I don't like the 660s, they fall off fast in the heat. I'd rather just run rs4's and go like ... 2 seconds slower, but be able to deliver the same performance all the time.
In the super hot heat at TTNats, I know everyone that I talked to that ran them in my class got literally 2 hot laps (more like 1.5 for me) and then they got slower and slower (myself included). Good for TT-type competition I guess - especially for the price - but as a track rat I don't think they make a ton of sense. Who's time are you trying to beat other than your own?
I have time on the A052's, RT660 (not much tho), RE71R, Rival S 1.5, RS4's etc.
RT660's are quicker than RE71R's. Lots of testing confirms this (example: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/chartDisplay.jsp?ttid=255). To me, the RT660's perform best on the first 2-5 laps and then slowly fall off. They handle a 20 minute session better than RE71R's imho. Wear is slightly better than RE71R and A052. They are a great HPDE tire and can be used in some light compeition but just note the A052's still have a decent advantage in that department.
accordionfolder said:
I don't like the 660s, they fall off fast in the heat. I'd rather just run rs4's and go like ... 2 seconds slower, but be able to deliver the same performance all the time.
In the super hot heat at TTNats, I know everyone that I talked to that ran them in my class got literally 2 hot laps (more like 1.5 for me) and then they got slower and slower (myself included). Good for TT-type competition I guess - especially for the price - but as a track rat I don't think they make a ton of sense. Who's time are you trying to beat other than your own?
Does the feel of the tire change as you go slower? I find that they feel the same, so while the time is slower, the butt feel is the same and allow you to push through the session. I'd rather run these over an RS4 as you get faster ultimate pace, consistent feel, and great wear (given proper camber and pressures).
Looking at my data, my times did get slower through the session. However, I'm often able to set my fast lap outside lap 3 (one out lap, two flyers); my last 90 degree day at NJMP fast lap was lap 4 and I'm not conserving the tires the first 3 laps. Also, my Falkens were nearing 30 HC's this day, so I believe my tires were cycling out completely as every session was slower than the previous. I also think driver fatigue and self preservation play a bigger role to pace than the tire slowing down.
In reply to MINIzguy :
I think it's hard to improve as a driver with the inconsistency provided by those tires while you're not competing for anything. I drive with a driving club a lot, so many stints I do are 1+hours on track at a time, so the 660 is nearly worthless in those occurrences - though that's not the use case for most. Even if I'm only doing a few laps to try for a new PB they're on immediately and then fall off fast - I'm just not a fan and if you're not competing for anything - they don't have any particularly compelling features other than being cheap and fast for a single lap.
And if you're just trying to go fast for a single lap, just jump up to one of the new 100tw that are faster and way more consistence, as well as wear better.
Just my .02 - a lot of people love them.
In reply to accordionfolder :
That's interesting. I find these tires extremely consistent (no feel change) and work well through a 20-minute session. They're great for the SCCA TT format as their sessions are even shorter and keep the tires in their peak grip range.
In reply to MINIzguy :
What track temps, what car, what weight? Don't get me wrong, I've found them REALLY quick and when they're on, they feel great - the question was about track rats though, so if you're not competing I think rs4's are still king (or just bumping to one of the 100tw)
100% agree for TT or autoX i think they're great.
In reply to accordionfolder :
90 degree ambient, didn't stick a pyrometer to the ground for track temps though. BMW E36 at 3170 lbs with driver. I am a track rat, they're my TNIA tire, and I wouldn't switch to an RS4.
In reply to MINIzguy :
I wouldn't presume to tell you (or anyone) what tire to run! :)
Just offering my opinion to OP.
For what it's worth I've found the re71 equally unenjoyable to drive, but admittedly have limited experience with that one.
I'm in a 2100lb Miata, full aero, 245 40r15s. I've run them in 70* to 90* ambient. Found on truly clear laps they fall off fast and a cool down lap isn't enough to get their peak grip back, echoed by my competitors when I ran them at TTNats. They don't violently fall off, they just stop gripping up.
