MY350Z.COM Forums - View Single Post - Recommended track tire size on stock wheels

Fooshe · 08-07-2008, 09:13 PM

After reading the thread and seeing what you are going to do with the car, I think a few things are clear:
1) You are new to track events
2) You realize that an R compound tire is a no-no for you at this point in your driving.
3) You want to use stock rims and have a pretty sticky tire, but not something that is too close to approaching an R compound.
4) You want to try to use stagger to compensate for some possible oversteer issues you seem to see in your future.

First off, congrats on looking in the mirror and being realistic. Most guys who want to get on the track work a ton on the car and very little on the driver. Your state of mind is the first thing to get right. Remember that when you get in to track events and the speeds pick way up from autocross events....in short, welcome to addiction.

Now, let's get to tire sizes and brands. I find the that 245 f & 265 r works great for mid-speed tracks and newer drivers to speed events. In that size and for what you want to do, I would look at the the Falken RT-615's. I like them a lot and they are not very expensive. However, you may want to look at the BF Goodrich G-force KD. Tirerack is closing them out. GREAT tire and they give you great feedback. I would encourage you to stay away from the Dunlops...they just don't work on Z's that well (in my opinion). If you can affored them, also look at the Pilot PS2's. Good road feel and feedback. Just don't be tempted by the Pilot Sports. The potenza RE050A Pole Pos. is also a good tire to look at for all around use. If you are looking at goodyear, try the F1 Asym.

That being said, if you are a fast learner and have skills, you will want to think about this combo. I like a 255/40/18 in front and a 275/35/18 in the rear. The REV's are almost identical and they will help with higher speed turns. With your stock rims, that is the absolute biggest I would go to.

Make sure whatever tire you get, dial in the pressures! I find more people at the track with great set ups and lots of $ in rubber on their cars and not a clue what pressure they are running. They get pissed at the tires saying "they suck and have no grip." Nevermind that they are up at 45-46 lbs of PSI after 3 laps!

I hope this helps and shows that not all of the my350z community are a-holes as someone stated earlier. Good luck and remember these tips:
1) Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up.
2) Get your eyes way up and give yourself time to address what is ahead of you.
3) If you can't shake the 3 cars behind you....there's a race goin' on and you're not in it!

08-07-2008, 09:13 PM	#16
Fooshe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 637 iTrader: (31)	After reading the thread and seeing what you are going to do with the car, I think a few things are clear: 1) You are new to track events 2) You realize that an R compound tire is a no-no for you at this point in your driving. 3) You want to use stock rims and have a pretty sticky tire, but not something that is too close to approaching an R compound. 4) You want to try to use stagger to compensate for some possible oversteer issues you seem to see in your future. First off, congrats on looking in the mirror and being realistic. Most guys who want to get on the track work a ton on the car and very little on the driver. Your state of mind is the first thing to get right. Remember that when you get in to track events and the speeds pick way up from autocross events....in short, welcome to addiction. Now, let's get to tire sizes and brands. I find the that 245 f & 265 r works great for mid-speed tracks and newer drivers to speed events. In that size and for what you want to do, I would look at the the Falken RT-615's. I like them a lot and they are not very expensive. However, you may want to look at the BF Goodrich G-force KD. Tirerack is closing them out. GREAT tire and they give you great feedback. I would encourage you to stay away from the Dunlops...they just don't work on Z's that well (in my opinion). If you can affored them, also look at the Pilot PS2's. Good road feel and feedback. Just don't be tempted by the Pilot Sports. The potenza RE050A Pole Pos. is also a good tire to look at for all around use. If you are looking at goodyear, try the F1 Asym. That being said, if you are a fast learner and have skills, you will want to think about this combo. I like a 255/40/18 in front and a 275/35/18 in the rear. The REV's are almost identical and they will help with higher speed turns. With your stock rims, that is the absolute biggest I would go to. Make sure whatever tire you get, dial in the pressures! I find more people at the track with great set ups and lots of $ in rubber on their cars and not a clue what pressure they are running. They get pissed at the tires saying "they suck and have no grip." Nevermind that they are up at 45-46 lbs of PSI after 3 laps! I hope this helps and shows that not all of the my350z community are a-holes as someone stated earlier. Good luck and remember these tips: 1) Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up. 2) Get your eyes way up and give yourself time to address what is ahead of you. 3) If you can't shake the 3 cars behind you....there's a race goin' on and you're not in it!