Luke, can you tell me the differences between these two tires? I'm looking at track day and Solo I tires for later in the year, and these two are solidly in the running. I'm also considering the P-Zero Corsas, but that's mainly going to come down to a cost issue. Can you tell me waht makes one better than the other for open tracking and Solo I?

 

Thanks Geoff, that does help. The 48 actually does come in a 16" and 17" size now. the 17" is 225/45R17, which makes it a very attractive option for us GC/GM owners. The more aggressive tread of the 48 makes it the frontrunner for me unless the hard-compound 235/40R17 32R has some other advantage.

 

You can get A048's in 17, but in US they are only available in Medium compound, which is not as soft as the A032's. The A048 thread pattern is superior to the A032's and A048's is just a better tire. However, depending on what you use them for, A032's might be better.

For TimeAttack, US Medium compound A048's were not nearly as grippy as the A032's. But, TimeAttack tire wear is very different from Auto-X.

So, best thing to do is to try them both. Tire selection is something very critical and unless you try it, it is hard to just take someone's word for it becuase what I like, you might not like.

For me, the ultimate race tire is the soft compound A048's. Not available in US, dang it!

 

I'd prefer a harder compound anyway, just so they last me the whole season, or at least aren't corded. I'm expected 5 Solo I events and maybe 4-7 track days before winter. Right now I'm leaning to the 48s. Thanks Alex.

 

why not try the Toyo RA-1? i havent use them yet but i have heard alot of good things abt them. also if cost is an issue, take a look at these r-compound tires with a great price! http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....per+Sport+Race

 

The RA1s are much more expensive. And those Dunlops are a super deal, but they're out of stock.

 

BAN SUVS : Tire Rack shows the Dunlops in stock.

A few friends have gotten them to try out for Autocross this year (SFR SCCA). So far, they are impressed . Not as sticky as the Hoosiers or V710s, but in the ballpark of the V700s (which are stickier than A032Rs). And the price is VERY nice!

 

Yeah, the price is insane, that's why I want some. Same with the Pirelli Corsas.

You're right Ed, the Dunlops are in stock, but they only have 225/45 in 17". I want 245/40 or 255/40. Pirelli makes the Corsas in one of those sizes, but there are only 8 in the country- and they're all for the left side.

 

r u sure? last time i checked the RA-1 is alot cheaper than the A032R

 

They are a bit cheaper than the Yokohamas, yes, but significantly more expensive than the Dunlops and Pirellis.

 

One note (bad) on those Dunlops.....

Seems that due to not being available in enough sizes, they are NOT SCCA Solo2 legal . Solo2 rules state the tires must be available in at least 6 sizes overall (Dunlops are) and at least 4 different rim diameters (Dunlops are NOT).

Shouldn't matter if you only run local events (unless you have a class competitor who is being a REAL pr!ck ) but I wouldn't risk it at a National level event

 

No biggie, I'm in Street Mod (street Tire) for Solo 2 anyway. I can't afford to run a nationally competitive SM car.