Hankook Ventus R-S3 vs Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec

[CrazyB]

I love my rs-3 on 15-8 for autox. Ran them in cold rain once and that was interesting but as soon as the weather hits 70 or above this things come alive.

[Joe G]

im beginning to tire shop as well, but im running 16x7.5 SSR Comp C's and with the new motor im looking to get as wide of a tire as can fit on my wheels. Any suggestions?

[dude8383]

Ya, I jumped on the Hankook wagon lol, I will only have hard info after my first event on June 20th. However, many things have changed since then so for me it will comparing apples and oranges....My Z1's were 195/55 and I was on H&R race springs, now 225/45 and full coilovers. So there will be many different variables going on at once...but will see, theres many positive opinions on them.

Just buy the rs-3s and if you end up not liking them just sell them and buy the star specs, from tirerack the rs3 come to $412 plus shipping, its so cheap for you guys:hitler: I paid $660 to my door, so stop worrying and just buy them:D...if they really turn out to be horrible get rid of them, its trial and error

LOL as much as I'd like to just wing it, I don't think its that smart to approach it that way. My first track event is coming in May, so I have some time to think about it. Besides, you and I both know that once tires are used, they're used and no one is willing to pay what you paid for them. I don't feel like spending $450 and automatically incurring a loss here...The most I'd get for them even on ONE track day is like $400 shipped. No one would be willing to give you what you paid because they can get them new for the same price.

My only concern is the grip in the rain, the Star Specs definitely have better wet grip. I intend to drive the car on the street too. I'll keep an eye on your thread for updates.

I love my rs-3 on 15-8 for autox. Ran them in cold rain once and that was interesting but as soon as the weather hits 70 or above this things come alive.

How bad was it in the rain? Lots of hydroplaning?

[CrazyB]

I would not be able to comment on hydroplaning much as i ran them in autox only but I would say about 60% of grip when wet and the bad part was no warning at all before it would let go. Also front plowed a lot more in the wet.

[gverelli]

Yeah I understand what you mean. Don't think of it as "winging it" though, because you have many guys here who are supporting the rs-3s with very positive reviews. Its not like your going to be the first guy ever to be buying rs-3s then Id say okay hold on a sec.

In regards to star specs and wet, my last event was a 2-day and both days were raining AND cold, the tires performed amazing and my friend with the 205/50 specs said they were outstanding and it was his first time on them. The trend of reviews seem to be the same with the specs better wet grip and rs-3 better dry. It also depends on what people define as wet, theres wet pavement and theres downfall with massive puddles. The first day of the event was downfall and there was sitting water everywhere which made me extremely nervous but the tires didn't fail...either they didnt fail or I wasnt pushing hard enough lol

[dude8383]

Yeah I understand what you mean. Don't think of it as "winging it" though, because you have many guys here who are supporting the rs-3s with very positive reviews. Its not like your going to be the first guy ever to be buying rs-3s then Id say okay hold on a sec.

In regards to star specs and wet, my last event was a 2-day and both days were raining AND cold, the tires performed amazing and my friend with the 205/50 specs said they were outstanding and it was his first time on them. The trend of reviews seem to be the same with the specs better wet grip and rs-3 better dry. It also depends on what people define as wet, theres wet pavement and theres downfall with massive puddles. The first day of the event was downfall and there was sitting water everywhere which made me extremely nervous but the tires didn't fail...either they didnt fail or I wasnt pushing hard enough lol

Nah, I definitely see the positive reviews of the Hankook's, they're going to be the better track tire for sure. But the Dunlops look like they can balance the street and track load just fine.

Note that I'm coming Bridgestone Potenza S-03's. The grip on these is pretty darn sweet but I just sold em :)

[sennafan]

I love my rs-3 on 15-8 for autox. Ran them in cold rain once and that was interesting but as soon as the weather hits 70 or above this things come alive.

Did you need to roll your fenders to fit these?

[FredK]

Yes. I had 15x8 ET22 K1s and you will DEFINITELY need to roll your rear fenders with late model arches.

[nando]

it depends on your offset though, you can get away with more tire and a higher offset. however rolling your fenders is a good idea either way, rubbing is annoying..

[nrubenstein]

It's interesting to see you guys calling the Dunlops' behavior hard to predict. For someone who tends towards r-tires, one of the great features of the Z* is that it doesn't whine and complain a lot and it doesn't seem unpredictable at all. I can't comment on absolute grip (but the fact that Doug runs the Hankooks leads me to believe that they have more absolute performance), but I would suggest that anyone who is driving by ear should probably work on that tendency.

[dude8383]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions :)

[gverelli]

^ Lmao, Yes Sir!

[OhioriderAaron]

Got mine too. Waiting to be mounted on euroweaves :)

[dude8383]

Got mine too. Waiting to be mounted on euroweaves :)

WERD. Should take care of that next week =D

[gverelli]

Finally took the car out today, the rear rubs like mad!, anyone else have this problem? (euroweaves et24)