I am looking ot get some descent tires for autocross. Currently I am split between the Falken Azenis 615 245/40/18 or Toyo T1R's 245/40/18. These tires wil be going on stock rims. I am split because they are very similarly priced but the toyo's have a tread rating of 280 where the Falken's have a tread rating of 200. Will this 80pt. differce matter? I tried to do a search on tire rack about tread rating but didn't get a definite answer. I am hoping to have these tires this entire summer since I don't drive my Rx-8 daily. Ultimately I would like to do a bunch of AutoX's and 1-2 drift days(not on these tires will be purchasing seperate tires for the back for drifting).

 

tread ratings are ratings among the same brand only.
e.g
Falken Tire A w/ treadwear 100 will last 50% less than Falken Tire B w/ treadwear 200

You cannot compare treadwear among different brands. Thats what I heard

 

The Falken and the Toyo are distinctly different tires, and the Falken is superior for autox. The Toyo is supposed to have a reasonably aggressive tread compound, but the sidewall is comparatively flexible compared to the Falken. The Falken has a VERY sticky tread compound and very stiff sidewalls. I have a set of Azenis on 18x9 wheels that I autox and do track schools with.

The Azenis is also very popular with the ST autox crowd, both the original RT215 and the current RT615 versions.

 

those are street tires, not autox tires

but for autox type performance the 615's are much better that the T1R's

I think Tom is confusing the old Azenis with the new ones, the new 615's have soft sidewalls compared to the old 215's, but the 615's are still superior to the T1R's, the T1R's will wear slower, just depends what's important to you

 

True, the 615 sidewall is softer than the 215 (I've had both) but compared to most other "max performance" street tires, they're still pretty darn stiff. I think what both Mark and I are trying to say is that comparing a T1R to the Azenis 615 is really an apples and oranges comparison.

I know Mark was joking with the "street tires" comment, but have you considered picking up another set of stock wheels and putting "real" autox tires on? It all depends on how fast you want to go.

 

definitly not looking for a full competition tires. At least not yet. I am still adjusting to RWD but want a stickier tire than my older stock Re040's. From what it sounds like and the amout of driving I do, it will be better to go with the Falken Azenis. I have a friend of mine that runs a Hoosier AutoX tire on his S2K and thoose tires enable his car to turn in ways I didnt' even think were possible. Thx for the advice.

 

also look at the yokohama advan neova ad07 and michelin pilot sport ps2. the ps2 is _incredible_ in the wet although it gives up some ultimate dry traction to the neova.

 

100% correct.

 

Autox RT-615 Street T1-R