R-Comps vs Slicks

[Lof8]

My RS3s are getting to the end of their life and I'll be needing replacements soon. I've got a line on some used Hoosier R-comps as well as some used Continental race slicks. Both are in the size I'm looking for.

I do HPDEs and autocrosses with a few different organizing bodies. I'm sure the slicks will bump me into a different class but R-comps are still "street" tires (right?)

I'm not real concerned about winning at the autocrosses, so a different class is not the end of the world to me. What I am interested in is lots of grip and g-forces. Will I see a big difference in grip between these two tires? Opinions?

I may just buy both sets as they are pretty reasonably priced.

[NigelStu]

Both will be a big step up from the street tires.


The slicks may take a while to really heat up and work, so you probably wont get much out of them at an autocross (Hoosier A compound would be best for autox), although they would be hella-fun for an HPDE! Tire life is likely much shorter for the slicks than the Hoosier's as well.

Get 'em both if the price is right. Hoosiers for Autox, slicks for HPDE.


If I were to buy only 1 set, it would be purple.

[Jaxx_]

I'm not 100% confirming what NigelStu said, I think there are some issues with those facts. I was under the impression that A comp tire would run way too hot for a road course and that the R will last longer (obviously).

anything with treadrating of less than 140 is non street tire by Solo II definition. I'm going to be running AO48 next season and those are R-Comp/race slick tires. What class are you in? I assume SM?

[L8 apexr]

The Conti slicks are rebadged hoosier slicks,they are R35 compound and not really worth trying for autox unless you have LONG courses and really hot temps and don't care about going fast.
The hoosiers dot tires need to be A6's if your going to autox them,buying used hoosier anything is a huge gamble unless you know for sure how many runs are on them.You cannot look at the wear as a gage of useful life,you will never see a hoosier autox tire wear out before it ages out and is useless.
If the tires have more than 30 autox runs on them don't bother,not worth the $$ to mount them imo.

For what its worth I've done a track day on aged out A6's and they will grip ok given a couple warm up laps to scrub the really hard surface off.Have a spare set of tires on hand cause if you push them hard they will likely get very greasy and then peel to the cords in short order.

[etxxz]

will you be driving them on the street?

there are a couple good DOT r-compunds out there that are a badass dual purpose. RA1 and R888 for toyo, nitto NT01 (my preference), hankook ventus (believe there's even two model choices) has great reviews, khumo v700 & 710. Any of these tires will do fantastic at the track, DE or auto-X.. and obviously street.

if you want dedicated track tires, i still recommend you start with one of the first 3 of the above as you can literally drive them till you chord them, and are cheap (er) to replace. In time, you'll learn more about tires and think about slicks. Honestly, i think if you're ready to upgrade from street tires, this is the next step. Learn to drive first [on them] before depending too much on forgiving tires/grip.

i'm *VERY* happy with my NT01.