ski35off

OK, that was perhaps a rhetorical question.

2 parts to my frustration:

1. I bought Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires, 255/35R19 (with a set of new OEM wheels, titanium finish) in October. Great tires, but in January I ran over some debris in the road and ended up with a flat that couldn't be repaired. Unfortunately, I could not buy a new replacement because they were sold out and will have to wait until next fall when (or if) Dunlop makes them again.

2. My ContiSportContact 3's are about done for and I'd like to upgrade to the Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R 275/30R19 tires. Out of stock everywhere and Bridgestone won't confirm when they'll be producing them again.

I've got a track day coming up in about 4 weeks so I need to make a decision soon. Any suggestions for tires in the 275/30R19 size that may be similar to the RE-01Rs?

Auditude2.0T: BT PWR

For the track i would take Vredestein Tires. They have gotten great reviews.

MARKNMTT

Michelin PS2s

mczars4

I know someone said they aren't load rated for the RS4 but I haven't had any issues with them at all fwiw. They even worked fine in the rain.

sykotoy

New cups on the way with increased rating.

tjberb

Sykotoy, not saying you're wrong or that isn't what Mich told you, but I got this legal-ese response when I asked them if a regular Pilot Sport (not PS2) could be used. Quote:

"Our information shows that your vehicle came with an original equipment tire size of 255/35ZR19 96Y. 96 is the load index and any replacement tire used on your vehicle should be greater than or equal to this number. A tire with a load index of 92 would not be appropriate for your vehicle."

Doing the math, RS4 curb weight is 3957lbs. With a claimed distribution of 58F/42R, that puts 2295lbs over the front axle, or 1148lbs on each front tire. The PS Cup has an 89 load rating, which is 1279lbs per tire, leaving about 130lbs of margin under static conditions.

At the track, under late braking and initial turn-in, the inside rear wheel gets light (depending on car/track/driver that wheel may be up in the air). All that weight is now on the outside front wheel.

That is when I worry about if that 130lbs of margin is real, how much gaurd-band is built in, if I had a big breakfast...

RS4208250

for the track. IF one believes that the recommended load index is to be followed (1565 lbs per tire), the available R compound tires become too wide (>275) and they would rub the fender well. This is in 18's or 19's.

So, either you decide not to put too much stock in the load index (which I think most track drivers say), or you use street tires with appropriate load index for the track.

I used Pilot Sport Cups in December and they were great, much better on the track than the P Zeros. However, I tore up the front tires, L > R. My current plan is to upgrade to the StaSIS SL Ohlins, get another 2 Sport Cups for the front and give it another go next month. I'll let you guys know how it goes...

RS4208250

I got the same sort of response from Michelin and Tire Rack

fastdream

Edge racing has stock of RE-01R in 275/30-19. $269/each. I've ordered from them with good result.

I think the Yokohama AD07 and the Bridge RE-01R are unmatched in the street tire/performance tire category right now, both are especially good on heavier cars, having excellent heat handling characteristics.

The Michelin is a lesser tire (for track purposes), unless you go all the way to the Cup tire, but that is not very streetable.

The AD07 doesn't go to 19".

IMO I would downgrade to 18" for the track if you run the track more than once or twice a year. Better tire selection, better prices, comparable performance.<ul><li><a href="http://www.edgeracing.com">Edge Racing</a></li></ul>