Tires for the track?

[Dromy]

Hey all,
I'm waiting for the delivery of my mw m3 and am eager to get to the track. Before I track the car I need to get some additional tires. I wanted to get tires that would fit on the stock 19"wheels and would last me at least 2 solid days of driving on the track (hopefully Thermal Driving classes). I was thinking about purchasing another set of the the stock tires. What are your thoughts on this? I don't want to waste money but I also don't want to get a set of track wheels, so I prefer just tires. I would really appreciate the insight and help.

I am currently moving from my vw r32 mkv to the bmw. Some of the major differences will be the four wheel drive compared to the rear wheel drive in the m3, so I'm looking for a tire that has great grip. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!

[gsrbri]

It likely depends on your driving ability/level. Specifically, when I was a beginner/low-intermediate driver on-track, I could get away with a street tire - such as the Michelin Pilot SS. As I advanced, I found that street tires would overheat too quickly and they'd wear very badly within a few sessions (especially w/stock alignment). Running an R compound tire such as a Bridgestone RE-11, Dunlop Star Spec, Yokohama AD08, etc. definitely helped w/tire life and aligned more w/the intermediate-advanced levels of driving (E90 M3).

For me, slicks are too hard on the car (mechanically), so I don't mind some give that R-compound street tires provide and higher slip angles that slicks don't allow.

I'd suggest Yokohama Advan AD08 tires or the others mentioned above. Also, some addition of negative camber to the front end (I ran -1.4 degrees and zero toe for the E90). I'll probably do the same for my F82 in the spring...it's an improvement in track performance w/out too much neg. camber for the street (unless you go the aftermarket suspension route w/camber plates, etc. for more camber)

[Black Gold]

I agree, except I will point out that the ad08r, hankook rs3 and re-11 are not R compounds, they are extreme summer tires.

if you are staying with stock wheels, you need to stay with stock tire widths. that makes your choice easy, its ad08r in stock sizes.

they will represent a big upgrade in track performance, and tire life. the PSS are not meant for the track, and you will have issues with edge wear on the front tires

[Mik3ymomo]

As stated the Yoko in stock sizes or the Pilot Sport Cups.
I would go with the Pilot Sport Cups myself for the track but either will work over the stock PSS.

[Dromy]

Originally Posted by Mik3ymomo

As stated the Yoko in stock sizes or the Pilot Sport Cups.
I would go with the Pilot Sport Cups myself for the track but either will work over the stock PSS.

On tire rack it shows that the Michelin pilot sport cup 2 are available but they're asking 1700 for the 4 tires. Does that seem like an average price? I personally am used to spending nearly 700 for all new fours on my previous R32. So this jump might be something I have to get used to but I just thought I should ask.

And again I really appreciate all your guys' effort!
Cheers

[consolidated]

Pilot Sport Cups are more than a relatively new driver can use and will mask small mistakes, that then lead to large mistakes. Add cold weather and any moisture and you'll have your hands full but then your in Socal. RE11 (if they fit) or AD08 are solid options here....they have stick, break away smoothly and make some noise at the limit, which you want, and will work well on a wet track.

And welcome to big meaty tire prices.

[Hoopumpers]

AD08R. Good track tire and excellent street tire for SoCal.

[Dromy]

Thanks guys! All the help has been great. After much consideration I think I'll be going with the AD08!
Cheers guys!

[MaynardZed]

Agree, the AD08 would be a good track tire and step up from PSS. I used them when I tracked my E60 M5 and they were very good. They're a little less comfortable for daily driving, but not too bad.

The next step up in track tire for stock 19" rims would be the Toyo R888. More of a dedicated R comp track tire, definitely much stickier and should probably be used in conjunction with track pads and higher temp brake fluid. 265/30/19 (or 265/35/19) for the front and 295/30/19 sizes are available and not too expensive. They are not great for the street, stiff and noisy. Also poor in wet conditions. You can have a set switched out for about $80 if you want to alternate with the PSS for daily driving.

A lot more track tire options for 18" rims are available, but kind of limited for 19".

[Dromy]

Originally Posted by MaynardZed

Agree, the AD08 would be a good track tire and step up from PSS. I used them when I tracked my E60 M5 and they were very good. They're a little less comfortable for daily driving, but not too bad.

The next step up in track tire for stock 19" rims would be the Toyo R888. More of a dedicated R comp track tire, definitely much stickier and should probably be used in conjunction with track pads and higher temp brake fluid. 265/30/19 (or 265/35/19) for the front and 295/30/19 sizes are available and not too expensive. They are not great for the street, stiff and noisy. Also poor in wet conditions. You can have a set switched out for about $80 if you want to alternate with the PSS for daily driving.

A lot more track tire options for 18" rims are available, but kind of limited for 19".

This forum is great and thanks for all your input! I got great insight!

[aus]

Best bang for the buck is NT05, IMO. solid tire and pretty cheap. Good for beginner to intermediate drivers.

StarSpecs are also great and last a long time. They probably have the best wet traction of the top Summer tires.

There have been multiple reports of RS3 heat cycling out after a few track days despite good tread left.
ADO8's are solid and a good bet, but cost a bit more. It's probably more tire than a beginner needs.
.