I'm currently building up a Lotus Europa as a bit of a track toy. I have a nice set of original 13"x6" Revolutions. I'm not sure if I want to step up to a full on race tire until I learn the car.
Does anyone have experience with the Sumitomo HTR 200 tire? They seem to have a pretty good reputation and they come in a good variety of treadwiths and aspects. Thanks in advance.
Compared to the compounds, thread patterns and imbedded technology found on other 16" and larger high performance tires, you'll find the HTR200 very average, in all respects. The only thing not average is the price. The set I have on my X1/9 ran me $41 a piece.
I forgot to add, that evaluation seems to be very universal across many automotive boards where the HTR200 was discussed.
Might you be better off buying some 14x6 wheels and running a higher performance tire than the HTR200s? There ought to be some good 185/60/14 stuff available. just a thought because 13" choices are pretty limited.
DeadSkunk wrote: Might you be better off buying some 14x6 wheels and running a higher performance tire than the HTR200s? There ought to be some good 185/60/14 stuff available. just a thought because 13" choices are pretty limited.
I've thought about looking for some 14 or 15" rims but the Revolutions just look so right on the Europa.
A set of Toyo RA1s or R888s would work fine. They make a 185/60-13" in both tires. Neither is cheap (about $137 each) but both nice easy tires to learn on.....predictable with very high limits.
Especially if you don't plan on running a lot of miles on that car. I've driven RA1s on the street (Miata). Wear was higher than a normal tire but not real excessive.
Links:
http://www.frisbyracetire.com/proddetail.php?prid=82&subcatid=6
http://www.frisbyracetire.com/proddetail.php?prid=41&subcatid=7
I have a set of the Sumi HTR200s on my street-cruiser MGB and I ran them on my old autocross car (Sprite). As was stated above, a very average tire. Cheap, long-wearing (hard) and nothing to get too excited about.
I like the Revolutions, but if it were me, I'd put Sumitomos on them for the street and find something else for track time. With the Toyos available, that would be a great choice. I had 6 RA1s for my SpecMiata. I ran them for 2 complete seasons (36 races of 10-12 laps + qualifying) and the guy who bought the car from me managed another 4 or 5 weekends before they finally corded out. They're a great track day tire. The Sumitomos won't last that long, so you'd end up buying more than one set. Get the Toyos and a second set of wheels, unlless annual mileage is going to be low, then put Toyos on the Revolutions.
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