Is there any cause for concern about getting more 245/35/18 710s? Tirerack shows out until next week. The set I am on have about 50 runs so I am ok for a few more events w/co-driver. Just concerned that this is a sign of a tire shortage from Kumho.

The sky is falling the sky is falling. Just trying to be an alarmist. We are running out of gas, the oceans are going to rise 25 feet in the next 10 years, my car gets bad mileage and burns oil!

 

Paging Chris Harvey!

I don't think there's anything to worry about. IIRC, in a previous thread Harvey mentioned that the new Kumho's were supposed to arrive at the Tirerack around April. So hopefully the new stock that's arriving next week is the new & improved V710!

 

I spoke with them directly yesterday. That size is being delayed for 4-6 weeks. Which totally sucks for me and Jon who run that size.

So I just ordered a set of 275/35/18 Hoosiers. They will be making their debut at the Fort Worth National Tour. I just hope we can dial them in one local event.

 

Is the new compound coming in in 4-6 weeks or the old?

 

I've been told by tire rack that only the new sizes that have been released for the V710 will carry the new shoulder design. All the old sizes will be the same as before.

 

Our understanding is the only tires that will have the new, square shape are the new size offerings that began with the 225/45r17 last fall. New sizes will be phased in throughout the summer. The currently available sizes will maintain the same design for the near future. Ratt's info on availablity of the 245/35r18 is the same info I have. Wish I had better news.

Chris
aka Trent@TireRack.com

 

It is because I have them all in my garage.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the information.

Come on Ulllose, aren't you going to sell all those tiny 245s and buy the 295s????

 

so ur the one! i saw ur name listed in a 2007solonationals.pdf

 

You'll find him in the #1 spot for B-stock for the 2005 - 2007 Solo Nationals results!

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....+Colored+Smoke

These are only $135. Maybe not fast but lots of style!

 

I hear Isley has been working hard on his drifting technique.....see last issue of Sportscar for photo proof. Jason....I'm sure we could work out an exchange if you are ready to make the change to colored smoke

Chris

 

But TeamRX8 has a pair.

 

Well with Rhys laid up someone had to step in.

DO NOT put those tires on a car or wheels you care about, they leave a colored residue that is nasty. The Corvette that went on the Kumho Street Warriorz tour, just for the purpose of doing a demo of these tires at each event, now has pink wheels from the red smoke residue.

 

Good to know. I wasn't even thinking about doing it.
I don't even want to know what breathing some of that smoke would do to you.

 

Aren't those the tires Jason uses/used for Rains? Red smoke in the rain.

 

Hoosiers, Kumhos...245, 285, 295...it all just doesn't matter, on the RX8...to paraphrase Lance Armstrong, "it's not about the tire"

We basically made zero changes to the car when going from the Kumho to the Hoosier and back again...and consistently were right at the top of BS times last year in the Tour events and Nationals, whether Matthew or myself...ok, more Matthew...

Jason, on the other hand, has stuck with the 245 Kumho, for many reasons. But, I know it isn't his tire choice that has led to being "Mr. Threepeat", it is purely his consistently fast driving and resultant confidence. He could have done it on Hoosiers, at least the last couple of years, I'm convinced.

I just don't see the RX8, in stock prep, being that sensitive to what should be "big" variables...tires in particular...the biggest deal seems to be getting more rebound in the shocks to fool the car into thinking it has more spring and optimizing alignment.

 

Another possible source for the V710 is : http://www.vilventires.com/ website is useless but the phone number works. A buddy of mine that had been waiting a month, actually missed SD and El Toro because he could not get a C5Z06 rear from anyone (his words) called Vilven and they had them in stock. No idea how they stack up on price or age of tires on hand.

 

Vilven are out in my neck of the woods and do a good deal of business with the local car clubs (CIR-SCCA, Heartland of Illinois and Champaign County Sports Car Club). They sponsor a championship series for CIR-SCCA and give a set of tires to first place.

I can't speak to prices or ages but they are highly recommended locally for customer service.

 

Thanks for the link Ulllose

I like the way the Kumhos wear compared to the Hoosiers for the same basic price. I am not out of tire yet but I also don't to wait too long.

 

Yep, the Kumhos wear very well...they're an amazing tire. My last set still shows a little bit of groove, even with right at 100 runs! I believe EDJ has been getting pretty similar wear from the 245 HoHo, but the larger A6 sizes are all done at 70 runs or so, it seems.

 

Vilven is a great source for tires ...

 

The Hankook Z214 C51 or C71 has been redesigned and are just as fast.

 

What are you basing that statement on? I've yet to see anyone, in any Solo II class, show any evidence that the Hankook is competitive...

 

it's posted on teh intrawebs, it must be true ....