Performance tires that won't break the bank? | Budget UHP tire test.

Speed costs money. How fast can you afford to go? Top tires typically require top tech, which too often means top dollar.

Though motorsports sits right there in the name of this magazine, we realize that not every vehicle in our stable is destined for pointy-end competition. Why spend more if less gives better value? The market delivers that as …

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Ah, perfect. These are the Droids I am looking for. I mean the test I've been waiting for. 

Curious on the wear rate vs something like the ECF. They're only good value if they don't last significantly less.

Yesss I've been looking for something like this. I run RE71rs for track use but am looking for something for my GR86 that's grippy and fun on the street but still keeps the upper levels of traction low enough that the car keeps it's playful characteristics and the limits approachable without pushing the speed too high on backroads.

Seems like the one other tire that's always in the conversation is the GT Radial Champiro SX2. Seems like it's pretty similar to the Firestone, maybe a bit slower, but supposed to be super durable and fun to drive. It's also very inexpensive and comes in a huge amount of sizes.

For me the price advantage on these really isn't big enough to make them worthwhile even though I'm only doing HPDE and outright speed doesn't really matter.  And if you're going to say these are more street oriented it looks like the Conti ECS 2 is a significantly better option for only a little more money.

Awesome work as always!

So in terms of longevity, what's the life span of an "A" rated tire verses an "AA" or "AAA"? As always, great read! 

I've just mounted a set of ECS-02s on my M2 . . . they are the spec tire on the Toyota GR products we use at Calabogie Motorsports Park, and I've been impressed with them.  Especially in the wet.  Since I don't swap tires at an HPDE, and many of the tracks I frequent are a considerable drive from home, the wet weather capabilities are an important consideration.

265/35/18s on Apex FL-5 9.5 inch wide square set up.  They are non-directional, which means I should be able to optimize tire life.

djwalker575 said:

Yesss I've been looking for something like this. I run RE71rs for track use but am looking for something for my GR86 that's grippy and fun on the street but still keeps the upper levels of traction low enough that the car keeps it's playful characteristics and the limits approachable without pushing the speed too high on backroads.

Seems like the one other tire that's always in the conversation is the GT Radial Champiro SX2. Seems like it's pretty similar to the Firestone, maybe a bit slower, but supposed to be super durable and fun to drive. It's also very inexpensive and comes in a huge amount of sizes.

God I loved that Champiro on my MS3. 

theruleslawyer said:

Curious on the wear rate vs something like the ECF. They're only good value if they don't last significantly less.

This is the question I've yet to see answered, when used on track. I love the ECF for feel and longevity for HPDE but I would consider a tire like this or the ECS on track only if it lasted a decent amount longer and had enough heat tolerance for long sessions.

Be on the lookout for a new updated version of the XComp H/P. They are looking to fit in where the Nexen is, with a great price.............

IndustryPartner said:

Be on the lookout for a new updated version of the XComp H/P. They are looking to fit in where the Nexen is, with a great price.............

We have a set coming.

But they made big claims with the original that did not pan out.  So I am not optimistic.  We shall see. 

IndustryPartner said:

Be on the lookout for a new updated version of the XComp H/P. They are looking to fit in where the Nexen is, with a great price.............

We have a set coming.

But they made big claims with the original that did not pan out.  So I am not optimistic.  We shall see. 

I'd joked around on a now-defunct FB account about running Indy500's for OneLap.  I'm glad to have hard data for how much of a compromise that'd be.

Then again, these options might have stiffer sidewalls, and not as susceptible to shoulder rolling as the ECS?

I look forward to more in this series of "budget UHP options"... especially if there's some longevity data eventually as well.

I've been thinking about HPDE and tires since I read this, and I wonder if the metrics for the test were aligned with what people participating in HPDE are interested in.  When I am looking for an HPDE tire, I'd be interested in what happens over an extended time (20 to 30 minutes), not a "flier lap" since that's not really the purpose of such events.  I am also interested in wet weather performance.  An investment in a track day is a costly proposition, and if the track is wet I'm still driving until I'm kicked off the track, or I scare myself.

I'd love to see a test of three drivers, in "similar cars" on a variety of tires running for a full session, chasing one another, etc.  Then both qualitative and quantitative feedback about each.  Bonus if there could be a second test in the wet.

ZOO (Forum Supporter) said:

I've been thinking about HPDE and tires since I read this, and I wonder if the metrics for the test were aligned with what people participating in HPDE are interested in.  When I am looking for an HPDE tire, I'd be interested in what happens over an extended time (20 to 30 minutes), not a "flier lap" since that's not really the purpose of such events.  I am also interested in wet weather 

 

 

 

You'll find consistency over a session info in the Heat Tolerance rating in the Guide.  We have found that the flyer laps happen in the first couple for street tires, after which heat builds up and they fall off but stabilize.  
 

So in a particular test. Look at the last three laps for consistency. Not the first three.  

As for wet, we do not have facilities to properly test this but our friends at Tire Rack do.  That info is reflected in the Guide ratings under Wet Performance.  

Andy Hollis said:

That info is reflected in the Guide ratings under Wet Performance.  

Thank you for your response.  I don't see a Guide link.  Do you mean on the Tire Rack website?

ZOO (Forum Supporter) said:

Andy Hollis said:

That info is reflected in the Guide ratings under Wet Performance.  

Thank you for your response.  I don't see a Guide link.  Do you mean on the Tire Rack website?

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/track-tire-buyers-guide/

In reply to djwalker575 :

I've run the SX2 a few times through my 86 now, and it's not super good on backroads IMO. 

It seems to get greasy instead of "chunky" (maybe wrong description), and didn't last as long as I wanted it to. 

Now for a cheap track car like they run in the west it would be amazing. Going to try these Kenda's as a comparable. Probably still a bit slower than the sx2 but for the backroad, who cares!

I can personally attest that the Kenda KR20a Max original lasts longer than Hankook RS4's.  Tread life should be taken into account since I believe that makes the Kendas the overwhelmingly best value out of almost all tires currently tested.  It's not surprising as the Kenda KR20a Max is considered the longest-wearing 200tw tire amongst Drifters.  

I think for the Indy 500 and the Phenom TA, some mention should be made about delamination possibility for faster drivers.  Almost every other tire in the higher-performance summer tire segment like ECS 02, v601, PS4S, etc. are known to chunk with frequent tracking.  

The pace improvements of the Max+ is the cherry on top, but the achilles heel of the KR20a has always been it's performance drop-off when up to track temperatures, similar to a road tire.  I wonder if that has improved.  

Would like to see the Kr20a 300tw versions tested as these seem to be more of a cross shop choice for someone wanting an inexpensive sporty tire for mountain and canyon driving with the occasional track day, much like the Indy 500.

CTFordza said:

I can personally attest that the Kenda KR20a Max original lasts longer than Hankook RS4's.  Tread life should be taken into account since I believe that makes the Kendas the overwhelmingly best value out of almost all tires currently tested.  It's not surprising as the Kenda KR20a Max is considered the longest-wearing 200tw tire amongst Drifters.  

I think for the Indy 500 and the Phenom TA, some mention should be made about delamination possibility for faster drivers.  Almost every other tire in the higher-performance summer tire segment like ECS 02, v601, PS4S, etc. are known to chunk with frequent tracking.  

The pace improvements of the Max+ is the cherry on top, but the achilles heel of the KR20a has always been it's performance drop-off when up to track temperatures, similar to a road tire.  I wonder if that has improved.  

Good information. I wonder if those 200TW Kenda KR20a's can be used on the street if they warm up that quickly. I also wonder why the Conti ECS Sport/Michelin PS4S are in the Enduro 200TW category.

I doubt the Kenda's are louder than the header and REMARK exhaust on my AST prepped Miata. So I'll take fastest lap and cheapest thank you.

In reply to Andy Hollis :

Now that you’re evaluating budget tires like the Indy 500, will you have a chance to look at some more of its “direct” competitors for the “1-2 track days a year” and “occasional autocross for fun” crowd?
 

It seems like in some smaller sizes, (14”, 15” and 16”) outside of 200TW, the only summer tire options besides Indy 500 are the Kuhmo PS31 and the Yokohama V701 Fleva (S.Drive successor). 
 

Quite a lot of the new summer tires including many on the “ultimate” list are only available in 17” and larger, or if they do make them smaller it’s only in very specific (cough…Miata) sizes, and skip over 16” entirely.

In reply to Dialcaliper :

The Conti ECS (340 TW) comes in smaller sizes, too. I have thoroughly cooked mine after 20 days. They had plateaued for a while and were manageable, but this last Sunday they just plummeted. Like 4 seconds +. Tread is still about halfway (The D and W still show), but they haven't been as magical in the rain once they heat cycled out either. They got me through DE1 and DE2 though, so for those purposes they were awesome for doing that on one set. A 1,900lb car helps a bunch, too, but I imagine Miata-weight cars would also last full seasons easily at 80%. I'm looking now at the Falken 660+ to replace them.