For the first time in April, I tried autox'ing with my S2k with the S02 tires.

Our SCCA events are held on a narrow closed track on aged asphalt and the car held up very well (considering my driving wasn't up to par). I was surprised to see just how well the tires "bit" the slaloms and the chicanes but after 1 run, I looked at the tires and saw chucks of it coming apart, much like when I had slicks with another car.

I don't bring with me a seperate set of tires/wheels so I'm interested in looking into a set of tires that would work well under the conditions listed above and still have some decent life for daily driving. Don't get me wrong, the S02's are awesome and have great feel but if I can't help thinking that if I continue to autox once each month on those, I'm guessing I'll need to change them bi-annually and that could get expensive.

I'm wondering how the S03's stack up performance/price/life wise, or any other makes/models that any of you have tried with success.

Any input is appreciated.

 

Most folks will pick up a second set of stock wheels (used) and a set of Kumho Victoracer V700s (unless you wanna get expensive and buy Hoosiers). The autocross tires will last better in competition than street tires and keep the street tires in good shape for less frequent replacement.

Obviously, there are other options that you can investigate depending on cost and style...

 

I got 16,000 miles out of my first set of rear SO2's including 4 auto-x's with 2 drivers at each event. From my experience the SO2s hold up extremely well. We'll see how the second set holds up. I'd love to get a second set of wheels and R compound tires, the SO2s don't seem to do well in really low speed, tight turns (pin turns). I get a lot of understeer in those conditions.

 

Currently running on the Kumho Ecsta MX for auto-x.

Once I get a second set of wheels though, I'll be running on the Kumho Victoracer V700s. Get the 2nd set of wheels and run on the R compound tires ... save your street tires and have more fun!

-MSM

 

That is absolutely unbelieveable!

I tried autocrossing on S-02s, but quickly realized that they perform great for the 1st event, then get progressively crappier every event after that. If you plan on autocrossing much, you will save a lot of money by buying a used set of OEM wheels and Kumho Victoracers. Another bonus is that you will be MUCH more competitive at the same time.

 

I had the exact same experience and came to the same conclusion. Separate race tires/wheels are definitely the way to go!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gernby
[B]I tried autocrossing on S-02s, but quickly realized that they perform great for the 1st event, then get progressively crappier every event after that.

 

Switch to race wheels and tires and save some money and improve your times. There is a set of OEM rims for sale on the board for $500. You can pick up a set of Kumho Victoracers for around $130 each ... and they'll last a full race season.

-MSM

 

I should have mentioned that I was only able to get 7K miles and 5 autocrosses (40 laps) out of my S-02s, and they were only grippy for the 1st 2 autocrosses. When I finally replaced them, the tread pattern was not even descernable.

My Kumho Victoracers were driven a total of 2000 miles to and from 10 events (80 laps), and performed well the whole time.