billybobster

Just did my first track day on my S-Line OEM Pirelli P6 235/40/18s. And much rolling over. Even during a session when I came in at 41psi on the fronts. I'm driving at novice pace. My instructor said he had done terminal carcass damage to a set of P6s in one track weekend.

So, even though a novice, it's track day wheels and tires for me. I'm getting a set of Flik Lex 17x8s from my instructor (a deal I could not refuse). He recommends the Falken RT-615s as a good novice track day tire (can drive to the track - good grip but good feedback to the novice - durable). I've STFA'd and seems to be an good choice for my situation.

Question - does the RT-615 245/45/17 fit on an '08 B7 A4 Avant with the S-Line suspension? Anyone done that combo or similar? I've STFA the forums on this and compared dimensions (see below) and I would say they do, but want to make 100% sure before ordering.

Falken RT-615 245/45/17 - 25.4" OD - 9.6" section width

Pirelli P6 235/40/18 - 25.6" OD - 9.1" section width

pt4kq

Go with a 235/40-17

pt4kq

Are you ready for a DOT R?

BuddyDog

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/41345/img_2067.jpg"></center><p>Just my 2 cents but the rest of the car is stock, there are a lot of better hi perf street tires that have stiffer sidewalls.

I am going to guess your instructor had a highly modded car and if it's a semi race car, R compounds would be appropriate.

Driving a street car on the track is going to wear out tires &amp; brake pads more.

If you go R compounds, then you have a significant $ investment, which might be better spent with an upgraded tire over OEM.

FWIW, I run street tires on my car even with the STaSIS package on it.

With only 1 event, there are a lot more things to learn and R compounds are very unforgiving. I don't think you want to introduce that variable as a newer track junkie.

See you at Laguna.

billybobster

(Is that Point Reyes? Beautiful. Been to that overlook once and we could see about 10 yards.)

Check my logic here on the tires, I am a total novice (six whole sessions).

I absolutely agree R compounds are not for me.

My instructor has told me (and online research seems to confirm) the RT-615s are the first threshold of performance tires. They're not R compounds (?), have an almost "normal" wear rating (200) and give good track drivability to the novice.

My first mission is to have streetable tires that don't get damaged by track days. My Thunderhill experience indicates the P6s are going to get damaged. But I want to keep those because they work just fine for daily driving. Plus the OEM S-line 18"s are so pretty.

So get some wheels to swap for track days and put on the RT-615s as the "training" track tires.

Put the track wheels on and drive to the track (about 2.5 hours to Thunderhill or Laguna from my house). Have a fun and safe novice experience without worrying about tire damage - my mission statement.

Am I thinking correctly here?

Mr. Mom

you have a heavy car.

You should put some white out on the edge of the sidewall to see how much the tire sidewall is wearing.

BTW I've heard the falkens get greasy after a few sessions.

Some have stated that Kumho Mx's re decent!

You should be more concerned with tire pressure. 41 seems high. was this right after a session?

BuddyDog

Another thing to consider is (at least for me) when I started doing track time, I would frequently use a lot of steering input for the late apex and the car would "push", resulting in the tires howling instead of singing. That howl is from the tire "rolling over" and scuffing/ scrubbing up onto the sidewalls.

41 PSI hot sounds about where the tire should be after a run.

Once steering inputs are smoother, less howling and more tire singing at the edge of grip.

Yes, Point Reyes.

BuddyDog

Oh, does the Flik fit over B7 brakes?

pt4kq

Kumho MX are good

Potomac-Greg

The others are the Yokohama Advan Neova (more expensive, better everyday tire) the Michelin Pilot Sport (pricey), Kumho Ecsta MX (cheap, and better everyday than the 615, and some say just as good on track).

I would first find out if you had any option to increase the negative camber of the fronts, because that is really the problem. The camber that works well for everyday driving is too vertical.

I would favor the Kumho as a better all-around tire.