Best R comps this season

[Ruie]

Im a season into auto-x and looking to make the jump from street tires to r comps. I just cant compete in SM without them. Ive been doing some research, and paying attention to what the top cars use around here, but I do know there is alot of knowledge on here. Tires change by season, so I figured a few people would know. Thanks

 

[jtmcinder]

First, you need to face the fact that you won't get the time needed to catch the hot drivers in SM in your region from a set of Rs. You have a bunch of good drivers in SM in DMVR and they have well-prepped cars that are more competitive than a 2G to start with. I was darned lucky to get out of SM in Iowa when I did.

Now to answer your question. First you have to decide which route you are going to take. There's the big-tires-on-jacked-up-DSM approach and then there's the old-school 245s-that-tuck approach. Most of the people still running 2Gs have gone the former route. Heck, with Sam K co-driving ACM's car and Tevenor/Sean long gone, I don't think that there's anyone left on 245s. But I'm still going to suggest it. I suggest 245/45/16 Hoosiers or Kumhos on some 16x8.5 +38s.

ps. I'm now the blue Evo X with the amusing license plate, if I manage to get to another autocross this year

 

[Ruie]

Im not looking to catch anyone in SM by a set of tires. Im just looking to catch some people. I dont really care about my class as much. I just cant compete at all without r comps. There are so many good drivers in dmvr that have helped me, and cant say enough. Thats why i just focus on improving myself, instead of beating others.

 

[jtmcinder]

In that case, I would do the supporting mods, first. What do you have for front camber? What bars, springs, and shocks do you have? If you look at the PAX values, you'll see that a fully-prepped ST car is expected to be about the same speed as the same car in Stock (i.e., on Rs). Between the two -- as in: just the Rs vs all the rest -- I would do the "all the rest" before the Rs for two reasons. One: you don't have to change them before and after events. Two: they stay with you the rest of the week.

Note: I am basing all this on the picture in your avatar. If you've "fixed" the suspension, then we're back to the question of big tires and jacked up vs 245s that tuck.

 

[Ruie]

Ive got KYB struts and eibach springs, illumina shocks, ingalls camber kit, all poly bushings, and rm rear sway bar. If I were to drop down, id have to lose a few mods that i just don't want to give up. I don't want to do coil-overs because than were talking 2500 for a decent pair.

If your at any events, come say hi. I'd love for you to share some wisdom with me!

 

[jtmcinder]

Well, I used to run against a lot of DSMs and I can tell you that Cinder on her streets could out-turn anything on your set-up, even if you had Rs. Good streets, like R-S3s, are not all that far behind Rs, but Konis, lots of front camber, and serious springs will kill anything on Illuminas and Pro-Kits, regardless of tires.

Konis with sleeves and springs are also only about the same amount as a set of Rs; way less if you don't already have some 16x8.5s laying around. I stick with the suggestion of taking that route. And again, you'll love the car on the street on a good suspension.

I'll definitely swing by if I make it to another event. Look for a blue Evo with the cutest little brakes you've ever seen.

 

[ACM]

We (Sam & I) have been testing the latest Hoosier A6s against the new BFG R1-S, and it looks like Hoosier will have to dig deeper if they want to stay on top. The R1-S has better grip in every direction, but the pressures are a little scary - each time we drop the pressure the tyre gets better - we're down to 28psi with no sign of rollover, my biggest worry now is that we'll peel the tyre clean off the rim !

This doesn't really help the OP though, his setup won't be able to get much out of either of these tyres, they would be a waste of money.

Instead, try the Hankook range - they're a notch or two down from the tyres above, but they're also far cheaper.

Charles

 

[jtmcinder]

Oh, yeah. (I've been out of this too long.) Definitely look at the Hankooks, as they are much cheaper. Think twice about getting the 71s for your first set of Rs, tho', as you can ruin them while getting used to them. Instead, get the 51s, as they are just like old VictoRacers, which is a good learning tire (plus, you can drive to and from on them, if you wish).

Interesting to hear about the BFGs. I had an unexplainable bias against those until recently. I love their gravel tires, tho', which opened my eyes. The R1-S comes in a 275/40/17, too, which is right for my gearing.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

We (Sam & I) have been testing the latest Hoosier A6s against the new BFG R1-S, and it looks like Hoosier will have to dig deeper if they want to stay on top. The R1-S has better grip in every direction, but the pressures are a little scary - each time we drop the pressure the tyre gets better - we're down to 28psi with no sign of rollover, my biggest worry now is that we'll peel the tyre clean off the rim !

This doesn't really help the OP though, his setup won't be able to get much out of either of these tyres, they would be a waste of money.

Instead, try the Hankook range - they're a notch or two down from the tyres above, but they're also far cheaper.

Charles

I like the BFG R1S as well but its a completey different tire than the Hoosier.

The BFG likes very little sideways action and prefers much less slip angle. Also once they are hot, there is nothing you can do to bring them back. They fall off a cliff.

Hoosier allows a lot more slip angle for high grip and recovers pretty quickly. But it does have less "peak grip" than the BFG.

That may change as Hoosier is testing their R7/A7 compounds now, but will not be releasing them before SCCA nationals.