Scottish Elises

Rear tyres are shot after the weekend especially the NSR.

What's the consensus on the best replacement? 48's or 888's?

I've read somewhere that the 48 LTS are the same spec but more expensive than 48 with MH compound.

The fronts still have a fair bit left in them so if I change to 888's on the rear with the 48's on the front will it effect the balance of the car?

Clark

I have the opposite after the KH day, wornish 888's on the front and Ronnie fitted new 48R mediums on the rear.

They worked well and as I was not passed all morning, I think that particular mix and match is OK. He fitted new 888's to the front before I left, but I could not believe the wear on the new 48's when I got home after 3/4's of the session, wish I had left the Stunners on and gone slower.

They were mediums which is what he supplies, whereas I get medium hards from Camskill.

tut

We had to use M compound for the LOTRDC, but i prefer the MH myself. No discernible loss of grip, but last a decent amount longer.

I think Ronny can get the MH, but he probably doesnt carry it in stock Tut.

And agree with Tut, that you wont notice a huge difference, certainly no more than the usual difference between a new tyre and a heat cycled old tyre.

I much prefer the R888's, worth trying to see how you get on.

I think i was fairly gentle with a set of Ms and only got about 1500 miles out of them so i would avoid those if possible.

Kenny, what do you get out of a set of rear 888s?

I'm on my 3rd set of rear 48s and 2nd set of fronts now, with almost 16500 miles on the clock. Got about 8000 out of the first set of rears and just over 6000 out of the 2nd set, although they had more track usage. The 3rd set of rears have been on for about 2000 miles now and I was surprised how worn they were already when I had the wheels off last weekend.

I'm contemplating moving to 888s if they are cheaper and last longer.

Cheers,
D

Crikey - that's some expensive tyre habits.

Tut - M compound is much too soft for the power of N3TUT - I guess you had no choice, but even so.

888's are a good tyre, but worth it ONLY if actually cheaper than 48s.

Cheers,
Robin

dezzy wrote:Kenny, what do you get out of a set of rear 888s?

Never worked it out, I am probably doing more road miles on them but anything from between 2k to 5k depending on how many trackdays I do. The 888's used to be a good bit cheaper than the 48's but the gap has narrowed now. If you are not doing many trackdays then it's pretty pointless putting any semi slicks on, better and cheaper to get decent road tyres.

robin wrote:Crikey - that's some expensive tyre habits.

I know! Think I do need to change to something that will last longer. Might try MH next time to see if they last longer than LTS. Sounds like 888s are not going to last much longer, so as you say, only worth it if they are cheaper.

In terms of track usage and semi-slicks, I'm still doing a few trackdays here and there and I do think the semi-slicks make a big difference on the road too, on thw twisties on a nice dry day. I also figure that the car was designed to use them so will always handle better if I stick with them.

What are the alternatives for a road tyre then? I thought the only options were 48s, 888s or the 39s which I believe are expensive and hard to get.

D

Right on Robin, choice was between M's or Advans? LTS, but not again, can not afford that rate of wear.

Tis a dilemma as road tyres are fine for N3 on the road, but wont last long on the track before I am sliding all over the place. And of course a lot of enjoyment comes from mixing it with the Porsches, Ferraris and the likes of Scotty and Craig, and I could not do that without R's. However if they wear like that at KH, think what would happen on some of the other tracks.

Dezzy

On Stelvio 2004, which involved no track days, John was on 48R's, I was using 888's, and Robin was on road tyres, all new at the start. His lasted fine but John and I were both illegal before we reached the last day in Spain. That was probably with around 4,000 miles under the belt. If I did that sort of run again I would use road tyres. However for FF which is all trackdays, I would use R's though the rears would not last the distance, and I would have to put on whatever I could get that fitted locally.

tut

My 888's have lasted much longer than the 48's - my first set of 48's went in no time.

But I suspect that may be as much to do with ensuring the pressures stay in the best range - including letting air out on trackdays to bring the pressures down - not such a great problem given the temperature at KH on Saturday!

Tut, I came home with 7.5mm of tread IIRC

For <180-200BHP cars I think road tyres work fine for all but the most committed drivers. I really like the Pirelli PZero Neros that I've been using.

That said, I'm going to treat myself to a set of 48s for French Frolic - just to see if I can break a toe link (feeling left out - Neil has broken two now and I haven't broken one yet!).

Cheers,
Robin

robin wrote:That said, I'm going to treat myself to a set of 48s for French Frolic - just to see if I can break a toe link (feeling left out - Neil has broken two now and I haven't broken one yet!).

Must try harder

I have just thrown on a set of hankook trackday tyres to use as wets for trackdays, look much more road orientated but not had the chance to drive on them yet, well regarded on other cars and know a few guys who rate them on elises, great value though, 250 quid delivered through camskill!

foz01 wrote:I have just thrown on a set of hankook trackday tyres to use as wets for trackdays, look much more road orientated but not had the chance to drive on them yet, well regarded on other cars and know a few guys who rate them on elises, great value though, 250 quid delivered through camskill!

Rs-2's??