FASTiva Tire Choice

[jev61]

I also missed the beginning of this discussion/thread and I haven't anything useful to add expect a data point for future readers. I have 87 autox runs on 225 Rival S's that have 4mm tread dept remaining. I've read the RE71 and the Rival S wear about the same, but haven't used the RE71 to validate. The Rival S doesn't have a symmetrical pattern.

[Native]

Well, my vote would be either the RE71R or the Star Specs. If you are going for grip why not have all of it. So get the RE71Rs. They have a $70 Visa rebate right now so the are actually really cheap for what you get. If not, the Star Specs seem like a good compromise between grip and tread wear. Also the car has been setup for the driving style of Star Specs.

What kind of driving style does the star specs prefer? I've read this before on other sites and heard the same from word of mouth, but don't recall hearing the driving style

They don't like slip angle. When I drove my all seasons and even to an extent the Azenis, I could slide the car and still get good times. The Star Specs don't like sliding much at all.

Well I'm screwed then. I'll push the car until it slides, and then rely on the tire to recover from the slide. Then I try to minimize the sliding. The Rivals I have now have been the best yet at that - the Toyo R1R before them the worst. Both terrific tires, but one far better suited to my style than the other. Guess I'll have to learn a new style (which may not be a bad thing...).

[Loren]

I don't think that style is best for FWD. If you push it until it slides, you end up REALLY chewing up the front tires. If you do the same under braking, you end up flat-spotting tires.

But, I think you'll adapt to the FASTiva pretty quickly. It's easy to drive as long as you remember the fundamentals of FWD.

[Native]

It only takes me a run or two to find that limit...not to worry.

[twistedwankel]

Good choice on Star Specs they were my #1 OA pick until I found out none are available in my size until June. #2 RE71's out of stock until end of May #3 Rival S out of stock until June #4 Kumho 720 (boy are they cheap) Lord only knows when these will be in stock again in any size? #5 RS3's Available/rugged but same old same old need a lot of heat to work (two driver car for sure).

So (you knew this was coming) I bought 1/2 price NOS Rivals and got a decent wheel alignment. Works for me even if they weren't on my shopping list. It cost me $177 to get these puppies put on with a custom alignment. Have to factor in ALL the costs. I did get a $50 rebate to make shipping go away tho'. My alignment was totally haywire after putting on new struts. Those of you whom have taken agricultural excursions might want to at least get a "free" alignment check before racing again?