Newbie needs tire advice please

Just picked up a 2016 GTI autobahn DSG with PP.

Needless to say, the all season Perelli tires bite the big one.

I'm looking for a tire that provides the following:

1. High amounts of dry traction is I intend to track the car as much as possible possibly 3 to 6 times per year.

2. Quick steering response and good road feel.

3. A reasonable amount of treadwear as I would like to get at least 20,000 miles out of them.

I'm currently used to Yokohama AD08 R's that I have on my 2003 S2000 which I like immensely but these tires will not give me 20,000 miles.

I Would like to hear from people regarding their personal experiences with certain tires and what they liked and didn't like along with their recommendations.

I'm considering Michelin pilot super sports but i'd like to know if there's something else I should consider.

Also, should I stay with the stock tire sizes or change sizes and why?

Any help is greatly appreciated before I spend $600-$1000.

Thanks in advance,

Randy

I just got the Pilot SS two weeks ago and I love them. From cornering to the traction I get from the dig. I am sure there are other good tires out there but these will be hard to beat. Tire rack and Costco both have good deals for them as well.

jhileman79 said:

I just got the Pilot SS two weeks ago and I love them. From cornering to the traction I get from the dig. I am sure there are other good tires out there but these will be hard to beat. Tire rack and Costco both have good deals for them as well.

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How is the steering response?
Also, about how much did you end up paying installed/out the door?

Sharp MK7 said:

How is the steering response?

Also, about how much did you end up paying installed/out the door?

Click to expand...

The steering feels light and very quick.

I get a 19% disc from TireRack.com through my work so I got Enkei Raijin and the Michelins shipped to me for $1500. They came mounted and balanced.

I am running a set of Bridgestone RE-11 High Performance Summer Tire.
The RE-11 has been around for several years.
Greatly improves grip and confidence on my GTI, but
I was surprised how well it drives as a daily driver. It also performs well in the rain.
I purchased them from Tirerack, USA. OE are 225/40R18 and I switched to 235/40R18.
The extra 10mm width is huge. Side by side it looks more like 25mm.
They also look good on the car. On the track it would be a benefit also.
Cost around $230-$250 each for the 235. 225 slightly less.
I run them on 8x18 OZ Leggera HLT rims/wheels.
I do not track car but reviews on Tirerack state it is a solid track tire with good wear.
You will need to switch to all seasons for the winter.

Bridgestone also makes the RE-71R. This is even more of a track tire
Look in my build thread for any pics and info on my new tires.
Link below.

Not sure if you can get but there is a new summer tire out by Fireatone.
Firestone Firehawk HP summer tire.
Lower cost than the Bridgestone RE-11 but tire design looks very similar.
Some have forum have installed and they like much over OE tire. Not sure about tracking.
I think cost under $150 each.

Sandman GTI said:

I am running a set of Bridgestone RE-11 High Performance Summer Tire.
The RE-11 has been around for several years.
Greatly improves grip and confidence on my GTI, but
I was surprised how well it drives as a daily driver. It also performs well in the rain.
I purchased them from Tirerack, USA. OE are 225/40R18 and I switched to 235/40R18.
The extra 10mm width is huge. Side by side it looks more like 25mm.
They also look good on the car. On the track it would be a benefit also.
Cost around $230-$250 each for the 235. 225 slightly less.
I run them on 8x18 OZ Leggera HLT rims/wheels.
I do not track car but reviews on Tirerack state it is a solid track tire with good wear.
You will need to switch to all seasons for the winter.

Bridgestone also makes the RE-71R. This is even more of a track tire
Look in my build thread for any pics and info on my new tires.
Link below.

Click to expand...

Would 235's have any clearance issues with fender clearance or any other issues?
Besides the advantages, what would be the disadvantages of running 235's?

Sharp MK7 said:

Would 235's have any clearance issues with fender clearance or any other issues?
Besides the advantages, what would be the disadvantages of running 235's?

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no issues and no disadvantages.. i am running 235 45 17 pss on track. the pss are very good on track but will not give you the grip of a re71 / 008r / star spec. but they do wear much longer..

i doubt you will get 20k mile out of a set of pss tires if you do more than 2 weekends on track..

the 6 to 8 event + 20k mile tire does not exist..

beers