Nismo-Z

Any suggestions on track tires? Over 50 track days with my 2008 Nizmo 350Z and still running the OEM Potenza RE050A 245/40ZR -18 front and 265/35R19 rear.

Do I keep the 19" rims in the back?

EmpireDude

iTrader: (3)

I'd drop to a set of 17 or 18" enkeis and just pick up some r6's. you'll save a lot of money initially on the tires and in the long run by dropping rim diameter.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

RS3 may fit your bill, also i would get a set of dedicated track wheels. RPF1 is the common in 18.

Nismo-Z

Agree, dedicated track wheels. If I go with 18" front and rear, what about tire size? Should I keep the 245/40 front and 265/35 rear?

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

The common size with RPF1 for the track running RS3 is a 265/35 front and 285/35-18 rear.

03threefiftyz

iTrader: (25)

NT01's are good tweener R-comp. You can put a set of 275's on some 10's or 10.5's...

91rs13

I went to a square set up with my nismo. RPF1's and 275's ( I went 17 inch rims) front and rear. You can rotate front to rear for longer tire life and it helps with handling ( less understeer--although most of that had been dialed out with alignment anyway.)

I run NTO1's. Nice tire, wears well, good grip.

SE5spd

iTrader: (17)

what about RA1?

91rs13

I like the stiffer sidewall of the NT01. Although I have been hearing good things about the RS3's ( less of an R than a dual purpose tire I am told)

A buddy of mine has run the NT01 and the R888 and thinks the R888 is nicer and supposedly the NT01/R888/RA1 share a compound, but different construction.

Has anyone used the new Toyo Rs1?

03threefiftyz

iTrader: (25)

They're fine, but you have to shave them down to 3 or 4 32nd's to work in the dry. They will squirm and blister at full tread.

SE5spd

iTrader: (17)

Also there's the hankook TD? Anyone test those yet?

thespottedcow

iTrader: (2)

or the nitto nt555rIIs they only make them in a few sizes one being 285/35/18 iirc that ive heard good things about.

SE5spd

iTrader: (17)

EDIT: nevermind.

mhoward1

Another suggestion for a square setup. It will let you rotate the car better, and end up saving money in the long run because you have more options to rotate the tires.

yes the NT01, R888, and RA1 use the same compound. The NT's run better out of the box, the RA1's run better with a bit of a shave, and the R888's fall in between the two.

You can also take a look at the Kuhmo 710's. They aren't quite as good ad Hoosier R6's, but they last a lot longer and are cheaper to buy.

Nismo-Z

For wheels I'm thinking a set of RPF1’s from Enkei, preferably gunmetal, if not silver. For tires either R888 or NT01, something with a little tread, not a slick at this point.

For size, why would I choose 17" vs 18"? Am I trying to maintain the stock tire diameter, tread width and aspect ratio?

Chebosto

iTrader: (43)

17s for less rotational mass, but you'd get less sidewall roll and slightly better turn in response with the 18s with the lower profile.

what suspension? will you have camber adjustments?

if you're going square setup, RPF1s have an aggressive 18x9.5 +15offset or a 18x9.5+38 offset... will that clear your OE brembos?

maybe 275/35s all around.

scotts300

iTrader: (46)

How about a set of 18x9x4 OEM NISMO wheels just for track? Run 265 or 275 all around, and keep that cool NISMO look. OH, I have the set of four for sale.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

50 track days , how many sets of OEM tires did you go thru?

FastZ33

iTrader: (29)

enkei rpf1 18x10 (all 4)
hankook rs3 265/35 (F), 285/35 (R)

Nismo-Z

Only suspension mod is SPL adjustable A-Arms set at -2.5° camber. Before camber, I was getting maybe 8 track days out of front tires and 12 our of rear. Started to notice tire blistering and chucking last year.

Pictures of me having fun at Mt Tremblant Aug 3-5 2012