Brakes Wheels 2nd Gen Tires Most liked posts in thread: New Tires??

Tim's point is valid, Tirerack will have a lot of info that will factor into your decision, including cost and availability. If you want an autocross tire, I'd recommend anything in the extreme performance summer tire category. There isn't anything in the 195/55/16 size, so consider other similar sizes and research the forums to see what fits.

Here's a few thoughts:
Hankook R-S3: The latest "it" tire, less $$, probably noisy on the highway
Dunlop Star Spec: Used to be the "it" tire, less $$, noisy
Bridgestone RE-11: Fantastic tire, more $$, quiet on the highway
Yokohama AD-08: Great tire, more $$, quiet
Kumho XS: good stick, less $$

You get a little more stick and a lot less highway noise for more money with the RE-11 and AD-08, but for a lot less money you get almost as much stick with the Star Spec and R-S3. I'm not a big Kumho fan at all, but you may like them.

Testing the New Extremes of Extreme Performance Summer Tires
Top Tires: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine Articles

And if you want a tire that lasts more than 15,000 miles, you're talking about something that sacrifices grip for mileage, and we're having the wrong conversation. Then you're looking at a Conti ExtremeContact DW, or something similar that I know nothing about.

 

mrminimmel,

My experience on these types of threads is you end up more confused that when you hit the 'send' button on your OP

EVERYONE has a opinion on tires. Weeding through who has the same needs as me can be headache inducing

My recommendation? Go to TireRack, Look up Summer Performance Tires ( all the flavors) and start looking at where your price point is and reading up in the rating tables.

I've found it more informative than asking these types of questions on MA. The responses you'll get are well intentioned but you have no idea of what someone who replies driving style might be compared to yours

 

Since you want to use tires for street and Auto-X, you first need to decide what range of tire wear is acceptable.

I use my tires for street and about 3 Auto-Xs a year. So I tend to look for tires more for the street than Auto-X. I usually look at tires around the 280-300 rating and I get around 16000 miles out of a set of tires.
I have used Toyo T1R and now have Hankook Ventus V12. The V12s are inexpensive, pretty sticky, low noise, and wear OK. I think one size in 16".

If you accept less tire wear you can get stickier tires better for Auto-X. Look at some of the tires in the 200 rating range.

You will be limited at the 195/55-16 size. I suggest at least going to 205/50-16 for a larger selection of non-runflats.

 

Tim makes a good point. You can certainly get info overload asking the imfamous tire question.

Round 3: You are getting good tire advice here; the two guys above know thier stuff when it comes to tires.

However (c'mon you saw it coming ), if you want a decent (good wet and dry traction) street tire that will last some miles 20-30k miles and keep you happy enough at the autox I'd say go Hankook Ventus V12 Evo like quikmini recommended. Good tire with a nice 16in wheel option.

It doesn't sound like you are too hard-core about autox. I'd say skip having the spare rims. One less thing to worry about the day of the event. That being the case I recommend one of two tires:

Hankook R-S3s (they live well with the heat and keep thier stick)
or
Dunlop Starspecs (Not quite as sticky but they will live more road miles)

The caviat is that I don't know if they tire sizes in 16in.

I have experience with all three autox'ing in Las Vegas Region SCCA so I understand the 115 deg f day of autox.

 

I can respond factually on three specifics:

1. life without runflats - it can be a little worrisome, especially when away from "civilization", but the runflats don't really provide that much more security or peace of mind, because they don't run that far when flat, and if they get a puncture anywhere but in the flat part of the tread (i.e., the sidewall or shoulder) they can't be patched with a plug, so you need to get them replaced, which can be substantially more difficult when in the boonies, than for a non-runflat tire. Also the expense of replacing runflats is ridiculous... Most folks will make the point that you can get a SET of non-runflats for the price of replacing a single runflat. Some things that can mitigate the risk of running non-runflats: carry a DC powered compressor and "goop", which can get you to a service station, or at least someplace with cell-coverage; a charged cell phone and the number for MINI Road service and / or AAA to get a tow to the nearest service station; some tire plugs and a tool, in case it's an easy one... you can DIY, and save some grief; if you're really concerned, and you can "spare" the room, purchase and carry a compact - or full-size- inflated spare tire and rim.

2. 205/50R-16's will fit on a stock suspensioned R53 (first-gen new MINI). I can't speak for the R56's or other variants, but I've run several brands and models of tires in this size on my 2005 MCS ragtop since June 2005 with no rubbing or other issues. I'm certain wider tires would fit without difficulty as well. (Running Konig "Holes" in 16x7" with a 42mm offset.)

3. Dunlop Direzza Star Specs come in 205/50R-16. I'm running them now.

_Dave_

 

And remember to take a close look at the wear ratings. They are not 100% accurate, but they will give you a very good idea on the wear and mileage you can get out of them. I was able to get about 25K miles from my GY F1's and they have a wear rating of 300. So I decided my new tires were going to be at least a wear rating of 250 as I need to maximize my mileage vs grip at this time.

 

Not entirely true... Certain runflats can be patched. My tire guy at Discount Tire showed me an internal document stating which RFTs can be patched and which cannot. I don't remember the whole list but: Dunlop, Continental, and Michelin runflat could be patched and Pirellit and Kuhmo could not. There were other brands but that's what I remember from the list.

Otherwise Dave makes VERY good points as far as the cost/benefit of non-runflat tires.

I run on standard tires. I keep two cans of Fix-a-Flat in the car with me at all times for just that reason.

"Hardcore" autox is planning on running Pro-Solos and Nationals with the intent to win. If you are just having a good time with your region that isn't hardcore.

 

(For what it's worth) I just did a AutoX with the AD-08 and they were excellent, stuck like glue, quiet on the highway. When I got the Yoko's it was a toss up with the Dunlop's. I saw many people running the other tires above at the AutoX however do not have personal experience

 

@Redbeard: My point was that plugs won't work on the shoulder or sidewall of ANY tire, which means replacement instead of repair, and runflats are much more expensive to replace... Didn't word it very well I guess...

_Dave_

 

Ah! There ya go. Only issue with the internet. Easy to misunderstand.

Well then I lean on the second statement, Dave makes very good points.

 

I usually only notice the mold release for a day or so. I would guess it wears off in 50 miles or so. You do not need to drive slow but you might notice the tires feel a little greasy and squirm a little.

 

They were sticky from the get go and only get better

 

Some good info in this thread, I'm glad it got bumped up.