[alkatraz]

Sorry if this is a repost but I searched and didn't find anything all that recent on this topic that wasn't specifically for "just dry". Tire tech seems to be changing frequently so looking for recent experiences.

Background:
I live in the pacific northwest and it rains 10 months of the year. I need to be able to get to the track safely (the best track is 300 miles away) and there's a good chance that it will rain on the track day.

I don't have the facilities to be swapping wheels/tires all the time. I did 3 track days this year + 2 autox. Planning to do ~10 track days next year. I'm currently on the OEM rims and rubber but have purchased forged rims (below) and need tires.

Setup:

• 2019 M2 Competition
• APEX VS-5RS wheels
• 19x9.5" ET28
• 19x10.5" ET45
• Bilstein Clubsport Suspension

From my research here I've read that I should keep the OEM 20mm difference between front and back. Beyond that, I'm reading a lot of conflicting opinions on what would be best for a largely track but also wet weekender combo.

Thank you in advance!

[DanG]

I would go with Michelin PS4Ss in 255/35/19 and 275/35/19.

[Track/S]

I would put the maximum possible widths, untouched rear camber.

Front 265/275
Rear 295/305

[DanG]

Originally Posted by Prodrive_X

I would put the maximum possible widths, untouched rear camber.

Front 265/275
Rear 295/305

If those widths were for 265/275/35/19 they would rub.

[ZM2]

255/35/19 & 275 or 285/35/19 RE-71RS. Prob won’t find a better arrive & drive track/wet tire setup.

Also, I keep sending people to the chart at the bottom of this article: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/ar...-buyers-guide/

We all have different track day tire wants/needs, and this is a good way to start narrowing the possibilities.

[alkatraz]

Originally Posted by ZM2

.
Also, I keep sending people to the chart at the bottom of this article: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/ar...-buyers-guide/

Amazing. Thank you!

[DanG]

Originally Posted by ZM2

255/35/19 & 275 or 285/35/19 RE-71RS. Prob won’t find a better arrive & drive track/wet tire setup.

Also, I keep sending people to the chart at the bottom of this article: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/ar...-buyers-guide/

We all have different track day tire wants/needs, and this is a good way to start narrowing the possibilities.

If you read the write up on the Michelin PS4S then you will see why I recommended them. It is the tire I am running and have used on track days. I am running 255/35/19 and 275/35/19 on BBS wheels that are 19X9.5 and 19X10.5.

You definitely don’t want Michelin CUP2 tires because the suck in the rain.

[ZM2]

Originally Posted by DanG

If you read the write up on the Michelin PS4S then you will see why I recommended them. It is the tire I am running and have used on track days. I am running 255/35/19 and 275/35/19 on BBS wheels that are 19X9.5 and 19X10.5.

You definitely don’t want Michelin CUP2 tires because the suck in the rain.

I hear ya. I’ve run 4S on many dry, wet, and snow track days. The problem is they just don’t hold up on mostly dry weekends and get a bit boring with their grip level.

If you Pacific NW guys see 5/10 days wet, I’d go 4S. Otherwise, grab some more dry grip with something like the 71RS which is still a great wet tire.

[DLEFTY]

Based on exactly what you desire OP, the Sport 4S tires, 255/35-19 front and 275/35-19 rear is what you are after.

[ZM2]

I’ll add that it also depends on the type of rain you mostly get. The old RE-71R was a decent bit quicker than the 4S in light-med rain. And, the 71RS is even quicker than the 71R in the wet.

If you start to get rivers or large puddles, that’s when you want the 4S.

It doesn’t make any sense to keep PSS/4S on both sets of wheels. Run the PSS/4S on the street and track weekends that look like heavy rain. Run the 71RS for dry & light/med rain track weekends.

That’s the whole point in having two sets of wheels/tires!

[Expert@ApexWheels]

Originally Posted by ZM2

I’ll add that it also depends on the type of rain you mostly get. The old RE-71R was a decent bit quicker than the 4S in light-med rain. And, the 71RS is even quicker than the 71R in the wet.

If you start to get rivers or large puddles, that’s when you want the 4S.

It doesn’t make any sense to keep PSS/4S on both sets of wheels. Run the PSS/4S on the street and track weekends that look like heavy rain. Run the 71RS for dry & light/med rain track weekends.

That’s the whole point in having two sets of wheels/tires!

I'd also echo this point. 255/35-19 f and 275/35-19 R can work on the OE wheels and would be a good option for the Michelin PS4S. For the wider set, I think a 200TW track-oriented compound would give you more enjoyment on dry days and depending on tire can work in light rain. Swapping sets based on a weather report might not be your cup of tea, but picking up a cheap jack and doing just that makes more sense than owning 2 sets of wheels that have the same tires mounted.

If on the other hand, you plan to sell the OE wheels and run only the VS-5RS, then I think the PS4S makes sense as a do-it-all option and we list various sizes that can work on the fitment guide as well: https://support.apexraceparts.com/hc...-Fitment-Guide

-Tom

[Track/S]

Originally Posted by Expert@ApexRaceParts

I'd also echo this point. 255/35-19 f and 275/35-19 R can work on the OE wheels and would be a good option for the Michelin PS4S. For the wider set, I think a 200TW track-oriented compound would give you more enjoyment on dry days and depending on tire can work in light rain. Swapping sets based on a weather report might not be your cup of tea, but picking up a cheap jack and doing just that makes more sense than owning 2 sets of wheels that have the same tires mounted.

If on the other hand, you plan to sell the OE wheels and run only the VS-5RS, then I think the PS4S makes sense as a do-it-all option and we list various sizes that can work on the fitment guide as well: https://support.apexraceparts.com/hc...-Fitment-Guide

-Tom

I don't understand why people buy wider wheels and then use tires that fit perfectly on oem rims.

[ZM2]

Originally Posted by Prodrive_X

I don't understand why people buy wider wheels and then use tires that fit perfectly on oem rims.

Normally I’d agree with you (I run 275 & 295/305 on 18” EC-7R’s), but per the OP’s request what capable track/wet tire would you run in those widths?

A 255 & 275/285 71RS setup will be quicker in the dry and light-med rain than a 265 & 295 4S setup.

[Track/S]

Originally Posted by ZM2

Normally I’d agree with you (I run 275 & 295/305 on 18” EC-7R’s), but per the OP’s request what capable track/wet tire would you run in those widths?

A 255 & 275/285 71RS setup will be quicker in the dry and light-med rain than a 265 & 295 4S setup.

I agree, but that size can be mounted on oem wheels.

[Kuervers]

265/35r19 fit up front with camber. Like the 265/285 combo

[alkatraz]

I had challenges getting sizes and 71RS was hard to get here.

I went with,
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 100(Y) BSW XL
255/35-19
275/35-19

I figure I can always swap the PS4S onto my oem wheels next spring and then will likely try out the 71RS on these track wheels. I have -3 camber up front so may well go with the wider setups recommended here.

Thanks!