In October, after MoParty, I moved DOWN a size from Michelin Super Sport (300Treadwear) 255/40-18x9, 285/35-18x9.5 to Falken RT660 245/40-18x9, 275/35-18x9.5 (200 Treadwear) tire designed as a very stretable autocross tire. The difference in grip was night and day. I was just fighting the car the entire time with the Michelins, sliding around almost every corner. I wore the front tires down to the wear bars in 2300 miles of street and autocross! The good news, I'm no longer fighting the car and dropped almost 4 seconds off my time with the Falkens compared to my other CAM-T coopetitors, and I can run higher tire pressure of 39/36PSI! I'm expecting to slice a few more seconds off my time next spring while I upgrade to sliders for my rear springs before I bend the offset shackles.
Tim, as usual moved from the Falkens RT660s I just upgraded too, and now runs a larger footprint Bridgestone RE71, which are still on the edge of streetable, but known as the best autocross tires for the past several years. That may likely change this year with new Hoosiers coming on the scene. I would guess the RE71s are worth about .50-.75 of a second on a similar autocross course. So, until I get within a second of Tim on the same course, I don't have any excuses but my driving ability. I've already chopped off 10 seconds from my quickest time last fall due to various upgrades and better driving. We'll see where we stack up next year.
For those those that haven't autocrossed, it's hell on these old cars. I even loosened ALL of my K-member bolts within 24 passes and have now added checking those bolts which are torqued to 150FTLBS after every event, typically 6 runs. Autocross is like turning into your driveway at 35MPH, actually borderline violent to ride in AND we can give rides with just a helmet required. In others words, it's a hoot! I can't wait till spring!
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