock tires vs. S03s in larger sizes).

cheers,
-- Chris

------------------
Revolutionize your NSX with ScienceofSpeed
www.ScienceofSpeed.com | [email protected] | 877-863-4520

 

[kenjiMR]

Chris, what do you think between S03 and T1S in dry?
Since I live in California, wet rain grip really isn't that important to me.