Best Tire for Street/Autocross?

[panamericano]

Baby needs new shoes. Now I have 205-50-15 Falken Azenis 615Ks. I don't think they really like only under 400 pounds. I usually run about 16psi autocrossing, but don't feel enough grip. It is driven around town a couple times a week and autocross once a month, so wear is not really a concern. My tires get dry before they are worn out anyway.

 

There are the usual suspects, but I am sorely tempted to try Avon. At twice the price! The CR500 was designed in conjunction with Caterham, so maybe they work with the light weight. The current evolution Avon recommends is the ZZS. Since I would probably not put over 4000 miles on them in 2-3 years, the softness is quite attractive.

 

Anyone using the Avons? Other suggestions? Thanks for input.

 

-Mark

[powderbrake]

I run the 615Ks on my Ultralite, I went down to 14 psi for the track or autocross, I run 20 on the street. I have a larger tire (17")

[panamericano]

Jerry,

 

Thanks for the psi info. I tried to ask Falken how low I could go. When the 615 first came out, I was successful in getting to one of their tire engineers for some info (Miata). This last week I tried calling and just got some kid who suggested 22, from the conversation, not an engineer. Anyway, I'll try a couple pounds lower next week.

Thanks.

Mark

[panamericano]

What? No opinions? Oh, I get it. You just don't want to give up the Knowledge. Fear not, I'm slow anyway. Besides, none of you autocross in Texas Region SCCA.

[Croc]

I'm slow anyway

 

Have you thought about wooden clogs? Very stylish. Can be painted nice bright primary colors. Very visible as you ease your way glacially around the autocross course.

 

:troll:

 

 

I am a fan of the Avon ZZR in 13 inch wheel sizes. But they maybe too fast for you?

[Black Hole]

I might as well extend this thread. I did my first AutoX in the 7 this weekend (I have done about 8-10 in my Cayman). Of course I had a lot of fun, though it was frustrating because they had computer issues and the morning was really slow.

 

My experience was I loved the transitions but I certainly had lots of understeer and some oversteer. Likely it was just my driving and I need to learn and understand the car. But a couple of questions

 

My car is a 2009 SV with CR500 195/45-15. The car is "new", I got it with 900 total miles and I have added another 900. So the tires are not worn but they are pretty old. They look OK (i.e. no dry rot or other deterioration) but could they be beyond life?

 

I ran the manual recommended 18 psi. Checked after a run and I believe i was at 21.5 psi. I did not play with the pressure but concentrated more on my driving, what is recommended hot psi for these tires on a 7?

 

And to my surprise I was not the only Caterham. A brand new 620R showed up!

[panamericano]

Have you thought about wooden clogs? Very stylish. Can be painted nice bright primary colors. Very visible as you ease your way glacially around the autocross course.

 

Actually, I have some clog looking ones on it now. Only they're rubber instead of wood, called Crocs.

 

I have no trailer, alas, so if the 15" Avon ZZS can be streetable for a couple years, they sound very appealing.

 

-Mark

[Croc]

LOL on the Crocs

 

 

I would definitely give them a try. I like the ZZR but they are not the greatest in the wet. I street and track them. Yes they wear out quickly if you use them hard but we are driving performance cars so it seems appropriate.

 

So the ZZS would appear to be a nice compromise as their wet grip is much better and it still is a performance tire. They are also lighter weight than many comparable tires. Roger Krause is usually my tire sounding board and they are a fan of the Avons on sevens.

[panamericano]

I bow to the wisdom of the Croc. I think I'll spring form the Avon ZZSs. I'll also keep the board posted on their suitability for the street for the next 2 years. I was just looking for an excuse to spend more. I shall inform "She of the Purse Strings" that it was Your fault I spent more. "On good advise..."

[Croc]

Spending more on tires is a wise safety choice. Even so I think I am safe in recommending since She of The Purse Strings is on the other side of the continent from me right now.

[DavidL]

I run 195-50-15 Bridgestones (RE10s I think) on my 1990 Caterham. The first time I autocrossed it, I ran the street-recommended pressures, about 24 psi. Way too slippery. I now autocross at about 16 psi, which feels much better. I pumnp the tires back up for regular street use.