HPDE Tire Downgrade from RE71R

Ceece · 06-26-2018, 11:40 PM

Thanks for your help, gents.

Here are some of the options I've come up with your feedback:

Get 18" wheels -- might as well go with a square setup if I'm buying new ones. Figured I'd run 275/40, with the half baked reasoning that I could perhaps compare my progress to some NASA TT4 cars. Would I mount this on a 10.5" wheel? That seems to be popular in other threads. NT01R is available in this size. I haven't searched for nittos before but Summit is offering a set for $1200. I haven't searched for wheels but I can see this paying out pretty well if the tires last longer. From your own experience, could you estimate the relative life?

Rusty - When you refer to slicks, are you referring to something like Michelin competition slicks? Or do you mean something like Hoosier A7 or R7? I recall an instructor telling me he could get 40 sessions on his 350Z, though they definitely lack performance at that point. I don't know which tire they were. With longevity like that I believe this might fit my application well. What are some other considerations I should have regarding slicks? Wheel bearing wear, bushings, engine lubrication?

Stick with my current wheels - R888R are available in 275/35ZR19 and 285/35ZR19. This would keep the overall diameters close to what I have now, and be more square. However, the different ratio of tread width versus wheel size makes me wonder if there's an important detail I'm missing. Do you guys have any comments on this? Cost would be 1325 from tire rack, which is more costly than RE71Rs, but if the tire life is better then it will certainly pay out.

I examined the tires this afternoon. They are definitely worn, but I have some hopes that maybe I can flip them and make it through most of my next track weekend. The rears will certainly make it. Definitely would benefit from more camber. The next weekend is a five hour drive from me so I'd have to play it safe. Any idea how much rubber exists between the bottom of the wear groove and the belts?

https://imgur.com/BKqqaZy

This is a picture of the front left tire.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Track tire Recommendation - R888R vs RE71R	PharmDZ	Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip	21	12-29-2016 08:45 AM
Recommened tire pressures for upcoming HPDE event	DannyGT	Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip	5	07-23-2016 04:27 PM
HPDE Tire choices poll	osbornsm	Wheels & Tires	23	04-27-2015 11:51 AM
contemplating a downgrade	babbagandu	The Lounge (Off Topic)	15	12-28-2011 09:45 AM
Tire pressure for Hankook's for HPDE?	flashburn	Wheels & Tires	6	12-09-2010 11:08 AM

06-26-2018, 11:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
Ceece Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 5 Drives: 2012 Nismo 370Z Rep Power: 15	Thanks for your help, gents. Here are some of the options I've come up with your feedback: Get 18" wheels -- might as well go with a square setup if I'm buying new ones. Figured I'd run 275/40, with the half baked reasoning that I could perhaps compare my progress to some NASA TT4 cars. Would I mount this on a 10.5" wheel? That seems to be popular in other threads. NT01R is available in this size. I haven't searched for nittos before but Summit is offering a set for $1200. I haven't searched for wheels but I can see this paying out pretty well if the tires last longer. From your own experience, could you estimate the relative life? Rusty - When you refer to slicks, are you referring to something like Michelin competition slicks? Or do you mean something like Hoosier A7 or R7? I recall an instructor telling me he could get 40 sessions on his 350Z, though they definitely lack performance at that point. I don't know which tire they were. With longevity like that I believe this might fit my application well. What are some other considerations I should have regarding slicks? Wheel bearing wear, bushings, engine lubrication? Stick with my current wheels - R888R are available in 275/35ZR19 and 285/35ZR19. This would keep the overall diameters close to what I have now, and be more square. However, the different ratio of tread width versus wheel size makes me wonder if there's an important detail I'm missing. Do you guys have any comments on this? Cost would be 1325 from tire rack, which is more costly than RE71Rs, but if the tire life is better then it will certainly pay out. I examined the tires this afternoon. They are definitely worn, but I have some hopes that maybe I can flip them and make it through most of my next track weekend. The rears will certainly make it. Definitely would benefit from more camber. The next weekend is a five hour drive from me so I'd have to play it safe. Any idea how much rubber exists between the bottom of the wear groove and the belts? https://imgur.com/BKqqaZy This is a picture of the front left tire.