Sportskid1

iTrader: (1)

So I am getting more and more into track days and need better rubber for my IS350. My Hankook V12s and chunking big time and just aren't cutting it. I have decided to go with Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 but of corse they doesn't come in a 255/40/18. The avaliable sizes are 245/40/18, 255/35/18, 265/40/18, and 265/35/18. For those who have put their cars on the track or drive really hard what size would you recommend. I am running the stock 18s with stock suspension. Only modifications are sway bars. I can't have these rubbing when the suspension in compressed. Thanks so much.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Why don't you run a tire like the Falken RT615K that does come in that size?

http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse....33844&pID=3348
http://www.falkentire.com/Tires/Pass...nis-RT-615K-14

Sportskid1

iTrader: (1)

Those are great track tires but not really good on the street from what I have been told. I need something that will perform on the track but not give up all wet tracking as I only have one set of wheels. My 2 options are the RE-11s and PS2 but found the RE-11s much cheaper. Seems like all the cheap performance tires (Hankook, Falken, ect) really give up wet traction.

IS25Heaven

iTrader: (8)

I have RE-11s in one of my cars and they are pretty good. Just go with the 245/40/18, its not even a stretch.
Azenis are not good in the rain and also heard that when they get too hot they start giving up.
A lot of people track with Hankook RS3s, now in terms of wet traction as long as you are not tracking or spirited driving when its wet you should be fine.

projectdna

iTrader: (56)

you could try 265/35-18's, though if paired w/ 225/40-18's you might get a bit more oversteer vs. 255/40-18.

i do have three used Kumho Ecsta V700's in storage that can go another track day or two that i'll let go for dirt cheap.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

I agree with going with the 245 40 18 tires. Best alternative if you HAVE TO run close to a OE spec tire size.

HKS350

iTrader: (4)

Lurk over on the ISF section at track setups, but its been proven that the best track times with the ISF was with 265/35/18 all around.

Rolando

get 245/40/18 if not what hks350 said what the isf have. Oh and to hks350 my god did your car look sick in wekfest in nj.

Sportskid1

iTrader: (1)

Thanks all. Sounds like just going down to the 245 is the best bet but I am a little hesitant to loose any traction. Probably isn't a big difference though. Will the 265's rub at full compression. Some of the tracks I go to have long, high speed corners (~80-100mph) which really push the suspension. That for just move to the PSII or PSIII which come in the stock size.

projectdna

iTrader: (56)

on OEM-spec wheels, 265/35-18 in the rear will not rub.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Standing still and going straight...I agree. But this will all take place on a race track with stock suspension can will compress like a **** in the corners. I think with the OP going with the 245s that he won't be losing any measureable difference between the 265s and 245s...after all, still stock suspension. Plus with the 245s you probably won't have to worry about rubbing period.

Sportskid1

iTrader: (1)

Yah I think I will go with the 245s. One of the local tracks is a NASCAR oval with a road coarse in the middle (super fun). Last time I went there I was talking to a guy about a nasty crash the prior weekend. While on the oval you are basically in a 100+mph turn and a guys rear tires were rubbing slightly while on the oval and adventually blew. 120mph into the wall. He was fine but said he never had any rubbing isses until this specific track. Sure bit him in the ***.

projectdna

iTrader: (56)

265/35-18's are actually slightly shorter than 255/40-18's (92.75mm vs. 102mm, respectively). and they're only 10mm wider (5mm on each side). unless there's something that's NOT supposed to be there, 265/35-18's in the rear on OEM-spec wheels will not rub - even under full suspension compression.

HKS350

iTrader: (4)

Tx's!! Wait til it comes out of the body shop next week. (Last body mod before the color change)

Also, If it were me and I wanted stock wheels that were track worthy. I would get (4) IS350 18" rear wheels and put 265/35/18 on them. You might have to relocate the front tab and perform a small roll, but the performance would be worth it.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

AH, I see one of the tire options was a 265 35 series 18"...that'll be good then I'd expect. But at the price of those tires, I'd not wanna worry about the possibly of rubbing. So in the end, I'd probably end up sticking with the 245 40s.