[dbjb]

Arguably, this should be in the wheel/ tire thread but as this question is about track use, I think this is the rightful place.

I just picked up a square set of 17" Kosei K1s. I think I've decided to go with 255/40/17. I believe that should fit on an e92. I now must decide on a good but reasonably priced track tire. I've narrowed it down to the Direzzas and RS3s. It seems both are great tires. Many people on the internet have raved about the Hankooks but a lot of those comments have come from AutoX enthusiasts or Miata owners. I want to know if any of you have had experiences with them? On this car or another but preferably one as heavy as our 3's?

From my research, I've gathered this...

Dunlops are about $50 more per tire. Great dry. Good wet. Take a few laps to heat up. Can get greasy if overheated.

Hankooks are even better dry. Fair wet. Heat easy. Perform just as good unshaven. Hard to overheat.

That sound about right? Love to hear your comments.

[mid-corner fun]

I can only speak of the StarSpecs and your comments are right on. By the way, the StarSpec price has increased, I looked at my tirerack orders and they were about $20 less per tire 2 years ago.

When you try the 255s let us know if they rub on the e92 (fronts), hopefully not. A couple of years ago I searched this and other forums for confirmation that 255s are ok but could only find e90 reports, nothing for e92.

[dbjb]

Kenneth runs 255 Direzzas on his e92. I read that somewhere... Me thinks. I'm gonna pm and ask him to comment on this thread. Im currently on hr sports/ Koni yellows /M3 bits with about -1.5 camber. I hope thatll work. I really don't want to run a camber kit but will remove pins if that's what's needed to fit the 255's. In 255/40/17, they're only $125! Truly a bargain. Compare that to $300 when buying 235/35/19. Yikes. 1/3 the cost and much better performance. 17's are definitely the way to go for a track setup.

[dbjb]

Peter, what camber on you running up front? Also, with or without spacers? Size?

[WDBi]

i have on order 255/35R18 square on 18x8.5 wheels with a 35 offset i measured everything it looks like it will fit i have m3 control arms and i believe but dont quote me on this -1.7 in the front no camber plates

[mid-corner fun]

Originally Posted by dsbj

Kenneth runs 255 Direzzas on his e92. I read that somewhere... Me thinks. I'm gonna pm and ask him to comment on this thread. Im currently on hr sports/ Koni yellows /M3 bits with about -1.5 camber. I hope thatll work. I really don't want to run a camber kit but will remove pins if that's what's needed to fit the 255's. In 255/40/17, they're only $125! Truly a bargain. Compare that to $300 when buying 235/35/19. Yikes. 1/3 the cost and much better performance. 17's are definitely the way to go for a track setup.

Where? Starspecs usually go around 160+. Still a bargain at that price, i've gone through 3 sets in the last 2 seasons.

I'm running -1.8 front with the m3 control arms/no spacers and there's minimal clearance with the 245/40s, definitely let us know if the 255s fit.

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by PeterM1

Where? Starspecs usually go around 160+. Still a bargain at that price, i've gone through 3 sets in the last 2 seasons.

I'm running -1.8 front with the m3 control arms/no spacers and there's minimal clearance with the 245/40s, definitely let us know if the 255s fit.

Tirerack sells the RS3 for $125.

When you say minimal clearance, is that on the strut or fender side or both?

[kenneth]

I have e90 and the 255 fit. I only run a 5mm spacer since the koseis 40mm offset inner of tire rubs my coilovers. Since you are running koni and h&r your tire will be below the base of the springs so no rubbing.

The e92 I believe can only fit 245 up front. jgalaxy has an e92 xi with koseis and 245s with KWV3. hit him up!

[WDBi]

theres some one running 18x9 255 square et 30 front et 23 rear i think his name is ghost chili or something like that

[jbass524]

I ran 255 X 17 then 255 X 18 Direzzas w/APEX Arc 8s (et42mm w/10 ft and 5 rr spacers) on my E92 for a long time. The 18s don't fit in front unless you have a lot of camber. I also had TC Kline coilovers so there was as much clearance as possible.

The 17s tend to be a little narrower so you might be OK with -1.5 camber. Your ride height plays a part in this also.

E92s have poly front fenders so you can't roll them.

[mid-corner fun]

Originally Posted by dsbj

Tirerack sells the RS3 for $125.

When you say minimal clearance, is that on the strut or fender side or both?

strut side, there's ample clearance on the fender side.

[WDBi]

i dont understand theres a guy running wider than this no rubbing
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579898

18x8.5 255/35 will fit with the right offsets

[LOLrance]

I run a 18x9 +29 with 265 star specs in the front.

As far as tire choice goes, i'd choose RS3 over starspecs any day. RS3's are cheaper, have better overall dry grip, more predictable when at the limit, and they dont chunk like my starspecs used to.

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by kenneth

I have e90 and the 255 fit. I only run a 5mm spacer since the koseis 40mm offset inner of tire rubs my coilovers. Since you are running koni and h&r your tire will be below the base of the springs so no rubbing.

The e92 I believe can only fit 245 up front. jgalaxy has an e92 xi with koseis and 245s with KWV3. hit him up!

Man, I guess I thought wrong. Could've sworn you had an e92. The research continues!

Originally Posted by Will@StageX

theres some one running 18x9 255 square et 30 front et 23 rear i think his name is ghost chili or something like that

Thank you. I know its 18 vs 17 but that shouldn't matter... much.

Originally Posted by jbass524

I ran 255 X 17 then 255 X 18 Direzzas w/APEX Arc 8s (et42mm w/10 ft and 5 rr spacers) on my E92 for a long time. The 18s don't fit in front unless you have a lot of camber. I also had TC Kline coilovers so there was as much clearance as possible.

The 17s tend to be a little narrower so you might be OK with -1.5 camber. Your ride height plays a part in this also.

E92s have poly front fenders so you can't roll them.

So no problems with 17's? That good news. I think I'm just about ready to buy them. I figure I will order just a pair of 255 so that if it doesn't fit, I'll throw them on the rear and order 245 up front.

Originally Posted by PeterM1

strut side, there's ample clearance on the fender side.

This leads me to believe it can be remedied by spacers. I have 5, 8 and 10 ready to go.

Originally Posted by Will@StageX

i dont understand theres a guy running wider than this no rubbing
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579898

18x8.5 255/35 will fit with the right offsets

Thanks for the link. That's a good setup but not quite the same as mine. Although he also has M3 bits, he ISN'T lowered.

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by l4wr3nc3

I run a 18x9 +29 with 265 star specs in the front.

As far as tire choice goes, i'd choose RS3 over starspecs any day. RS3's are cheaper, have better overall dry grip, more predictable when at the limit, and they dont chunk like my starspecs used to.

265?! More details please. Alignment, Suspension, etc.

[LOLrance]

Originally Posted by dsbj

265?! More details please. Alignment, Suspension, etc.

TCKline DA's with Swift linear springs
Ground Control Race Plates with -2.8 degrees of camber
265/38/18 Starspecs on a 18x9 +29

Getting a 265 up front is definitely do-able for a e92. IIRC zsapphire7 was running a even more aggressive setup then me. I believe he had a 18x9.5 +30~ up front with 265/35/18 RS3's (RS3's run very wide, wider then star specs).

[vwong]

I'm running on OEM 18x8.5 193M with 255/35 square on my E92. I'm also on stock suspension. I did remove the pins to get a little more negative camber. There is no rubbing in the front at all.

[dbjb]

Well that settles it then. I will order a pair of 255's to test front fitment. I think I will be fine with -1.5 camber as is. If not, I gotta believe pin removal will get me close to -2.0. I really don't want to install plates unless absolutely necessary as I do not want the possible noise and/or increased height.

[mid-corner fun]

Originally Posted by dsbj

Well that settles it then. I will order a pair of 255's to test front fitment. I think I will be fine with -1.5 camber as is. If not, I gotta believe pin removal will get me close to -2.0. I really don't want to install plates unless absolutely necessary as I do not want the possible noise and/or increased height.

excellent, keep us posted. I corded my last set so I'm due for new tires for the next season, 255s would be great if they fit well. Are you going to try SS or RS3?

PS. Just to clarify, I'm done with the Starspecs, after running them for 2 seasons it's time to try something else next year. Thinking about NT01s or R888s.

[kenneth]

I'd also encourage you to try the RS3. Although I currently run the Direzzas SS, I have seen a few folks who chunked the threads when driven hard. I will certainly try the RS 3 next.

Besides the good things we hear of the RS 3, one unknown is the threadwear. But with the price you can't go wrong....

[sjk9671]

I had Star Specs on my 350Z and loved them. They had awesome wet traction. Very predicable, never had to wonder what would happen through a corner.

[dbjb]

My plan is to get 255 RS3. Now here's the problem... Where to get them? Tirerack is only available by special order. Called Americas tire company. They're out too. Rep is now searching. Hope to get some good news soon. Will keep you informed.