Falken Azenis RT660 Tire Review Autocross Test in Large Sizes - AutoXandTrack Ep. 20

[@AutoXandTrack]

Review Update! Now that I've run these tires in a variety of conditions and I've driven on sticker versions twice I did want to add one important public correction to the above video. The first lap behavior that was so impressive to me in this review appears mainly occur on hot days. On mild temperature days the tire still wants some heat to work so for me the first lap is typically off pace compared to lap 2 and 3. That said, now that I've run a number of events on these tires I'm still quite impressed by them. Longer than expected tread life and great performance potential.

[@AlinB1108]

If you’ve had a chance to run through a set, wondering how many runs you got out of a set.

[@buntai8547]

so what is the approximate milage you'll get out of these

[@AutoXandTrack]

@@AlinB1108 I haven’t worn out my first set yet. They got transferred to My Mustang and are still going strong with 40+ autocross laps and about 3 hours of road course lapping. The last autocross took more runs to get them hot enough to grip well again. I’m not sure if that’s because I heat cycled them so hard on the track or if they would have heat cycled out of bleeding edge competitiveness just from autocross.

[@AutoXandTrack]

@@buntai8547 I don’t know. It’s not a regular cruiser as I mainly drive the car to/from events.

[@evoviiiyou831]

Thanks I’ve heard people on KZbin not like them in the smaller sizes so this is great as I own a 09 ZO6 that I run the R888 on and a 06 SL65 AMG that I run these Rt660’s on. 22 laps with still 6/32’s is impressive. For me this 660 is the wider street and track best tire for dry use bar none! Thx again

[@1tonystunts]

Can you a in the Paddock of your own car? That would be cool. Full review

[@rickmortimer7143]

Sorry if I missed it but what target hot pressure track not autoX did you rind th 660 liked? First set on car for next weekend. 34-35 PSI on my 615k+ heard the 660 might like a little less. 500RWHP 3400lbs car

[@quikspecv4d]

I just put these on my modded Fiesta ST. 215/40/17. I have only driven a few miles but I do agree they grip better than the 615+. I’m pretty happy with them so far.

[@simeonwasonga8710]

I can’t wait to order them for my FiST I’m On the RT615k+ in same sizing now.

[@marcuswynn89]

onde voce vai? falando portugues?

[@AutoXandTrack]

A familia da minha espousa falam Português. Eu falo um poco e estamos ensinando nossa filha.

[@marcuswynn89]

@@AutoXandTrack que bom mano, eu estou aprendendo português. Eu comprei falken RT660 por meu skyline gtr também!

[@danieldelpha1315]

Thanks for the review

[@gregback1566]

Just found your video, which is great by the way. Now that you have a full season or so on these, how much do you think the Rival S 1.5 is off the RT660 on a 60 second course? Curious as I used to like the RE71R for it's crispness and am now running the Rival S 1.5 and like how forgiving it is. Considering the 660 for my CAMC Mustang in either 305/30R19 or 315/30R19 size for this year.

[@AutoXandTrack]

I never did a back to back test on the Rival vs the RT660. But it’s clear the latest crop of 200tw including the 660 is faster. Equal drivers in equal prepped cars you will have a hard time beating a 660 if you are on Rivals. Probably at least 3 tenths slower on a 60 second course. Maybe even half a second? Really depends on the course too.

[@gregback1566]

@@AutoXandTrack Thank you so much for the response.

[@cwmotorsports4497]

I am really considering trying this tire. Thanks for real world testing and results and not be too biased. Love the channel as I am tying to get some more autocross experience and good videos out there on my channel. CW

[@Lateralgrip]

how wide a wheel do u have these tires mounted on? Looking to get a set but I have a rear tire width of 12" and Falken only has the tire rates up tob11.5" Thanks..

[@AutoXandTrack]

I personally have them mounted on an 11” wheel. But they fit great on a 12” wheel. I have 3 friends who have all run them on 12” wheels with a lot of success.

[@stephenriner8712]

Nice SV Delos shirt there at the end, i have the same one. Good tire review also

[@AutoXandTrack]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm a big SV Delos Fan!

[@FairladyS130]

How are these on the lateral limit? Do they give much warning that they are about to let go? I do road course so high speed corner handling is most important and involves getting useful feedback, aural or otherwise. Your advice would be much appreciated.

[@AutoXandTrack]

They don’t give as much audible feedback as the 615k+. I find it depends on the surface. Smooth and fresh asphalt I might get some chirping or squealing but old and rough asphalt not so much. The breakaway laterally is easy to catch in a balanced car. I find that it’s easier to find the lateral limits without going over than finding the longitudinal limits. These tires reward smooth drivers and punish jerky drivers. Especially throttle wise.

[@cdres74]

Thoughts on these vs the BFG Rival S 1.5? I am thinking about moving to these on my GT3 (265/315 setup)

[@AutoXandTrack]

These are faster than the Rivals S. And I’m not the only one that thinks so. Both Tire Rack and Grassroots did tests that show them being faster. Rival S is still a good tire. Just depends on how bleeding edge you want to be. I believe these are also cheaper than the Rivals. But I haven’t checked in the last 6 months.

[@cdres74]

AutoXandTrack the BFG and me get along well. Mostly because I like the ability to use their like if slip angle. How are these vs the RE71. I didn’t like the REs “edgy” feel and that’s why I liked the Rival. But I’m extremely tempted to jump in on the 660s

[@AutoXandTrack]

Good question. The RT660 is closer to the RE71 in feel. They can handle some slip angle but benefit from inputs that don’t generate a lot of it. If you are shopping around, the A052 is more tolerant of slip angle like the Rival.

[@cdres74]

AutoXandTrack the Yoko isn’t offered in sizes to fit the GT3 appropriately. Sadly

[@bstafford11]

Thanks to you Chad, Dan Wilcox is now a KZbin sensation! Great tire review, too!

[@jonathanround8637]

Putting on my BT focus ST RUNNING THE k20r Kaiser and they’re hard to find at 245 40 18

[@AlinB1108]

Saw GRM say these like higher psi than say RE71. Has anyone experienced that and how many psi higher did you settle at?

[@utoobia]

I went straight from RE’s (305) to RT’s (315) and the sweet spot stayed the same, 28 psi square. This was strictly for autocross, on an S550 Mustang, and I did experiment quite a bit with pressures.

[@RacingByrds]

Nice work against a very tough crowd!!! Round 2 is right around the corner so seeing where the times end up will tell a lot!!!

[@3rdGenGuy]

I ended up going with the pricey A052s due to their better cold weather behavior especially rain during events 1/2 my events are 60F overcast with mild rain so. Do i want to pay $410 a tire? Hell Naaaaaa

[@AutoXandTrack]

They are expensive for sure!

[@time_on_target]

How does this compare to the A052, Rival S 1.5, and the RE-71R? I'm heading to LS Fest at NCM and have been debating between these tires. I hadn't been considering the Falken but curious if the 660 is as fast. Thanks

[@AutoXandTrack]

I haven’t done back to back testing against any of those tires yet. Having driven them all at least once, my subjective opinion after only one event is that the RT660 is faster than 2 of 3 of those tires. I don’t have enough seat time on the 3rd to say. If I get the chance to test back to back I will.

[@PhilthyHorseRacing]

Which 2 of the 3?🤔

[@spencer2652]

@@PhilthyHorseRacing Yokohama is the fastest.

[@mheinrichs]

What does your Camaro weigh, and what cold/hot tire pressures did you settle on? I run the same size on my C5Z so this review is of much interest. Thank you.

[@AutoXandTrack]

Camaro is ~3,450 with driver. I was experimenting with pressures but generally running higher pressures. Around 36 / 34 hot.

[@mheinrichs]

@@AutoXandTrack Thank you! That is good information to know 👍

[@utoobia]

So I heard you say no camber in the rear. How much up front? Thanks

[@utoobia]

And I assume you’ve gotten a lot more experience with the 660s now.....How do you like them now? Great job with the vid!

[@AutoXandTrack]

@@utoobia around 3*. I’m still a big fan of these tires.

[@simeonwasonga8710]

A052’s come in 315/30 also , it’s a shame RE71R isn’t bigger. The Rival S 1.5 makes me curious too. It’s nice to see Falken putting up a fight for the 200 treadwear!

[@utoobia]

FYI, the RE-71R has been discontinued. Some left now, but going fast.

[@utoobia]

Nice! I assume you’ve been through a few sets by now. How many runs are you getting out them before grip begins to fall off?

[@AutoXandTrack]

I’ve discovered that it depends a lot on the surface you run on. Generally competitive and capable of wins and high PAX finishes up to 80-100 runs. But one of the lots I run is very low grip. The top layer of asphalt is gone and the aggregate rocks are exposed. There, grip starts falling off after only 50 laps. And by 60-70 it’s hard to win.

[@utoobia]

@@AutoXandTrack Man, thanks for the quick reply. I’m at 60 runs on my first set and have been a bit worried. I’m going to be competing club’s overall championship, and don’t want to start off with reduced grip. Gotta wait 5 weeks for the new set of 315’s. Good luck this season!

[@roguegeek]

I'm planning on running these on my second-gen and about to order wheels. It's been several months now since this video. Do you still feel the 11.5" wheel width is the sweet spot for the RT660 at 315?

[@rustysausage69]

the amount of clearance you have between the wheel/tire and your suspension stuff is a bit more important, but if you can fit wider then ALWAYS go wider.

[@danielfranco1728]

Whats the life off this tires?

[@AutoXandTrack]

Depends on use. Total autocross laps, street miles, track days etc.? What type of driving do you do?

[@howardfry419]

Thank you ! I've been on the fence for my next set for my 18 ZL1 1LE CAMARO. I have such a difficult time with the rear-end walking out, especially on long sweepers. Q: what pressures were you running? Any other input you have would be greatly appreciated. I'm in CAMC Class. HMF aka "DUCK"

[@rustysausage69]

35-40 is the range you should be looking at, an infrared lazer thermometer will let you know what the car likes in terms of pressure as well as what it wants for alignment. I ran 45PSI on my chevelle and had even wear and decently even outside/middle/inside tire temperatures, though that was on 17" wheels and a very very aggressive alignment.

[@DemonWorks]

Proof is in the pudding ! Very nice !

[@lucaswarren5947]

From measurements I can find it looks like the 660's run pretty wide. I'm running a 10.5" wheel, after watching your video and seeing the way it fits on your 11's, would it be safe to say that I'd probably be better off with the 285?

[@AutoXandTrack]

The run widish but the wheel size will make a big difference. I think a 12” is ideal for these in 315. But I personally haven’t tested 315’s on a 10.5.

[@utoobia]

You should be fine with 295. Maybe even 305. For those at 315, you want at least 11” wheels.

[@turbovolvos40]

As far as street acceleration in a very powerful car, would you recommend the rt660 or maybe something else? I don't want to get anything below 100 treadwear.

[@AutoXandTrack]

I’ve had a few people ask me that question. A top competitive 200tw tire like the RT660 will give you better forward bite than any other high performance tire not specifically designed for street tire competition. But it’s still not going to work as well as a street legal drag radial if all you care about is forward bite.

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Have you tried the Cup 2s??

[@AutoXandTrack]

I have not. And because Michelin makes multiple models with cup 2 in the name I’m not even sure which ones you are talking about. Most of the events I run require 200 or above tread wear which rules out most of Michelin’s tires.

[@rustysausage69]

SCCA excludes Pilot Sport Cup 2's from their 200TW tire allowances in the CAM-T class.

[@Kyle-pl6rl]

How long does a set of tires last during a competition season?

[@AutoXandTrack]

That’s a great question. I’ve seen reports that vary wildly in the smaller sizes. Some claiming some pretty high wear rates. So much so, that I was pleasantly surprised on how well these wore across the first 22 laps. It will take me a few months to wear these out with all the races cancelled this year.

[@Kyle-pl6rl]

AutoXandTrack Interesting. How many races would you do in a normal season? I’m looking to get into autocross eventually.

[@AutoXandTrack]

@@Kyle-pl6rl I'm not what I consider a typical autocross enthusiast. I do a lot of events. 20-30 autocross days a year plus 5+ time attack days a year. I go through 2-4 sets of tires a year depending heavily on the amount of road course track time. A typical autocrosser that only competes with their local SCCA region can easily do a whole season/year on a single set of tires.

[@Kyle-pl6rl]

AutoXandTrack Super cool. I appreciate the reply and look forward to more videos!

[@THEKINGOUWANTIT]

Would you recommend them for the front tires in a drifting atmosphere?

[@AutoXandTrack]

On the front they would be great. On the rear I don’t think they will last as long as you would want.

[@ThatGuy-xd5fs]

Cool!

[@djdj-qx3hb]

Why don't you talk while the tires in action

[@AutoXandTrack]

What do you mean? Why don’t I talk while driving a competitive autocross lap?

[@mg_streetkandi]

Right tool for the job..🏁👍

[@jay.0621]

Have u tried R888s?

[@AutoXandTrack]

I did one event on them 5+ years ago before I was a very good driver. As they aren’t 200tw and therefore not legal in the events I compete in I stopped using them.

[@utoobia]

Not a good choice for autocross. They won’t heat up for you. They like to be 180°-190°. They are a straight track tire.

[@midnite8791]

The Dan fan club shirts hahaha