I'm splitting this message into two parts to try to get it out on the list...
Henry and other FOT, I did some looking a while back at www.tirerack.com
and ended up settling on Yoko A032r 205/50vr15 hard compound. They are
currently only $131 unshaved (closeout, damn). I missed the A048
205/60hr15's in my original search. Those are $171, and rumor has it they
don't last much longer than the Hoosiers. That's probably the direction
I'm heading for a first experiment unless I get good info before the start
of next season. I'm running an old set of Dunlops for the rest of the year
since I can't afford yet another set of freakin' expensive tires. I
understand the desire to have 60 series of rubber, but there doesn't seem
to be much out there that is as fast as the Hoosier.
Some possibilities I've come across include (www.tirerack.com prices):
Avon Tech R 205/50zr15 - $149 or $164 heat cycled. Tread = two
circumferential grooves (basically slicks)
Avon Tech Ra 205/50zr15 - $164 or $179 heat cycled. Tread = two
circumferential grooves (basically slicks)
Hoosier R3S04 205/50zr15 - $182. Tread = two circumferential grooves
(basically slicks)
**Hoosier R3S04 215/60zr15 - $182. Tread = two circumferential grooves
(basically slicks)
Kuhmo Ecsta V700 205/50vr15 shaved - $148, shaved, heat cycled -
$163. Tread = aggressive but not bad looking
Kuhmo Ecsta V710 205/50wr15 - $143 or $163 heat cycled. Tread = two
circumferential grooves on one edge (basically slicks)
Kuhmo VictoRacing V700 205/50zr15 shaved - $139, shaved, heat cycled -
$154. Tread = aggressive but not bad looking
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Competition Radials 205/50yr15 - $181, shaved:
$206, heat cycled: $206. Tread = aggressive but not bad looking
Yokohama Advan A032R avail in both hard and soft compound. 205/50vr15 -
$136 closeout, $151 shaved or heat cycled (shaving recommended). Tread =
aggressive, not vintage looking.
Yokohama Advan A048 medium compound 205/50vr15 - $179. Tread = more
"vintage acceptable" than the A032's
**Yokohama Advan A048 medium compound 205/60vr15 - $179. Tread = more
"vintage acceptable" than the A032's
Notice that only the Hoosier R3S04 and Yoko Advan A048 are available in
both 60 series and 15". I have a little trouble trusting the Hoosiers for
tire life at this point. Plus they look like slicks. Going to a 16" wheel
doesn't help with the aspect ratio, but at least the tires will end up with
the same final diameter as 15" 60 series tires would have, so I wouldn't
have to put spacers in the front springs and worry about rear end
ratios. I understand the sanctioning bodies desire for 60 series tires as
they are "more vintage", but they are generally "unavailable" too. I would
hope that they keep that in mind. Of course the two choices not listed
above are the Hoosier Vintage TD (which we're trying to move away from) and
the Dunlop vintage 5.50x15 (which last a long time but are MUCH slower than
the Hoosiers - I'll find out more about this on Friday). None of the above
tires are available in a 195/anything x 15 size, probably the perfect width
for the TR-3. The 195 is about the same section width as a Hoosier 5.50x15
Vintage TD.
- Tony
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