Alternatives to current track tire setup

[Kelse92]

Hey guys,
So I'm currently running a set of APEX EC-7's in 18-9.5/10.5 staggered with Hankook RS4s in 265/35 and 285/35

I'm so far loving the setup, but probably only have 2ish more DE's and maybe an Autocross day left in them so I need to prepare myself for a new set in the next couple months.

Here's my issue, these tires seem to be consistently on backorder from most carriers. Best I can find currently is the rears available on TireRack but not the fronts.
In a perfect world, they'll be available when I need them but if they aren't, what are my alternatives?
I'm leaning towards looking at PS4S or NT05 to stay around that $1000-1100 price point for a set. Are there any other options I might be missing?

[kyippee]

NT01 at www.simpletire.com with code NITTO10 and use ebates for 3% cashback as well. (if you don't have an ebates account - https://go.ebat.es/yOi1FhkWNV )

Price for 4x 275/35/18 with the current 10% off is $950 shipped.

I would switch to a 18x10 ET25 setup square + 275/35/18 tires and then rotate for longer life.

[M3 Number 86]

dang internetz savvy bro lol

[aus]

I have the same size wheels and have used the NT05. They're the best bang for the buck, but they're probably a step back from the RS4. I was going to get the Yoko A052, but they're out of stock too. I ended up getting RE71R and they were great. The rear is a little short at 285/30-18 but it works.

[Kelse92]

Originally Posted by kpewpew

NT01 at www.simpletire.com with code NITTO10 and use ebates for 3% cashback as well. (if you don't have an ebates account - https://go.ebat.es/yOi1FhkWNV )

Price for 4x 275/35/18 with the current 10% off is $950 shipped.

I would switch to a 18x10 ET25 setup square + 275/35/18 tires and then rotate for longer life.

Looos like NT01’s are the choice. I should switch to square ideally, but I really wanted a staggered set. I don’t mind compromising on the consumables a bit

[Kelse92]

Originally Posted by aus

I have the same size wheels and have used the NT05. They're the best bang for the buck, but they're probably a step back from the RS4. I was going to get the Yoko A052, but they're out of stock too. I ended up getting RE71R and they were great. The rear is a little short at 285/30-18 but it works.

Thanks for the feedback! I love the RS4s and would hate to “downgrade” but options are limited so hard to choose

[XCUSE_M3]

Originally Posted by Kelse92

Thanks for the feedback! I love the RS4s and would hate to “downgrade” but options are limited so hard to choose

Why not just squeeze a 275 up front. I don't see why it would not fit.

[Kelse92]

Originally Posted by XCUSE_M3

Why not just squeeze a 275 up front. I don't see why it would not fit.

Might try that! Was worried a little bit about fitment up front, but it would probably work fine. I’m pretty happy with how it sits now (see pic), so wasn’t really wanting to mess with it, but you’re right that it would work it’s not that much difference in size.

Although, as I started writing this reply I went to lookup and see what’s in stock and sure enough, 265’s are available again and no 275s around. Lol Never ending game of tag catching these things in stock it seems like.

[dparm]

I'd look at the Rival (or Rival 1.5). Tire Rack exclusive but the price is right and they are continuing to improve it.

[Kelse92]

Originally Posted by dparm

I'd look at the Rival (or Rival 1.5). Tire Rack exclusive but the price is right and they are continuing to improve it.

Interesting! Tell me more? I’m totally unfamiliar with them...

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Kelse92

Thanks for the feedback! I love the RS4s and would hate to “downgrade” but options are limited so hard to choose

just go for the RE71R... pretty much the fastest street tire out there

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Kelse92

Interesting! Tell me more? I’m totally unfamiliar with them...

The Rival S/Rival S 1.5 is BFG's extreme performance summer tire, so same category as RE-71R, AD08R, R-S4, etc. Popular with the autocrossers because of the 200 TW rating but also fine for the track.

Tire Rack ran a test recently (scroll down for the video):
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...ce+Rival+S+1.5


So far I'm satisfied with them as a dual-duty tire. My lap times were on-par with the Cup 2s but for a lot less money, and they're definitely able to hang on for a full 30 minute session versus the PSS which really struggle after 20 minutes. I've only done 2 track days with them but will probably buy another set once these wear out, and it looks like I'll probably get 3 more track days out of them in addition to another 4-5k street miles. Anxious to see if the 1.5 version is truly any better.



To be fully transparent, I don't have a ton of choices in my sizes: NT01, R888R, or R7/A7. All of the other tires are basically track-only and would never have worked on the street.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

just go for the RE71R... pretty much the fastest street tire out there

Tire Rack shows the Rival S 1.5 as being a tad faster for less money. The gap has closed.

[kyrix1st]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

just go for the RE71R... pretty much the fastest street tire out there

Too fast.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by dparm

Tire Rack shows the Rival S 1.5 as being a tad faster for less money. The gap has closed.

A tenth faster and subjectively worse in dry and wet. I stand by my earlier comment

And the RE71 is decent in rain so you can actually survive driving to/from the track

Also, in 275/35 which is the M size the RivalS is substantially more expensive. 325 vs 265

[derbo]

I was looking at RS4 275/35/18 and TireRack just told me they are discontinued now. My response...

[dparm]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

A tenth faster and subjectively worse in dry and wet. I stand by my earlier comment

And the RE71 is decent in rain so you can actually survive driving to/from the track

Also, in 275/35 which is the M size the RivalS is substantially more expensive. 325 vs 265

Huh, surprised they cost more. I stand corrected.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by dparm

Huh, surprised they cost more. I stand corrected.

may be cheaper in your sizes

[dparm]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

may be cheaper in your sizes

The 1.5 costs more, I just looked. That makes sense since it is the newer and supposedly "better" tire. The non-1.5 is basically the same price as the 71R in your 275/35R18 size.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by dparm

The 1.5 costs more, I just looked. That makes sense since it is the newer and supposedly "better" tire. The non-1.5 is basically the same price as the 71R in your 275/35R18 size.

Tire Rack prices for 275/35/18

Rival S $318.86
Rival S 1.5 $325.29
RE71R $265.17

[s14_kev]

275/35/18 should fit in the front with no issues. +1 for RE71R, PS4S would be a great street tire but probably not the best for track duty.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by derbo

Tire Rack prices for 275/35/18

Rival S $318.86
Rival S 1.5 $325.29
RE71R $265.17

Umm, Tire Rack shows Rival S in 275/35R18 for $279.20...?
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...GFRS&tab=Sizes