HPDE Tires for 19x10.5 Square

[Lucky_13]

So, I was fortunate enough to score a great deal on some new release lightweight 19x10.5's that fit our platform (Weds SA15-R --> ~22lbs each).

The non-cheap part of 19's is, of course, the tires. Depending on the options, though, they are not too much above 18's like the 295/35/18 Rival.

I've come across these options and corresponding prices on Tire Rack, and was hoping to get everyone's input.

Context: Mostly HPDE's, 0 autocross. Looking for sustained performance and hoping to get 9-10 track days from a set. I have a dedicated street set, so these will see track time and the short commute to/fro only.

285/35/19 (slight stretch - measuring width 10 inch)
BFG Rival - $1,176.00
RE-11 (non-A) - $1,224.00

305/30/19 (slight bulge - measuring width 11 inch)
Hankook RS-3 V1 - $812 (!!!)
RE-11 - $1316
Yoko AD08R - $1476

I'm leaning towards the 305 RS-3's, but worried that the slight pinch/softer sidewall combo will kill the tires too quickly. Thoughts?

 

[cbass]

What about the 295/30R19 R888?

 

[Lucky_13]

What about the 295/30R19 R888?

Hadn't even thought about that, thanks for the idea. I've done a full season of HPDEs and feel pretty comfortable with the car, but I've heard mixed opinions on running an NT01 or R888 this early in my driving experience.

Also of note, the NT01 is being released in 305/30/19 next month.

 

[ford20]

I have heard the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2's have had some good durability and excellent traction and come in 305/30/19. It might be a good option to look at if you are looking for some good sticky tires.

 

[Boaisy]

A lot of the NASA HPDE guys around here run R888s, especially since they get into group buys every year. Other than that, people are on the Hoosier R6's. Not a lot of Rivals even though the ones that do use them at HPDEs like them.

 

[csamsh]

I'd go rival or re11.

If there were a size of r888 or nt01 with 35 sidewall that would have my vote.

Emphatic no on the expensive Michelin

 

[Lucky_13]

I'd go rival or re11.

If there were a size of r888 or nt01 with 35 sidewall that would have my vote.

Emphatic no on the expensive Michelin

csamsh, any opinion either way between the two? I know the RE-11 is "old," but it's wear seems hard to beat. Any idea how much slower and RE-11 is than a Rival, or subjective feel comparison?

 

[csamsh]

I've run both...and I would only take the RE11 over the Rival if rain was a consideration. In the dry, the Rival is the winner, in pretty much every respect I can think of, for track or autocross. The only fall-down for the Rival is, at the end of its life, it will not work AT ALL hot. You've got to get your fast lap/run in in the first few, and then it will heat up and grease up. The RE11's was more consistent through their lives, but the Rival was better than the RE11 for 75% of its life. Both lasted very well in my estimation.

 

[Lucky_13]

Gotcha, I really appreciate that info, thanks. I'll probably go with the Rivals, as they run wide and will fit nicely on the 10.5's. That, and I have a set of PSS on my street wheels for rainy days if it comes to it.

The only "iffy" thing was that their tread width measurement on tire rack is only 9.4'', but I understand that's a nebulous measurement to begin with and that the contact patch changes dynamically under cornering load, anyways.

 

[csamsh]

Yeah I wouldn't worry about width. The 295 rival is right at home on an 18x11, I think you'll be fine with the 285 on the 10.5

 

[Pauly]

I have 19 x 9.5 Drifts and I bought RE-11's in the 285/35/19 size. Love the way they ride and handle. Really good in the wet. Only have about 500 miles on them, but so far, they are great.

 

[todcp]

Tire Rack recommended I use the Rival 295/35/18 on my ten inch rims. They said I would lose the effectiveness of the 295 and that it would behave like a 285 but the Rival is so superior to other tires in its category I should go with the 295.
Still not sure if I will go with the Rival for 2015 or just get the Nitto NT01 in a 275/40/18 again.