cnano8

iTrader: (1)

So my 225 NT01s are pretty much slicks at this point so I’m looking to pickup a new set of tires soon. I’m going to go down to a 205 size and was contemplating moving to a Toyo RR or possibly just a new set of 205 NT01s. I liked the NT01s for their overall grip, minimal fade and long life coming from Ventus RS3s.

I noticed some good reviews with the Goodyear SC3Rs but they’re mainly on heavy cars (Camaros, Vettes etc) anyone try these out? Also how did they compare to other tires you have ran? Coming in at $150 a tire they seem like a decent deal although I’m assuming the life cycle won’t be anywhere near as long as NT01s or even RRs. This is for a trailered track car btw.

emilio700

iTrader: (3)

GRM tested the SC3 (200tw) and Trofeo R (40tw) a few issues ago. Word from a very reliable source that actually does controlled tire testing is the the SC3R is currently the fastest 100tw available. They're cheap too, but no 225/45 or 245/40/15. Just 205/50/15.
We have a set of 255/35/18 SC3R on 18x10's for Blub, our 86 project car. haven't run them yet. A few years ago we ran the 305 & 325/19 SC3R on our GT350 and they were nearly Hoosier fast and also fast wearing. At that time, they were the fastest non-Hoosier DOT tires I have ever driven on.

NT01's will definitely last much longer than either of these though. RS4, when you can find them, or still the most bang for the buck. Although the new Falken RT660 appears to be super fast and quite affordable.

cnano8

iTrader: (1)

Awesome thanks for the reply. I’m going to give the SC3Rs a try. My TT class had some adjustments made on the points system this year. These tires will max me out in my class perfectly with the ability to still cut up to 20lbs of weight.

apexanimal

sc3r's are really really fast, and behave more like a true slick - they're fast.

cnano8

iTrader: (1)

Great I’m looking forward to providing you guys with some hard data on lap times over my 225 NT01s.

emilio700

iTrader: (3)

You'll be testing the two same size sticker tires back-to-back on the same day, same wheel width?

cnano8

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately no but I will post all data I have available. I’m using a AIM system and have a decent amount of data on the 225 NT01s at my local tracks in various conditions. I always makes notes after each session within AIM. My class spec width is 205 which is the main driver for me going down from 225 due to points. I’ll be curious to see if a more sticky tire although smaller will be as fast or faster than my 15x9 225 NT01s.

emilio700

iTrader: (3)

Just clarifying, not really "hard data". A data point perhaps, but impossible to draw direct comparisons from any results. No offense intended

As you were.

cnano8

iTrader: (1)

No problem, none taken. Thanks for your input as always.

cnano8

iTrader: (1)

New stickers showed up today

cnano8

iTrader: (1)

Ok wow these tires are definitely fast. Let me preface this by saying I was only able to get about 5 laps on them before I heard a pretty loud growling under hard braking from the front right. Long story short my wheel bearing was giving up and ended the day for me. I wouldn't even consider this a "test" more like a quick sample. I will do a more comprehensive review once I get the wheel bearing fixed up.

Track length - 1.6mi
Ambient temps - 65*f
Hot PSI (both Nittos and SC3Rs) - 38 to 39psi
Race weight with me in full gear - 2459lbs

225 NT01s on 15x9 - consecutive 1:24:8x - 1:24:9x laps pushing pretty dang hard, low 1:25s taking it a bit easier more like how I drove the SC3Rs.
205 SC3Rs on 15x7 - 3 easy scrub laps then gradually picking up the pace and doing around 5 semi hard laps 1:23:5x - 1:23:7x, without a doubt these have a substantial amount of time left on the table.

Initial impressions - SC3Rs took a bit longer to come up to temp than the Nittos although I dont know if that was just the release compound being scrubbed off the surface of the new tire. I was expecting the car to have less feel during turn in due to the 7" wide wheel vs the tiny stretch on the 225 9" wheel but I did not really notice this, maybe slightly but negligible. I cant speak to the feel of these yet when pushed to their limit (if they get greasy, how they break away etc). For sure they had more grip under braking, I was able to get harder on the brakes and later before they wanted to lock up. I set cold psi to come upto around 39psi when hot to match my Nittos just to compare. I asked Goodyear and they gave me the legal response of use what your car manufacturer recommends for psi.. Nitto recommended high 30s hot for the NT01s. I have previously tried everything from 32-41psi hot on the Nittos and I personally like high 30s the best actually. Too low of psi or too high resulted in a clearly greasy feeling after a few laps. In any case I look forward to really leaning on these but im also just as curious as to how they wear.

emilio700

iTrader: (3)

Get a pyrometer

cnano8

iTrader: (1)

Forgot it at home like a jackass lol. This is actually the same el cheapo setup you had recommended 👍. To make it easy for everyone I put the amazon links below.

Jakub Šrot

Have you already had more experience with the 3Rs? I'm considering to buy a set of these (245 x 9 r17) but I was wondering the same, if the tires are ok for such a light car. I have naturally aspirated ND 2019 (no turbo).

cnano8

iTrader: (1)

Yes I finished off that set right at the end of last season. I moved down to the Nankang CR1 this season due to classing points with my time trial group. The SC3Rs were assigned even more points coming into this season because of how fast they were. They are a very good tire and I would buy them again. They do take a couple laps to come up to temp and offer zero grip on the out lap when cold so you really need to pay attention, I can’t stress this enough. I would go so far to say that my Hoosier SM7.5s offer more cold grip than the SC3Rs. The flip side to this is they don’t overheat over a 20 minute session on track unless you’re really sliding the car a lot which you shouldn’t be. They wear incredibly fast, maybe the fastest wearing tire I have tried. I did notice that they slowed down slightly as they got more heat cycles on them but the first 2-4 heat cycles are very fast, very close to Hoosier fast with equivalent heat cycles. I would say give them a try I don’t think you will be disappointed.