Does tread width matter?

[Dreamer99]

Okay, so narrower (by at least 1/2" front and back) RE-71R tires are better than the AD08R. What about side wall. Is lower profile able to take more heat and handle better? I'd like to run something like a 285/30/19 or 295/30/19 on my ZCP rear. What about a 265/30/19 front? They're have about 0.6" less overall diameter.

Has anyone tried the Pirelli P Zero Corsa? They have a 60 tread wear. 265/30/19 is 9.4" wide and the 285/30/19 is 10.4" wide. Do you think it could take the heat better than an AD08R? What I really like is the 285/30 diameter is only 25.8" so it will help my gear ratio a little vs the 26.6" on my 275/35/19's.

[135]

A bit of a late reply as I've been quite busy with the track season and not much is going to change over the next month (and year). That's a good thing, right?

But thanks again dogbone - very useful information. I think my tyre choice will come down to whatever is available locally. I know that includes Hankook TD/Z221, Yokohama A050, Hoosier A7/R7 and the Pirelli slick but, unfortunately, there isn't a local supplier for the BFG R1S - it looks like it's a US-only tyre and not worthwhile/economical importing from the USA. Interestingly, when I called BFG Aust and they searched for the size I was after, they recommended a Michelin - it turns out they're the same company! And when I received a follow-up reply email, they confirmed that the R1S isn't available through BFG Aust or their Motorsport distributor.

The downside of my options is cost. The Hankook, Yokohama and Hoosiers are AUD500 per corner and the Pirelli is AUD800 per corner! But I've found a couple motorsport teams - one campaigns cars in the national Production car series and have some A050 scrubs, while the other campaigns Porsche Carrera & GT3 Cup cars and have Pirelli scrubs (with 3mm out of 3.5mm tread remaining) that I can try out and compare.

There's also a new Zestino 01S slick that I might consider trying as well but have a feeling they won't be as good as Pirelli scrubs.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by 135

Interestingly, when I called BFG Aust and they searched for the size I was after, they recommended a Michelin - it turns out they're the same company! And when I received a follow-up reply email, they confirmed that the R1S isn't available through BFG Aust or their Motorsport distributor.

Michelin bought BF Goodrich in 1990. It's hard to believe it's been 28 years already.

R1S is a great tire -- too bad you can't get it there.

[DrFerry]

Originally Posted by dogbone

I talked to SSP a couple weeks ago and they said because of my supercharger, they would have to assemble a specific set of clutch discs that would be able to deal with the extra heat and slipping of the clutches, otherwise their discs would burn out too quickly. Did they assemble a clutch set for you specifically with the supercharger in mind? How long have you had them? Are you happy?

My SSP Spec R DCT clutch pack now has 56,000 miles on it and is still going strong. It was installed in 2017. However, I removed my Harrop blower in August 2022.

[sbo76]

Originally Posted by ricardofors68

All of this is understood, but am I correct to assume that the wider is better to a point? I ask this as I was thinking of going wider on the fenders to accommodate wider wheel/tire combo but was told that anything wider than a 295 will work against good order and discipline
Any particular reason for not trying out the NT01 as it seems like a very popular tire for track days?
I will use a square set up with NT01 for the track but will be driving to/from the track on PS2, stuffing the track stuff in the rear seat cavity.

As a long time NTO1 user (i have probably gone through 20+ sets) - they are old technology and are significantly slower than the newer 200 tread wear tires. Don't get me wrong, they last a very long time and are very reliable but just are not as fast or as grippy as the RE71s (there are several others that just as good). As others have mentioned, if you get a square set up and are good about rotating (i am lazy and just go front to back after each event) you can make them last for 5+ track days which is roughly the same as the NTO1's.