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Thinking of 'downgrading' tyres - good idea or not?
james h - 22/11/15 at 05:10 PM

I currently have R888s which have a few hundred miles left on them. I feel my MK is over-tyred (195 all round), and its only when its really cold (like tonight!) when I feel the balance/grip is where I want it.

I'm considering getting some cheaper, more all-round performing tyres for road use, any recommendations? The R888s I'll probably keep for trackdays if I ever get around to doing any.


sdh2903 - 22/11/15 at 05:15 PM

I found r1r's to be an excellent all round tyre on my last kit and my new build will be getting the same. Half the price of 888s too.


AdamR20 - 22/11/15 at 05:43 PM

Falken ZIEX-914s: http://www.camskill.co.uk/m73b2554s374p130768/Falken_Tyres_Car_Falken_ZE914_Ziex_Ecorun_Falken_ZE_914_-_185_60_R13_80H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_E_Wet_Grip%3A_B _NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_70dB

Edit: Looks like you are on 15s, sorry... Try some Nankang NS-20s. Been racing on these this year -good in the wet, decent in the dry, cheap, last pretty well: http://www.camskill.co.uk/m53b0s99p117672/Nankang_Tyres_Car_Nankang_NS20_Sportnex_Noble_Sport_Nankang_NS_20_-_195_50_R15_82V_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_F_Wet_Gri p%3A_C_NoiseClass%3A_3_Noise%3A_72dB

[Edited on 22/11/15 by AdamR20]

[Edited on 22/11/15 by AdamR20]


Ugg10 - 22/11/15 at 05:58 PM

Yokohama A539 used to be used a lot by the sylva guys on furys.


CosKev3 - 22/11/15 at 06:52 PM

http://www.jjcraceandrally.com/trackday/wheels-tyres-accessories/nankang-ns-2r-semi-slick-track-day-tyre-e-marked

Nankang NS2-R'S are good value,can get medium compound or soft.

Just put 195/55 15's on mine to raise ground clearance and gearing slightly,came in at £225 delivered


beaver34 - 22/11/15 at 07:50 PM

they are more fun when they move around at normal speeds, maybe a standard toyo like the t1r if they still do them?


loggyboy - 22/11/15 at 08:00 PM

NS2rs as a budget fast road summer tyre, but if your heavy on track they might not last long, 888s give more grip and last longer in my experience, even though the ns2rs come with 2-3mm more tread.
was happy with some ad08s I tried recently, took a while to warm up but once there seemed good and wear seemed good.
If your on the road at this time of year rainsports (2s if you can find them, 3s if you cant) are a good bet.


jeffw - 22/11/15 at 08:50 PM

Remember that R888 don't work very well below 8 deg and a in risk of splitting at much under 0 deg. These are not winter tyres.


ian locostzx9rc2 - 22/11/15 at 08:50 PM

I run nankang ns2r tyres on my striker and would recommend them I have done about 1200 miles on them of which half of that was on track still lots of tread left,for the money there a bit of a bargain I run the soft 120 compound .


CosKev3 - 22/11/15 at 09:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ian locostzx9rc2
I run nankang ns2r tyres on my striker and would recommend them I have done about 1200 miles on them of which half of that was on track still lots of tread left,for the money there a bit of a bargain I run the soft 120 compound .


Good to hear,and backs up all the feedback I read on net before buying.

I've gone for the 180's as most of my use is on the road,good to hear the 120's wear well!

And they are a real bargain yeah,and a nice looking tyre too


colin99999 - 22/11/15 at 09:10 PM

How about a set of those 1 race weekend Michelin road tyres the guy in the for 'sale section' sells off cheaply. IMO much more fun to have playful handling rather than outright grip unless you're chasing for a time.


james h - 22/11/15 at 10:15 PM

Good suggestions from everyone. Nankangs look good value for sure.

Yep, I'm running 15s. I'd like to go to 13s at some point though.

Jeffw - I did read some 'press release' or some such from Toyo regarding temperature and cracking, can't say I've noticed any.

Today at WOT exiting a dry well surfaced roundabout the rears were really struggling for traction up to 3rd. Adds to the excitement really. The rest of the time I was trying to stop my fingers falling off.


daveb666 - 23/11/15 at 09:47 AM

quote:
Originally posted by colin99999
How about a set of those 1 race weekend Michelin road tyres the guy in the for 'sale section' sells off cheaply. IMO much more fun to have playful handling rather than outright grip unless you're chasing for a time.


I go for this option :-) never had any bad feedback from them.


jrod - 18/1/16 at 08:35 AM

What about sizes?

Do you think there is a noticeable difference between 195 and 205?

The 195s are certainly cheaper!


nick205 - 18/1/16 at 10:37 AM

I ran Yokohama A539s on my MK Indy for a while and found them to be fine. I believe they've been withdrawn now, but would look to see what Yoko offer instead - just remember to run at 16-18 psi to get the traction and grip you want in such a lighweight car.


nick205 - 18/1/16 at 10:39 AM

quote:
Originally posted by colin99999
How about a set of those 1 race weekend Michelin road tyres the guy in the for 'sale section' sells off cheaply. IMO much more fun to have playful handling rather than outright grip unless you're chasing for a time.



I have a set of these on my 205 GTI and they work well. Can't comment on suitability for a 7 style light weight car though.


matt5964 - 18/1/16 at 12:22 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jrod
What about sizes?

Do you think there is a noticeable difference between 195 and 205?

The 195s are certainly cheaper!


I run 195 on the front and 205 on the rear, toyo R1R's and they seem just about right just a shame they have been discontinued.