[Nikos335i]

Planning on attending a few lapping events 4 or 5 this summer and wanted to get a dedicated track tire, don't want a R compound tire just something that will give me better grip compared to a high performance street tire.

The 2 contenders are: Dunlop Direzza Star Spec or the Kuhmo KU36 in the 245-45-17 size (on my stock rims square setup). Very similar in price, local track organizer gave the nod to the Kuhmo tire.

Any insight would be appreciated, thanks!

[swartzentruber]

There are at least two other tires that would seem to fall into this category too -- Bridgestone RE-11 or Yokohoma Advan AD08. I've been running a track tire (Pilot Sport Cup), but thinking of switching back for the season, so I'm interested in the topic too.

[Nikos335i]

I posted in the general tire section as I was getting no feedack from this section. take a look if you want. Your 2 suggestions are a great tire choice but I didn't want to spend too much as my intention for these tires is for track use only therefore going to use them 4 or 5 times and felt that the additional 400$-500$ was just not worth it.

Thanks for your input though!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386623

[DrewKo]

I use 255/40/17 Direzzas and have been pleased with them so far. I have not read anything very negative about the tires and have seen other drivers using them. The price is nice for a pretty good performing tire.

[kenneth]

Add Hankook Ventus RS3 to that list. Cheaper by a few $ than the Direzzas.

[Bimmermaniac]

bump

Curious about comparing the Dunlop Z1SS to the Hankook RS3.

Anybody have any experience to share?

[dgbuilder]

This is a worthy discussion, thanks for all input. I am interested in wet handling for each of these so users please post comments.

[cyphr]

Don't get the direzzas if you're planning on doing road courses. They're amazing autox tires but get greasy quick on the track. I'd suggest re-11s. The stiff sidewalls are perfect for our heavy cars.

[kevin@bavarianx]

If you are doing track work I really like Nitto NT-05s as they get sticky when you warm up and not greasy when you overheat them. Its the best bang for your buck tire for track but their down side is the limited tire sizes in 17s. There are 235/40-17 and 255/40-17 for your set up.

[Bimmermaniac]

Anybody use the Hankook RS3s yet, compare to Falken Azenis RT615?

[kevin@bavarianx]

Originally Posted by Bimmermaniac

Anybody use the Hankook RS3s yet, compare to Falken Azenis RT615?

When I test drove them on the track by switching wheel/tire setups with a friend for my Azenis I like them a lot more because they don't greasy when it gets really hot on the track. The grip is fantastic and hardly gave up on me when I was pushing hard.

[kc1337]

Originally Posted by cyphr

Don't get the direzzas if you're planning on doing road courses. They're amazing autox tires but get greasy quick on the track. I'd suggest re-11s. The stiff sidewalls are perfect for our heavy cars.

you've had experience with the star specs on the track?

[GTR-Dad]

Originally Posted by cyphr

Don't get the direzzas if you're planning on doing road courses. They're amazing autox tires but get greasy quick on the track. I'd suggest re-11s. The stiff sidewalls are perfect for our heavy cars.

I run 255 35 18 Direzza Star Specs on my 500whp Skyline GTR, which is not as heavy as a 3 series, but tips the scales at around 3400 lbs at the track. I have been very pleased with both treadwear and grip consistency over a wide temperature range. Wet performance is quite acceptable too.

The track I've been running on with these tires is fairly short and tight with one straight that permits about 120 mph peak speeds with braking into a 35-40 mph corner.

I've never once experienced greasiness with the Direzzas even on sunny 85 degree days. Perhaps the combination of tire width and car weight keeps them under a critical threshold.

I've tracked my 335 xi with 225 45 17 Advan Neova AD08s with good success too. Grip levels are reduced with the narrower tire and heavier car, but consistency has been great. The AD08's have balled up a bit on hot days, but grip has remained consistent.

[zsapphire7]

Originally Posted by kc1337

you've had experience with the star specs on the track?

Im running them now 265/35/18 square on our cars and yes they do get greasy in hot weather and quickly once u push them. Granted it was 100F outside but I think theyre tolerable.. tho that is their main complaint. Youll never notice it if youre not tracking or pushign the car hard enough however

[mid-corner fun]

I'm running square 245/40/17 starspecs, they get greasy in 95F+ weather after 10-15 mins but it's nothing that can't be tolerated, you just have to slightly adjust your turn in approach. I'm very happy with them, I've seen a significant traction increase in dry weather over the RE050s and they're much cheaper than RE11s.

[kenneth]

square 255/40/17s Direzza SS on Kosei K1s

[The HACK]

Falken Azenis RT-615K

Toyo R1-R