Tyres again - Formula R's, Yoko A032R's & the like

[whatsisname]

I'm considering going to road legal semi-comp tyres for all round use when my current rubber is shot, this is for a couple of reasons;

1. - Although my GTS25t remains daily drivable it's really only used for fun (it's travelled 12k in the 2.5yrs I've owned it) & as such I couldn't care less about tyre noise, tread life & ride quality.

2. - I'd like maximum possible all round grip.

3. - Because I can

If I get 5-10k out of a set of tyres I'll be happy.

Below are a few of the options I'm considering. I'd like to get feedback from anyone who's using/used any of them? Or any other choices I've not listed? I'm aware of the Bridgestone RE540S & Toyo Proxes RA-1 but neither come in the right sizes

I intend on running 235-245 17's - front 255-265 17's - rear

Dunlop Formula R's

D01J -

RSV98 -

Khumo

Kumho VictoRacer V700 -

Yokohama

A032R -

Falken

Azenis (not the ST-115) -

Toyo

Proxes RA-1

Bridgestone

RE540S (tyre on the left is the RE520 now replaced by the 540)

[whatsisname]

None of you guys have used these tyres?

[hungry6]

atm i on my second set of formular R and i've have used falken TEFLON azenis before also. 235 or 255 in 17" dunlop is absolutely awesome in terms of grip. Well, the amount of grip they have makes other performance tyre manufacturers lies awake at night sweating!!! and they're not that noisy , well i can't hear it abve my 3.5" exhaust.

[NismoGirl]

How much are the Dunlop Formular R..

We are in for some new tyres already seeming bob jane ****ed up our wheel alignment.

They look pretty expensive. I'd need 255/45/17's

[whatsisname]

Hungry6,

Thanks for the info mate. Which Formula R's are you running? How do you find cold tyre & wet weather grip levels?

NismoGirl,

The Dunlop D01J (one of the Formula R range) is ~$425 (235/45/17) I think you probably meant 255/40/17. I'd guess a 255/40/17 D01J would be ~$500.

[hungry6]

wet weather is something i tread very carefull with street slicks, but the formular R is good, not brilliant, but they don't go off as fast as other inferior tyres, but the tyre of choices if u wanna used them 18 months after the day of purchase is the yokohamas , i don't think they go off at all.

[NRB]

I use Formula R's on the mini, and've just fitted AzenisRS to the GTR. I've had a bit more experience with Azenis on my WRX and I must say the tyres are awesome, especially when you get a bit of heat into them on the track! They're the best value for money tyre around in my opinion.

I paid $340 a corner for 255/40/17 Falken Azenis RS last week.

[Merli]

I use 235/45/17 Dunlop Formula Rs all round on the track (R33 GTR rims).

I also use 265/35/18 Dunlop Forumla Rs (REAR ONLY) on the road... I use Falken AZENIS ST-115 on the front for a little more wet grip so I can still steer the bastard

As you can tell, I think the Dunlops are the duck's nuts. But basically if I hit boost in the wet, it's all over. I turn the boost controller off and basically crawl to my destination. They're useless in the wet. I took it to Wakefield one day and it was raining... Basically as soon as I touched the accelerator, the car spun. Ever since then, I've been scared of the car when it's raining, which is good I suppose, because it's made me drive VERY VERY slowly in the wet.

In the dry though, they're awesome... Stickier than every other tyre straight off, and if you warm them up, they're like glue to the tarmac. It'll take a bit to warm them up though, a small burnout or you'll have to link quite a few corners at good speed to get some heat into the rubber.

[Munro]

Hey Matt,

How you doing?

I tried the RE540s Bridgestones but didn't like them.

I bought 4 255/40/17 Toyo RA1s for the R33 & they handle

extemely well but I have had trouble hooking up with my

3 litre engine.They are currently off the rims(being polished)

& I have 4 Nitto Extreme 555R 275/40/17s coming from Jap.

The extra height/width should help me get off the line.

I run 255/40/17 on the SS ute & was going to use 2 for that.

If you are interested I may sell the other 2.They have only done

7 passes & are still newish.They cost me around $550 each.

Maybe sell for $400 each?Can you fit a 255 on the front too?

Let me know if you want to look at them.

Munro.:burnout:

[whatsisname]

All good info guys. Thanks, keep it coming!

G'day John,

I'll let you know re the Toyo's. I'm not sure if 255's will fit on the front of a GTS?

[Freebaggin]

Munro,

What is the reason for your dislike for the RE540s?

I have a dilema in that my Falken GRB II rears lasted only 9000km (fronts OK only 50% worn) and I didn't even punish them as much as I wanted! I want good traction, good price and half decent wear rate. $400-500 per tyre too dear for me if I'm gonna wear them both out once a year!

Went to a hillclimb meet recently and most of the road cars had the RE540s and the others a mix of Dunlop Rs, Toyo RA1s etc. The RE540s are the best price by far, $330-340 (18/265/35) and the guys using them love them.

Cheers.

[hungry6]

The reasons alot of normal drivers go for the RE540s is that , it give very early warning before it let go, but then it absolute friction coefficient is somewhat compromise by the gradual break away effect. simply to put it the tyres are easier to drive fast on if your average behind the wheels, where as the formular R are there and not there beyond it performance envelope.

[Cubes]

Getting a little sick of the lack of traction Matt..

Bastard..

[whatsisname]

Freebaggin,

I'm very interested in the RE540S myself mate! I've had a few prices on the 540's, I've also had good feedback from a few Skyline owners (GT-R & GTS) on them. They're looking good so far!

I'm happy I was incorrect about the sizes too

Joel,

Being able to spin the rears is still fun but I'd like to see how it goes when I can get some really good grip!

I recently got the Whiteline rear subframe align/lock kit & did some more rear camber work (thanks Bug's for the kit!). I had a decent aligning session & set camber @ -1.5 front & -0.5 rear. Traction on my current rubber is still crap, better than it was though!

[Cubes]

I remember when you were telling me about a S15 that launched unbelievably.

Those have the Diff's from the GTR apparently.

Slap a better center in.. Might help with the hook up??

I think i saw them from UAS for $500.

I swear that sometimes in first gear when it comes on to boost quickly that it spins one wheel more than the other.

[whatsisname]

I don't doubt a better diff will help but I don't think I need to go to that extent, yet!

It wouldn't be in 1st gear that you've seen my diff single spin, 'cause I almost never "really" nail it in first (not enough to light it up) It's in 2nd that I find things get a bit loose! Throttle control would help but I'd like to get as much power down as I can.

[Cubes]

Sorry Matt I worded the single spin bit wrong.

I was refering to My Diff.

It feels like the right wheel spins up more than the left sometimes.

Second always spins up two.

The only difference is i have to snap second gear to spin and get loose in second u dont.

Well i am now able to layout the money for a new turbo (Just) but i need to find the HKS GT2530 that i want.

:burnout:

Cant wait..

[Cubes]

Oh just thought of an idea.

Slap a heavier flywheel on there..

Well more weight around the edges should help u stop the wheel spin a little though the lower gears.

I noticed when i had the lightened flywheel fitted that is what made first gear suck.

Realistically its not an option .. Heavier flywheel.