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[soberin]

I drive 500 miles/week. Changed from the stock PS-2 to Advan AD08s, and still want more traction. Are R compound for the daily use idiotic (money is no object) but crashing in the rain would be a problem.

[chris328i]

R-comps are not acceptable in the rain or in cold weather.

[Ilia@IND]

I'd imagine you'd be frustrated by the frequent replacement intervals and extremely low grip in cold or wet weather.

[soberin]

Originally Posted by Ilia@IND

I'd imagine you'd be frustrated by the frequent replacement intervals and extremely low grip in cold or wet weather.

Replacement and cold is not a problem. Only wet weather. That's why I was wondering if there is an R compound tire that has a tread pattern that will work in the rain for street use.

[smmmurf]

Originally Posted by soberin

Replacement and cold is not a problem. Only wet weather. That's why I was wondering if there is an R compound tire that has a tread pattern that will work in the rain for street use.

Have gone through probably 10-12 sets of r-compound tires for track use. Not worth it for street

They pick up a lot of debris, and in addition to a high chance of getting a nail stuck in the soft tread, they will throw lots of rocks up onto the side of your car and your bumper, and the people behind you

Also the Neovas and "extreme" summer tires have the same if not better grip level on the street since they do not need to be warmed up unlike most R-compound tires.

Read the recent issues of grassroots motorsports

The Hankook RS3 does ~1.15G in the dry on an autocross course... Hoosier autocross compounds were only .1-.15g better

[disapr]

I would suggest sticking with a high performance summer tire. R-Comps need to be heated up to actually grip to their potential and you shouldn't be able to heat them up and keep them hot on the street.

How wide are your tires? Switch to a 265/295 setup and see if that's enough grip.

[soberin]

Originally Posted by disapr

I would suggest sticking with a high performance summer tire. R-Comps need to be heated up to actually grip to their potential and you shouldn't be able to heat them up and keep them hot on the street.

How wide are your tires? Switch to a 265/295 setup and see if that's enough grip.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm running the stock sizes of 245/40-18 in front and 265/40-18 rear, as I noted with Advan Neova AD08s. They are way better in the dry than the PS-2s, but not in the wet.

If I switch to the 265/295, can I stay with the 18" wheels and 40 profile without any problems? The tires will not extend beyond the wheel well?

I should also note I have the Dinan Stage III suspension--the camber plates and springs do make a big difference--the larger front antisway bar not much on the street, but some improvement at autocross.

[disapr]

Originally Posted by soberin

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm running the stock sizes of 245/40-18 in front and 265/40-18 rear, as I noted with Advan Neova AD08s. They are way better in the dry than the PS-2s, but not in the wet.

If I switch to the 265/295, can I stay with the 18" wheels and 40 profile without any problems? The tires will not extend beyond the wheel well?

I should also note I have the Dinan Stage III suspension--the camber plates and springs do make a big difference--the larger front antisway bar not much on the street, but some improvement at autocross.

What exactly are you experiencing that has you looking for better traction? The PS2's are really bad - End of story. The AD08 on the other hand is a really good tire and there are several guys that I track with that love them.

Also, I've been tracking my supercharged M3 on 245/265 Bridgestone RE-11's and except for a few places the grip was actually really good.

The wheel/tire setup that you need really depends on what you're trying to do with the car.

[smmmurf]

Originally Posted by soberin

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm running the stock sizes of 245/40-18 in front and 265/40-18 rear, as I noted with Advan Neova AD08s. They are way better in the dry than the PS-2s, but not in the wet.

If I switch to the 265/295, can I stay with the 18" wheels and 40 profile without any problems? The tires will not extend beyond the wheel well?

I should also note I have the Dinan Stage III suspension--the camber plates and springs do make a big difference--the larger front antisway bar not much on the street, but some improvement at autocross.

No, you will need to switch to 35 profile.

295 will be too wide for the 9.5" rear rim (You will lose steering response) and you are better off maintaining the 20mm stagger to keep the tire diameter stagger the same (DSC will cut in more if the stagger is increased).

The difference between 245/265 and 265/285 is very small, by the way. You will lose steering response and gain a bit more total grip.

[persian54]

You should change your times to a wider width, like APEX or TE37SLs, or something similar

Why not look into RS3s? I am absolutely in love with mine.

They're not exactly R comps, but close. and they handle great on the street and track

They're not so great in the wet though. I tracked in the pouring rain at Buttonwillow and, although I was being conservative, i was still getting sideways and sliding around.
No problem in the try at Big Willow a week later though.

Look into RS3s, you'll <3 them

[Richbot]

The R888's and RA1's are fine in heavy rain as long as they're above ~6/32" of tread.

[smmmurf]

Originally Posted by Richbot

The R888's and RA1's are fine in heavy rain as long as they're above ~6/32" of tread.

Agree, RA1's have tread until 4/32nds of tread (they start at 8)

R888's start at 6 and have tread to 0. Better rain tire than RA1.

[soberin]

Originally Posted by smmmurf

No, you will need to switch to 35 profile.

295 will be too wide for the 9.5" rear rim (You will lose steering response) and you are better off maintaining the 20mm stagger to keep the tire diameter stagger the same (DSC will cut in more if the stagger is increased).

The difference between 245/265 and 265/285 is very small, by the way. You will lose steering response and gain a bit more total grip.

As you suggest, if the difference is minimal, the last thing I want is reduced steering response. I have posted here many times that the slow steering, the overboost, and the lack of feel is the only problem I have with the car.

[smmmurf]

Originally Posted by soberin

As you suggest, if the difference is minimal, the last thing I want is reduced steering response. I have posted here many times that the slow steering, the overboost, and the lack of feel is the only problem I have with the car.

The steering ratio is great in my opinion. The feedback is good but not great. It's about as good in feel as the steering is on my E46- less feel but a much better ratio (quicker).

I'm on stock sized Michelin Super Sports 245/265 40 profile 18. It's light and communicative.

Generally wider/heavier tires will dull the road feel and make steering heavier/slower to respond.

[ObviousMan]

For 18 in wheels, The Dunlop Direzza Star Spec's, the Hankook RS-3's and the new Michelin Super Sports are probably the three best tires around. The AD008's are also great tires and give you 19 in options along with the Michelin's.

[montreal red]

when i go to tracks that are relatively close to where i live, i often install my r-comps at home and drive to the track on them. however the ride is very harsh. the tires pull the steering wheel left and right as i travel over cracks and crevices. and the tires kick up a LOT of debris. so i have try not to drive on them so much because i know i am making all sorts of chips on the body panels near the wheel wells.

[aus]

How can anyone need more grip than AD08's on regular roads? Maybe if you live way out of town.

[Merked M3]

I think the Toyo RA-1 or R888 is what you are looking for. They are R-compound with 100 treadwear and suitable for the rain if NOT shaved. The AD08s and RS3s are 140 treadwear and considered a street tire.