best bang for the buck?

[bobbyo]

For better performance on the track, what is better...HPPF package with stasis exhaust or wheels and tires? this is for a 4.2L. Can't get both right now.

[desperado]

Almost certainly it would be wheels and tires.

Of course the best upgrade is to the driver so you can make good use of the grip and power you already have. You can't go wrong with extra coaching!

Don't know your experience level, but you should be cautious with tire upgrades if you are just starting out. Read the Tracking Your R8 thread for more info.

[KfabR8]

I'm with desperado on this one: Definitely tires and wheels.

[drifting]

I always ran different tyres on track but I found having a driving coach great with there advice I lost about loads of time and it was a lot smoother ride

There well worth it imo.

[SteveR]

Tires yes, but wheels? You may find wheels you like better but you will be hard pressed to finds wheels that offer a significant performance increase over the stock wheels, unless you are thinking of putting on 18s. The stock wheels are pretty light.

[Arantor]

You may find wheels you like better but you will be hard pressed to finds wheels that offer a significant performance increase over the stock wheels, unless you are thinking of putting on 18s.

That's not true. Going with ATS Racelight 19" and Pirelli Trofeo and it is more than significant!!! 18" just make sense if your are going with slicks (not necessary for me cause not allowed here, even on trackdays), or rebuild the Audi from AWD to RWD.

For more performance on track, i would go like this (and in this order/priority):
1. Reduce weight!!!
2. Brakes
2. Suspension
3. Tires + Wheels
4. Aerodynamic
5. Engine

You just need to ask - why need 600hp if a Porsche GT3 RS with over 200kg less then you starts breaking when your brakes start fading? And is going around the corner nearly twice as fast as you, and this all with much less horsepower and a smaller engine?

[Europrice]

Obviously in a world where not everyone can reduce weight heavily on their street/fun car the focus should be on getting enough traction until you have brake issues.

So look at getting traction levels up, tires are your first stop. Wheels are a preference, if you want to go with genuine race rubber look at 18" wheels as well.

The next upgrade traction wise would be suspension, but it's not a popular item with the R8 it seems as the factory suspension seems to handle things well. There is always doing something lesser than a full coilover system such as the STaSIS springs and sway.

Even with just tires you will definitely need better front brake pads, proper race pads, but if you drive particularly hard or hit tracks that are hard on brakes you may be looking at a rotor upgrade such as the STaSIS front/rear upgrade with proper race pads.

Since most people aren't apt to do big aero changes on these cars you are then looking at power upgrades.

It really does depend on how hard you want to modify the car and I've looked at it in terms of you doing occasional track days but wanting a perfectly streetable car for use off the track. Mind you an exhaust is a weight savings of nearly half the weight of a factory exhaust, plus the sound is to die for.

If I were you I'd get the STaSIS exhaust and some good rubber for your factory wheels. If you had a larger budget look at the exhaust, 18" wheels and R-compound tires. Having separate wheels with track tires is a nice thing so you can swap on and off without having to use factory wheels with proper rubber on the street. Then the best mod is to get on track with a great set of instructors.

If you wanted assistance with any STaSIS items or needed help with wheel/tire choices you can always PM or email me: contact@europrice.us

Cheers,

[SteveR]

@Arantor
I don't disagree with anything you said. My point was that it is difficult to find aftermarket wheels for the R8 that are significantly lighter than stock. I couldn't find the weight of the ATS wheels but I'll take you at your word they are significantly lighter. Most of the options are about the same or even worse, especially if you move up to 20" as most do. 19" HREs for example are only 0.5 lbs lighter per wheel. The few 19" wheels I know of that are significantly lighter are about 8k+ for a set. Either way I don't think they are in line with the OPs desire for the "best bang for the buck".

Why wouldn't you want 18" track wheels with track tires? You can shave more unsprung weight and they are less expensive. I am still waiting for desperado to review these:
You track guys want to run 18's???? Check this out.

[Arantor]

Ah okay, then I missed that you were focused on the wheels - and yeah, you're right. The discussion about 20" we can forget when it comes to track usage I don't remember the price for the ATS and also didn't find the weight (need to talk with dealer) but they aren't cheap. So i agree also with the point about OPs desire.

The problem with the 18" is that in germany there are only a few semi-slicks streetlegal. And with them it is only possible to go 18" with 225/275 without damaging the viscoclutch between FWD and RWD.. And with the 19" its possible to go with 255/295 with nicely improves the front axis and fits with available tires to have the right rolling circumference. Otherwise you would get an overheating problem with AWD.
Also, as written, slicks would be possible but aren't allowed on nearly every track event.

Optimal solution would be going with only RWD, saving weight and can use tires as i want to