[CrashFL]

Seeking advice:

I want to move to the AO52. I run 18x9 and 18x10 rims for the track, with 255/35 and 275/235. The AO52 doesn't come in that size. Would you run:
255/35 275/40
OR
255/40 275/40
Or neither...

Thanks!

[ZM2]

Originally Posted by CrashFL

Seeking advice:

I want to move to the AO52. I run 18x9 and 18x10 rims for the track, with 255/35 and 275/235. The AO52 doesn't come in that size. Would you run:
255/35 275/40
OR
255/40 275/40
Or neither...

Thanks!

I’d go 255/275/40 out of those two options.

Have you thought about replacing your front wheels with 18x10 so you can run a square 265 setup?

Or even better, use your 18x10s with some spacers on the front and get some 18x10.5s and run 265/295 staggered.

[CrashFL]

Originally Posted by ZM2

Or even better, use your 18x10s with some spacers on the front and get some 18x10.5s and run 265/295 staggered.

I was actually thinking of doing that... Apex EC-7 18x10.5 ET40. Wasn't sure how well the 10" would fit up front.... I'm planning to install Ohlins R&T some time this year, and it'll cut my clearance even further.

[ZM2]

Originally Posted by CrashFL

I was actually thinking of doing that... Apex EC-7 18x10.5 ET40. Wasn't sure how well the 10" would fit up front.... I'm planning to install Ohlins R&T some time this year, and it'll cut my clearance even further.

Yeah, that’ll be tight. Probably ET20-22 would be needed up front to clear and you’d need to watch fender clearance if you lower the front a lot.

9.5/10.5 F/R would be ideal for clearance, but if you figure out 10/10.5 you can also run 275/35 NT01s in the front as a budget track tire. What I don’t know yet is how tight a 305 NT01 will be in the rear with 18x10.5 ET40.

[Proctor750]

These 19's are killing me. If they would just make the concrete Rs4 in a size I can use OR the Z3's for few more seconds I would be in great shape.

Or you know, dump 8k in brakes and wheels to run an 18...

Use the truck brakes they said.

[ZM2]

Originally Posted by Proctor750

These 19's are killing me. If they would just make the concrete Rs4 in a size I can use OR the Z3's for few more seconds I would be in great shape.

Or you know, dump 8k in brakes and wheels to run an 18...

Use the truck brakes they said.

Well, you only need to change the fronts, so that’s $4k saved right there.

Funny thing is for most hardcore track guys, the end result of APs & 18s is the same, the path is just different: OG blue brakes are easy to destroy, M2C silver brake diameter is too big for good tire selection.

[Proctor750]

Originally Posted by ZM2

Well, you only need to change the fronts, so that’s $4k saved right there.

Funny thing is for most hardcore track guys, the end result of APs & 18s is the same, the path is just different: OG blue brakes are easy to destroy, M2C silver brake diameter is too big for good tire selection.

True but it's tire selection AND $400 drilled rotors. Can you even get a 400mm blank that works with the M2C?

I really want the Z3's but I'd take the RS4's just to see how they hold up. We use them on the race car for 2 weekends. 4hrs of practice/qual then usually two 9 hr races and then sometimes use them for the first race on the second weekend at best or just practice/qual at worst.
Insane how long they last although we do x them and run backwards to even it out. The joys of a square setup.

Oddly I do like the HTRZ5 I put on the street wheels, not bad at all grip low speeds but super squirmy at high speeds - wouldn't use on track obviously.

[eeyang92]

Originally Posted by ZM2

10 HPDEs sounds about right to move away from the 4S's. There's only so much you can ask from them, and you'll just make them louder on the street if you keep tearing them up on track.

The camber plates will definitely pay for themselves, vs killing soft track tires prematurely.

Most dealers won't hassle you regarding warranty if you have camber plates on, but you may want to ask in the regional forum section for input on which local dealers are more "mod" friendly.

Just don't let the dealer do your track alignment. You should find a good local race shop, and those guys will be much better at dialing it in. As for settings, you'll find a ton of input in various threads, but let us know if you get confused on anything.

Just got back from laguna seca - my previous time with 4S's was 1:49 and with the A052's (and 18" wheels) + camber plates, I put down 1:44

Just wow - so much grip and the oversteer characteristics make it extremely easy to correct. I am definitely leaving time on the table as I think my front has much more grip than the rear - I wasn't able to get it to understeer - so I think I may need to add a wing to keep the rear planted, especially through fast sweeping corners.

[ZM2]

Originally Posted by eeyang92

Just got back from laguna seca - my previous time with 4S's was 1:49 and with the A052's (and 18" wheels) + camber plates, I put down 1:44

Just wow - so much grip and the oversteer characteristics make it extremely easy to correct. I am definitely leaving time on the table as I think my front has much more grip than the rear - I wasn't able to get it to understeer - so I think I may need to add a wing to keep the rear planted, especially through fast sweeping corners.

Nice work for the first set of sticky tires in your track career!

Once you get comfortable really leaning on them and braking as hard & late as possible, they’ll impress you again just as much.

It’s also fun learning their life cycle as they start to lose grip, or if you’re in cold or wet conditions—with track tires it’s always a new challenge finding the limit each time you go out.

[eeyang92]

Originally Posted by ZM2

Nice work for the first set of sticky tires in your track career!

Once you get comfortable really leaning on them and braking as hard & late as possible, they’ll impress you again just as much.

It’s also fun learning their life cycle as they start to lose grip, or if you’re in cold or wet conditions—with track tires it’s always a new challenge finding the limit each time you go out.

For sure! I cooked the heck out of my front calipers - both definitely got much darker than the day before. I haven't really slammed the brakes because I don't want to abuse them too much, but once I figure out a cooling solution or just upgraded to a BBK I'm sure it'll feel insane when I hit the brakes.

Definitely looking forward to see how they perform in the future!

[detroitm2]

Just ordered a set of supercar 3s for my street tires. Interested to see how they compare to the PSSs they're replacing.

[ZM2]

A052 smoked the new Michelin Cup 2, but the Michelin does have "Michelin's Track Longevity Technology 2.0 reinforces the outboard shoulder with a special, abrasion-resistant rubber to enhance endurance and longevity when used in high performance driving."

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=262

I haven't investigated enough to know if the tire is any different than the regular Cup 2 other than the sensors.

[iBrakeLate]

I really wonder how Yokohama's 200 treadwear rating compares to these other brands, because the Yokohama melts like butter compared to those other tires.

[PLF69]

Originally Posted by bentom2

I’m excited to try the A052 eventually. Looking forward to hearing some experiences on heavier cars.

I intended to pick some up a few weeks ago but then saw RS4 at 25% off at Tire Rack. I’ve been running them for the last year and really like them, so I couldn’t resist. Maybe I’ll get to the A052 late this year or at the start of the next season.

My wife has 5 days now on the A052. She’s in a 718 Cayman, so not really comparable for us, but they’re holding up well and probably have a couple days left. No tearing/chunking or overheating.

Outside shoulder is on the left in this photo.

Do you know how much camber on the Cayman ?

[bentom2]

Originally Posted by PLF69

Do you know how much camber on the Cayman ?

Yes, she’s running 2.5f/2.0 rear.

Since I posted the message you replied to, I did get a chance to try the A052 in 255/40f and 275/40r. These were a fair bit cheaper than the 265/35f 295/30 or 35 rear that most tend to run in these tires on the M2. They were roughly 3 seconds faster at Portland and Pacific vs my PB on the RS4 in 265/285. All were on the recommended Apex 9.5/10.5 18 inch wheel set.

I really liked that they had grip on lap one. The RS4 took 1.5 laps most of the time to get full grip. The A052 also let go more progressively, so it was easier to find their limits.

Tire live is night and day though. I get 10+ days on RS4 and replace them when they start to fall off. On the A052, I did one day of 8- 30 minute sessions at Pacific, 7-20 minute sessions at PIR, and a partially rainy open lapping day at the Ridge. There’s probably one day left on them. While that was technically three days, they were pretty long days, so let’s call them a 5 day tire in a normal 5-6 20 minute session day.

One standout worth mentioning was their rain performance, even as they were beyond 50% worn. I was able to keep up with a lot of folks that are normally faster than me, on either a wet or dry track, due to their confidence inspiring wet grip. I thought they were better than the PS4S that I normally throw on for cooler or wet days, but couldn’t compare times as we were running a new optional chicane. The RS4 is like ice skating when I’ve had them on for rainy track days.

Wear looks pretty even, but I might try increasing from 3.2 front camber to something closer to 3.5 next year. I’m still seeing a bit more outer edge wear than I’d like.

Overall, I’ll definitely run them again, but will likely experiment with some other tires next year to see if I can find something that splits the difference in cost, wet and dry handling, as well as tire life between the RS4 and A052.

[Gusman1]

Originally Posted by bentom2

Yes, she’s running 2.5f/2.0 rear.

Since I posted the message you replied to, I did get a chance to try the A052 in 255/40f and 275/40r. These were a fair bit cheaper than the 265/35f 295/30 or 35 rear that most tend to run in these tires on the M2. They were roughly 3 seconds faster at Portland and Pacific vs my PB on the RS4 in 265/285. All were on the recommended Apex 9.5/10.5 18 inch wheel set.

I really liked that they had grip on lap one. The RS4 took 1.5 laps most of the time to get full grip. The A052 also let go more progressively, so it was easier to find their limits.

Tire live is night and day though. I get 10+ days on RS4 and replace them when they start to fall off. On the A052, I did one day of 8- 30 minute sessions at Pacific, 7-20 minute sessions at PIR, and a partially rainy open lapping day at the Ridge. There’s probably one day left on them. While that was technically three days, they were pretty long days, so let’s call them a 5 day tire in a normal 5-6 20 minute session day.

One standout worth mentioning was their rain performance, even as they were beyond 50% worn. I was able to keep up with a lot of folks that are normally faster than me, on either a wet or dry track, due to their confidence inspiring wet grip. I thought they were better than the PS4S that I normally throw on for cooler or wet days, but couldn’t compare times as we were running a new optional chicane. The RS4 is like ice skating when I’ve had them on for rainy track days.

Wear looks pretty even, but I might try increasing from 3.2 front camber to something closer to 3.5 next year. I’m still seeing a bit more outer edge wear than I’d like.

Overall, I’ll definitely run them again, but will likely experiment with some other tires next year to see if I can find something that splits the difference in cost, wet and dry handling, as well as tire life between the RS4 and A052.

How's the stretch with those tire sizes on the 9.5/19.5 wheels? Any pics?
Any issues with sidewall rolling over since there's a lot more sidewall?

What sizes were you running on the RS4s?

[bentom2]

Originally Posted by Gusman1

How's the stretch with those tire sizes on the 9.5/19.5 wheels? Any pics?
Any issues with sidewall rolling over since there's a lot more sidewall?

What sizes were you running on the RS4s?

Stretch was less than the 245/265 OE Continentals on the OE wheels. The A052 is quite wide for its given size. Sidewalls appeared vertical to me as opposed to pinched or stretched.

The 255/275 40 series tire size is what came on the optional 18” wheels for the F80/82 if I’m not mistaken. No signs of the sidewall rolling over, though the added support of a wider wheel probably helped with that.

I’ll see if I can dig up some photos to give you some perspective.

Edit- added a couple photos. Not great, but what I had available. Not sure why, but the close up is upside down. At what is now the top right of that shot, I think you can see the lack of tire stretch. The wear triangle is also visible and unscathed. Hopefully bimmerpost doesn’t degrade the quality of the on track image too much to see the sidewall of the driver side tires. This is on the front straight, so no side loading of the tires to distort their shape.

[tropicatango]

The a052 are available in 255/35/19 and 275/35/19 in Europe

Hope we will get these size available for m2c soon in North America

[Gusman1]

Originally Posted by bentom2

Stretch was less than the 245/265 OE Continentals on the OE wheels. The A052 is quite wide for its given size. Sidewalls appeared vertical to me as opposed to pinched or stretched.

The 255/275 40 series tire size is what came on the optional 18" wheels for the F80/82 if I'm not mistaken. No signs of the sidewall rolling over, though the added support of a wider wheel probably helped with that.

I'll see if I can dig up some photos to give you some perspective.

Edit- added a couple photos. Not great, but what I had available. Not sure why, but the close up is upside down. At what is now the top right of that shot, I think you can see the lack of tire stretch. The wear triangle is also visible and unscathed. Hopefully bimmerpost doesn't degrade the quality of the on track image too much to see the sidewall of the driver side tires. This is on the front straight, so no side loading of the tires to distort their shape.

Yeah you're right there's really no tire stretch. Looks pretty good IMO.

Overall happy with the tires and how the car handles/grips?

I can see the outer edge wear, is 3.2 not enough camber or or something else going? Happening on both sides?

[bentom2]

Originally Posted by Gusman1

Yeah you're right there's really no tire stretch. Looks pretty good IMO.

Overall happy with the tires and how the car handles/grips?

I can see the outer edge wear, is 3.2 not enough camber or or something else going? Happening on both sides?

Probably a bit of over-driving them ad I figured out the limits, but I’m starting to wonder if there’s such a thing as enough camber on an M2. I think that was the outside front after day 1.

My thoughts on the tires are a couple posts up.

[Gusman1]

Originally Posted by bentom2

Probably a bit of over-driving them ad I figured out the limits, but I’m starting to wonder if there’s such a thing as enough camber on an M2. I think that was the outside front after day 1.

My thoughts on the tires are a couple posts up.

Doing some research and getting some feedback from members, so thanks for the feedback. Trying to decide between a tire setup like yours or running 265/35/18 & 295/30/18.

[tropicatango]

Originally Posted by tropicatango

The a052 are available in 255/35/19 and 275/35/19 in Europe

Hope we will get these size available for m2c soon in North America

Just sent email to yokohama asking if these size will be available soin in North America ?

Yokohama answer:

Thank you for your interest in Yokohama Tires.

At this time, we do not plan n making that size available in the US Market. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sincerely,
Consumer Affairs

This is sad