[s-cars] Re: T1-S's (was what is the optimum tire size for 17x8 wheel)

[Rich Letsinger]

I have to backup Keith on this one.  I got a set of T1S tires to
replace a set of AVS Sports a while back.  On the street they were
grippy, quiet and comfy.  My first track day on them was wet and they
were fine.  After another couple months of street driving I went to
SIR in Seattle for a dry track day and the tires chunked just like
Keith described.  The lugs actually tore off the carcass of the tire
exposing the belting and it ended my day early.  $800 later I was back
on AVS Sports which held up on my next SIR day just great, even at
full tread depth.

When they raced on these tires in the World Challenge, they shaved
them to 2/32 nds to prevent this chunking.  Which, for street driving,
drastically shortens life and ruins wet weather performance.  If your
driving includes track time, do not get the T1S.

Rich