Hankook R-S2 Z212 on Koseis?

[FJ40]

I'm thinking about trying the Z212 for my next set of tires, and was wondering if anyone had any experience using them. The 225/45-15 size interests me because I've got 205/50's now and wouldn't mind going a little wider this time around.

I'm aware they're undersized (I need all the help I can get, got an eta), but was wondering if anyone had tried them on some K-1s and could confirm that they fit w/o a small spacer or anything.

I realize that RT-615s are really the best autox tire to be using, but the overheating issue seems like too much of an annoyance for me at this point (I'm not good enough to need that last shred of grip).

Thanks for any input

chase

[JGood]

I'm thinking about trying the Z212 for my next set of tires, and was wondering if anyone had any experience using them. The 225/45-15 size interests me because I've got 205/50's now and wouldn't mind going a little wider this time around.

I'm aware they're undersized (I need all the help I can get, got an eta), but was wondering if anyone had tried them on some K-1s and could confirm that they fit w/o a small spacer or anything.

I realize that RT-615s are really the best autox tire to be using, but the overheating issue seems like too much of an annoyance for me at this point (I'm not good enough to need that last shred of grip).

Thanks for any input

chase

What are you going to use them for, and what do you mean about overheating?

I have about 10k miles on RT-615's for my street tires on my track car, and love them.

[FJ40]

How do you use the tires? I've heard that although they are the ultimate for grip in a "street" tire, they can't handle anything more than an autox run before they start to get slippery.

I currently would be using the tires on the street and in autox, but would like to find my way out to de's in the somewhat near future. If I weren't intending to get on the track, I would probably be considering the 615's more seriously. Is the lack of trackability a reasonable concern?

chase

[Jean]

A friend of mine is using Hankooks on his daily/autox car w/o any issues on the street, they will just wear out faster if you use them as daily tires. You won't run into any overheating issues if you drive like a sane person on the street. I am using RT615s as my only set of tires on my e30, no problems using them on the street also, but they do heat up quick in autox use if you do back to back runs. R-S2 / RT615 is really not a track tire though, it's an autox tire.

I am not sure how they behave in rain and/or cold weather though.

[JGood]

How do you use the tires? I've heard that although they are the ultimate for grip in a "street" tire, they can't handle anything more than an autox run before they start to get slippery.

I currently would be using the tires on the street and in autox, but would like to find my way out to de's in the somewhat near future. If I weren't intending to get on the track, I would probably be considering the 615's more seriously. Is the lack of trackability a reasonable concern?

chase

The z212 is basically identical to 615's. Maybe you were thinking of the Hankook 211 being better then the 615. That is an r-comp. The 615 and z212 are basically dead even in every respect.

Where did you hear 615's have trouble overheating?

Just go with whatever you can get cheaper, between those two tires. They both dominate street tire classes in solo.

[BimmerToad]

I will be on my 3rd set of RS2s today when I get the new set mounted. I haven't had any experience with the RT-615s due to their lack of a size in 225/45R16, but from what I've heard, the RS2s have a bit more grip than the RT-615s, but don't have as stiff of a sidewall.

I've tracked the RS2s multiple times and have been happy with their performance. They do get a little greasy when pushed for a track session, but what street tire won't? The tires lasted ~10k mi of mostly street, 2 track sessions, and an autox or two in there.

And for $108 per tire mounted and balanced (225/45R16), you can't beat that!

[FJ40]

Thanks for all the input! What you guys are saying is kinda what I was hoping/expecting to hear. I think I will go ahead and give the z212s a shot because they sound so similar to the 615s and come in this oddball size.

The best thing is that given that they're both sub $90 per tire in the sizes I want, who cares that they don't wear like a rock hard all season.

I'll let you know how the go

[joshh]

If the RS2's were better than the 615's you'd see them on all STS cars at the nationals.
Both tires are very good tires. The 615's do have a tendency to start over heating but even when they do they remain very predictable.
You really can't go wrong with either tire.

[PaintPro21]

I run the hankooks on my e30 m3. I've used the tires at 5 track days and 10 or so autocrosses. I think they are an excellent bang for your buck tire. the rt-615 seems to be a bit faster on the autocross course but is less consistent in comparison to the z212 on the track (it gets greasy faster). I'm considering picking up a set of rt-615's next time to give them a shot, plus i'll have r compounds for track use. but if I needed a do all tire, it would be the hankooks first

if you haven't bought wheels yet. I just wanted to mention that I'm organizing a group buy for a custom, semi forged, light weight wheel in 17" sizes and I'm looking to develop it in a 15x8" size. the 17x8.5" size is just a hair over 16lbs (which is lighter and stronger then the kosei) so the 15x8 should also be lighter. I've got it posted on s14.net right now but I'll post it over here to, since it seems 15" wheels are even more popular on the non m e30's.

[silverblades181]

I run RT-615s on the street and on the track. I have 3 HPDEs with the RT-615 and they are wonderfull, plenty of grip and no over heating. And it's not because I don't drive the car hard. I'd recommend them. They suck in wet conditions though.

[Mystikal]

I have experience on both tires. The short of it: RT-615s are better in every respect save for hydroplaning resistance. I have track numbers to prove this also.

Also, search for 225/45/15 under my name, I've discussed that size before. It's actually the SAME width as the 205/50/15 R-S2 and NARROWER than a 205/50/15 RT-615. The 225/50/15 is a true 225 however.

Jay

[PaintPro21]

I may have to give the RT-615's a shot, although my street tires would have to be my rain tires on the track.

I've seen plenty of people daily drive the rt-615 but they were making a sacrfice for track use.

I guess I'm still up in the air about what I'll do.

[joshh]

I have experience on both tires. The short of it: RT-615s are better in every respect save for hydroplaning resistance. I have track numbers to prove this also.

Also, search for 225/45/15 under my name, I've discussed that size before. It's actually the SAME width as the 205/50/15 R-S2 and NARROWER than a 205/50/15 RT-615. The 225/50/15 is a true 225 however.

Jay

I believed that, till I saw this.

Third post down.

http://heeltoeauto.com/httech/YaBB.pl?num=1163011060

The 205 50 Hankook is wider than the 205 50 Azenis.

The old one was a bit wider.

[Mystikal]

I believed that, till I saw this.

Third post down.

http://heeltoeauto.com/httech/YaBB.pl?num=1163011060

The 205 50 Hankook is wider than the 205 50 Azenis.

The old one was a bit wider.

Interesting. Looks like at least one of the manufacturers is lying A LOT in their specifications.

Either way, 205/50/15 RT-615s are more fun than 225/50/15 R-S2s in my experience.

Jay

[joshh]

Interesting. Looks like at least one of the manufacturers is lying A LOT in their specifications.

Either way, 205/50/15 RT-615s are more fun than 225/50/15 R-S2s in my experience.

Jay

Yeah I tend to not trust Falken for some reason. But yeah the 615 is a great tire.