I was wondering what would you autocross guys suggest for good traction on the street?

Right now, the car is an A4 with ~350 at the wheels. In spring, this will change to an M6 with about 400.

As far as suspension is concerned, the car has the SLP level II suspension, (bilstein/eibach) front strano swaybar, all 4 poly endlinks, and poly motor/tranny mounts. That's it.
Gears will probably be 3.90s.

The tires are 275/40/17s (goodyears) but I do not get any traction at all (I think they're a little old) so I'll be looking at getting some better/new tires. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

I'm not an autocross guy, but I can tell you that some 295s/305s/315s on all four wheels would make a huge difference. The more tire you have in contact with the ground the more traction and stability you have through the turns.
But you probably need wider wheels to fit any of those tires. 9.5's up front and 10.5's in the back, would probably make a world of difference. Hell, there are a few people that have 10.5's all around, lol. But I don't know about actual tires, lol.

 

Nitto RII's. They'll make a bigger difference than any suspension mod you can make.

 

Thanks guys.

John,
do they offer those tire in 315/35/17? I looked at tires.com and they only have them in 275/40/17. Do I want these on all 4 corners?
Thanks.

 

I didn't realize you were looking for 315's. Unfortunately, they don't make RII's in that size yet. I use 275's all around. Many have had good luck with RII's in front and 315 DR's on the rear, even on roadcourses.

 

Ion, *YOU* ought to know you're not going to have any traction anyway...!

With my stock LT1 I can still roast a V710 Kumho!!

 

Easy, nitto 555Rs. They make them in both 275/and 315. the width doesnt make a HUGE difference, but the type of tire does.

even with 700+rwhp, my Nitto 555Rs (aka, nitto "DR") hooked up great, and handle great too.

 

OK so then Nitto 555Rs for the back and 555RIIs for fronts? Would that work??

 

Iwouldn't know about that combo. But Ive been told the only difference between the types is construction , tread compound is the same.

Me i've ran RII tire all the way around since its inception . I really do like this tire. Its short lived with me ,Iget about 8000 miles out of before replacement.

Also itsucks for any type of wet driving besides damp pavement.

 

i have plain nitto555 all around, love them

 

But remember if you run with the SCCA and decide to autocross on them, they're illegal. FWIW.

 

Toyo RA-1 or Yokohama A32R are some alternatives you can also look into. They wont last as long though, but I have heard of people using these as street tires.

Yokohama should be bring the ADVAN Neova tires to the US for 2005. I've heard that they are very very good tires.