[mx1]

I tried searching and did not find a clear answer. I plan to mostly drive on the street and autocross. Will do a couple of track days a year.

Currently have the original 048s, with about 8500 miles. The fronts are still ok, but the rears are about gone.

I plan to stick with the original rims. Should I just get 2 new rear 048s, or go with 4 new tires? What brand, model? I would like to be as competitive as possible while still driving on the street.

Thanks!

Rob

 

[Buz]

My front A048's were so hard from age and heat cycles when the rears were worn out that I replaced them. The fronts had 5/32 of tread on them so they probably would have lasted well over 25k miles if I did not mind massive understeer and poor braking. Check the DOT build date on your fronts to see if they are less than 2 years old, if so they might be ok for a while. The last 4 digits after the DOT code are the week and year they were manufactured. Go with R888 or R1R Toyos depending on your grip/longevity preference.

 

[qu1Z]

Does anyone here have the R888's in the rear and normal stock tires for the elise in the front?

 

[Icedog_16]

Does anyone here have the R888's in the rear and normal stock tires for the elise in the front?

Personally, I don't think I'd want to do that since they'll have differing handling characteristics.

 

[MidasHands]

I know some people with R888's and they are very happy with them on the street and for AutoX.

If you are looking for something a little cheaper the Falkin Azinis are also pretty good.

 

[mx1]

Let me ask another way, I see several choices. Pls let me know if you have any thoughts/experience with these:
Falcon Azenis 615
Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec
Yok Advan Sport
Nitto NT-01
Bridgestone RE-01
Hankook Ventus R-S2

Of these, local autoxers have been using Direzzas and Azenis. I appreciate any feedback.

Rob

 

[goofygrin]

For AutoX the class you run will help decide...

I run Star Specs daily (and in STU last year) on the Evo. They have a fairly stiff sidewall (good for the portley Evo, but likely not needed for a Lotus). Great grip for a street tire though. They are lasting fairly well (have ~6 events [including about 23 80-90 second runs at Mineral Wells [gravelly] over two days) on the + 5500 daily driver miles on them). The stock Yoko Advans lasted 6000 miles or so, but that includes daily driving and my hamfisted autocross technique.

ETA: the Falken 615's are two years ago "tire to have." They aren't great any more. The RE-01 was 07's "tire to have". The D1 was 2008's.

There is also a new Nitto street tire coming out that's getting favorable reviews: Gates311: Nitto NT05 Review **Street Class Tire ** - evolutionm.net

 

[stubble88]

give the new Kuhmo XS a try. Good price and sizes.
Im trying them out this year.

 

[FLuXeXigeS]

another vote for R888

 

[Rich]

I haven't found the Kumho XS in a good 16 inch size - where did you find them and what size did you like?

 

[stubble88]

i have 16x7 wheels Front

Hmm..I cant remember what size i got
it think 215/45/16 ?? let me check.

 

[stubble88]

215/45R16

225/50R16

265/45R16