Moving onto slicks

[StreetDragster]

Hi all,

I currently trackday on yokohama ad08r neova tyres and I'm looking to move onto slicks.
I know about the roll cage, oil surge, fuel surge stuff, my query is directly related to the tyres.

Namely, where to start.

Many different brands, many different compounds, what is best suited to starting out using them on track days?
New or second hand, if secondhand is there anything to specifically look for other than the wear markers and pickup?

Incase it helps, I'll be running a 17x8 wheel, looking at roughly a 225-245 width tyre.

Thanks in advance

Matt

[the_stoat]

Start by understanding the weird and wonderful, when compared to a road tyre, sizing system. I had great advice from a supplier, message me if you want their details, as I was in the same position a week ago. I have my first go on the slicks tomorrow.

[Steve H]

The biggest advantage of slicks on trackdays is how cheap they are 2nd hand in which case it's mostly just down to what's available at the time.

[Hol]

The first thing to protest on my last car with slicks was the OSF wheel bearing.

Might also be an idea to appreciate that at some point (dependent on usage), that your standard front wishbone bushes will also prematurely wear, so if you get the replacements early it wont be such a ball ache when it happens.

However, there's no point in replacing them whilst they are still coping with the extra load though. Either wait until you are bored, or they start losing shape.

[StreetDragster]

Thanks all, I was mainly looking for a recommendation on which compound to start on, as there is super soft all the way up to hard avaliable on the market.

The car is already on urethane bushes BTW.

Thanks
Matt

[4.7]

Which car power and weight? Anything around a ton and chunky power - I would run 'hard' and be patient for a lap or 2. Spare wets on wheels and the baddest ARB you can find would also be good.

[StreetDragster]

Thanks for that, It's a 200bhp 1350KG Mazda Rx8.

Matt

[jeff666]

I was tracking a BMW E36 saloon around that weight figure,

I was using Yokohama Advan slicks on a square set up, they worked very well, the grip was fantastic and they warmed up within a lap or two.

I still have 5 left over from the sale of the car if any body wants them ? £20.00 each collect from Ferndown on the South coast. 240/610 r17

I also have a full set of wets, A bit more for them as almost new.

[StreetDragster]

Hi Jeff,

Would you be willing to post them via Paisley freight or similar? If so I'll have all five assuming there is some decent life in them.
I'm up in Blackpool so collection isn't an option

Thanks
Matt

[jeff666]

StreetDragster said:

Hi Jeff,

Would you be willing to post them via Paisley freight or similar? If so I'll have all five assuming there is some decent life in them.
I'm up in Blackpool so collection isn't an option

Thanks
Matt

Hi Matt,

I will PM you.

[iguana]

Jeff, I'm down your way on Tues, am running low on the Yokos & struggle to get more- I'm guessing these are the ex wtcc type & keen to get more, have a set of 5 Dunlops ex btcc i can do a deal with the other fella tho.

[mpit]

Slicks are awesome for bringing out a lot of performance for usually less money than you'd spend on a set of track tyres.

I also think they make it a little too easy to go fast, sometimes. I really enjoyed giving up slicks and going back to a treaded track tyre - it was more challenging to get the best out of.

[jeff666]

iguana said:

Jeff, I'm down your way on Tues, am running low on the Yokos & struggle to get more- I'm guessing these are the ex wtcc type & keen to get more, have a set of 5 Dunlops ex btcc i can do a deal with the other fella tho.

Yes ex touring car ones I think from memory they were also BTCC.

I will PM you.

[StreetDragster]

Thanks chaps for all advice.

Jeff, I got your emails but when replying your email account keeps coming back with errors saying delivery of the message is delayed.

"Delivery incomplete
There was a temporary problem while delivering your message to #######.wanadoo.co.uk. Gmail will retry for 19 more hours. You'll be notified if the delivery fails permanently.
LEARN MORE
The response was:
The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect. Learn more at https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7720 [###########wanadoo.co.uk 195.92.193.56: generic::failed_precondition: connect error (0): error]"


Incident I have sorted out some slicks now, thanks anyway

Matt