What's up HT, I'm doing some auto-x cross events and was wondering what tire set-ups you guys have on your cars and how well they do?? Reason for me asking is because my current street tires are running low on tread and don't do so well in auto-x, I want other people's opinion on what they think of certain tires that they have used before. Personally i am looking at NT-01 and Ecsta XS in a 205/55/15 but not sure yet on whether to buy one of these or not. Thanks.

 

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Oh crap, ok thanks. i didn't even think about it.

 

Yup. You also don't provide enough information to answer your question, things like (a) how much autocross experience you have, IOW whether you're a novice or you're so experienced that you're competing for points; (b) what kind of car you have (year, model, version); (c) whether you will also be using those tires for the street, or if they're only for autocross; etc.

 

Sorry, it's a 96 civic hatch with an ls swap. I'm new to autocross but i completely love it, eventually i would like to compete for points but as of now i'm not that quick.

 

I just got a set of the NT01s and love them. Since you are new to autocross, I would recommend going with the XS's, street tires are great to learn on and you don't have to worry about flat spotting them. Moving to race tires is a decent commitment and money pit that is hard to get out of. I wouldn't go with a 55-series tire, you want the shorter gearing from a smaller diameter tire for autocross. I run a '96 Civic with an LS swap for autocross as well. I use on 225/45-15s and I wouldn't want any taller gearing.

 

Since you're new to autocross, I would just use your current street tire or whatever street tire you would want to be replacing them with if they're worn. Remember, when you're starting out, it's easier to learn on less sticky tires because they give audible feedback, and besides, you're not going to be doing all that well at first anyway.

Once you get a bunch of events under your belt and you start trying to compete, at that point you'll probably want to consider a stickier tire - either a sticky street tire if you want to use them for both purposes (street/autocross), or an R compound tire if you're ready to get a set of wheels and tires dedicated to autocross.

205/55-15 is MUCH too big for your car, and besides, there aren't any sticky tires in that size anyway. If and when you're ready for sticky street tires, stick with 195/50-15 and the Bridgestone RE-11 or Toyo R1R. If and when you move to R compounds, the Toyo R888 is available in that size; otherwise you'll need to get 205/50-15 or 225/45-15, particularly if you want autocross-specific tires like the Hoosier A6.

 

Thanks hemix, i think i will stick with some street tires for now. Thanks for the help nsxtasy, i just checked and i have a 205/50r15 now but will deffinately look into the size you recommended.