Track tire help

[PA Z06]

Tried to search but no real luck.
Bought a set of Apex wheels and looking for 275-35-18 tires.
I know RS3s is the popular choice but they are unavailable until late April.

Has anyone tried Kumho Ecsta XS 180aa or Falken Azenis 615 200aa or the Dunlop Star Specs

Any feedback would appreciated.
Thanks

[1MOREMOD]

Not familiar with those, try ad08s, re-11, bfg rivals, or maybe nt01s.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Not familiar with those, try ad08s, re-11, bfg rivals, or maybe nt01s.

This. Only go NT01s if you know what you're doing though (and are ok spending what they'll cost per track mile). Many organizations restrict R-comps and above to the advanced run groups, which would apply to the Nittos but not the others listed.

With AD08s you also might want to use 265s since they're known to run about 10mm wide.

[dwennerberg]

I got some brand new Toyo rrs in that size they are r comps. Witch is what you want
900

[PA Z06]

Thanks for all the replies, I still would like to use these tires on a daily basis basis, so that eliminates NT01 and 888s

Has anyone run 265-35-18 AD08s on 18x10 apex wheels,
Or any feedback on the star specs

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by PA Z06

Thanks for all the replies, I still would like to use these tires on a daily basis basis, so that eliminates NT01 and 888s

Has anyone run 265-35-18 AD08s on 18x10 apex wheels,
Or any feedback on the star specs

I'm running AD08 Rs full-time in stock 19" sizes and really like them compared to my previous PSS setup. They're not too different on the road other than being a bit firmer and after a few thousand miles a bit louder. I also take it a bit easier in very cold temperatures or in very wet conditions, but they've never felt treacherous or anything. The extra grip and feel is somewhat noticeable under road conditions, but I wouldn't call it drastic and definitely wouldn't consider it worth the cost for a road-only car.

On the track they're a definite improvement, though. Still not night and day like street tire vs R-comp, but the differences compared to PSS are still much more obvious. They just feel more planted, less "shifty", and more confidence-inspiring. I found myself carrying an additional 3-4 MPH through corners basically right off the bat because it just felt possible. I also had to completely readjust my braking zones and retrain my foot because on the PSSes with race pads I could seldom press the pedal as hard as possible without triggering ABS. With these, ABS doesn't intervene nearly as soon, so I had to learn to stop leaving braking force on the table.

But the main reason I got the Yokos was that even after camber plates and alignment adjustments I kept cording the edges of PSS tires, so I hoped that the stiffer sidewalls on these would help them hold up better. It's too soon to tell, though.

No personal experience with the Star Specs, but I've read that they can get greasy faster.

[AP3X_FTW]

OP, many people who run RS-3's (including myself) are having the same issue right now. My second choice would be the Dunlop Direzza Zll Star Specs in 275/35/18. They are almost as fast as RS-3's, and they are actually better in wet conditions.

[PA Z06]

Originally Posted by AP3X_FTW

OP, many people who run RS-3's (including myself) are having the same issue right now. My second choice would be the Dunlop Direzza Zll Star Specs in 275/35/18. They are almost as fast as RS-3's, and they are actually better in wet conditions.

Thanks this is what I was hoping to hear

[bkrM3]

Originally Posted by PA Z06

Thanks for all the replies, I still would like to use these tires on a daily basis basis, so that eliminates NT01 and 888s

Has anyone run 265-35-18 AD08s on 18x10 apex wheels,
Or any feedback on the star specs

Last season I ran 265-35-18 AD08s on the 18x10 et 25 Apex ARC8. I rotated them to keep the treadwear even-ish (running them backwards is OK in the dry but not the wet) over the course of 7 two-day events and finally they heat cycled out for my last event in October. Audio feedback dropped off a cliff and, although they're not corded, I'm going to get rid of them. I got 14 awesome track days out of them. Money well spent!

On to NT01 for me (it's time for more grip). I'd buy the AD08 again for track use though, I thought they were pretty great right up to the point where they became junk. Never did drive them on the street so I can't comment on that!