Anybody have a pic. of the 205/55/16 RE960's? Those seem to be the Best Tire for our PNW Winters. I want a quiter ride than the RF's and I want to feel confident in the Wet/Snow.

Thanks!!

 

Can't speak for the RE's, but I've run Dunlop WS 3D's the last 2 winters here in Vermont and swear by them (even if I do live in 'hackedupalugi' country): comfortable, quiet, good price, and my apt complex doesn't get plowed out 'til around 11am - I've pushed 1-1/2" of snow and not gotten stuck. Predictable handling snow/ice/wet dry, doesn't matter. I've also been running them through this summer for the street while wearing out some track tires, and they've still got 7-8/32's. This is my snow tire for as long as they make 'em.

 

Thanks Dave, but the Dunlop's don't have the Tread Pattern or Survey Results I'm looking for.

 

Have you looked into the Bridgestone Potenza G 019 Grid's?

 

I have TooLazy and I think I've changed my mind and go with the 019 Grid's. I can stick with the Stock Tire Size, I didn't really want the feel of the car being Higher (205/55/16), I was afraid I'd loose that GoKart Feel. With the 019's being less expensive, if I decide that I want to get a Wheel/Tire Combo in say a 17" later on I won't loose a lot if I end up selling the 019's either.

 

yeah I just picked up my Grids on thursday in 215/45/17 - now waiting for my Konig feathers to arrive from Alta so I can't give any reviews on the tire yet!

 

Hopefully that will be soon and you can give me an update on your set-up. Thanks!!

 

To revive an old thread. When the 205/50 Z1 Star spec track tires wore out (I think I heat cycled them to death), we went for Bridgestone RE-11s instead. The RE-11s are only available in 205/55.

First, they look terrible, like truck tires. (I'm trying to not let the aesthetics bother me though).

Second the RE-11s are great track tires, I'm probably going to stick with them from now on. They don't grain as much as the Z1s on the track. Their tread pattern means I don't have to pump them up as much to protect the shoulder. I used to run 41/38 psi on the Z1s, I run 35 all round on the RE-11s. I'm also running RE-11s in 17" (at 35 psi) with the new JCW (205/45).

I ran about 1.5-2 sec a lap quicker on the RE-11s than on the Z1s. I'm not sure if this was the tire being better, or I was just going through a quick phase. I'm having trouble finding even that 1.5s in the JCW.

The gear ratios with the taller /55 tire suited me much better than the /50s (or the 17" /45s). Like I said, it may lose torque at lower revs, but once you don't have to change up you're onto a winner.

The /55 tires made the speedo read about correct. The digital speedo was now useful.

I've had no rubbing issues.

I'm not sure I'd run /55s on the street, but they make a good option for a track tire.

 

If you are comparing new RE-11s to old worn Z1 Star Spec tires then yes, it could account for the better times.

A taller gear will help with higher speeds so once you get going keep your rpms and you'll be fine but if you drop speed too much and move out of the power band then you might need to downshift.

If the course doesn't allow for higher speeds then using lowered gearing allows for better use of a less tall second gear as in early year R53 MINIs.

205/55-16 is fine for street use although a little tall. RE-11 can be used on the street, just wears faster.


RE-11 tread pattern is asymmetric with large lateral blocks on the outside, a notched intermediate rib for response and traction, a notched inner shoulder to help disperse water.




Truck tread patterns lack the large shoulder blocks used for cornering and have a symmetric tread design, more for grip and traction on loose or varied surfaces.