squealy

iTrader: (12)

Hi guys,

Alright, here's the question:

What tires to buy?

I have a set of street tires on RPF1's that i'm using for regular driving. I'll be using my stock wheels for now for track use. What rubber to get though?

Here's the requirements:

I autocross regularly, and I'm ready to step up to an R-comp tire i think.

I'm on stock springs and R1 dampers.

I don't have a 2nd vehicle or driver to haul around tires in, unless i can shoehorn them into the 7, so something i can actually drive on to the events would be ideal, which rules out slicks.

I was looking at R888's as an option, or RT615's. Are they going to be garbage if I have to run them from Barrie to Mosport or Shannonville and back?

Thoughts?

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

I've heard nothing but good about the R888's. However unless you have an endless budget, driving 100+ KM one way to a track and back will quickly wear out the tires, so you'll be replacing them often. These types of tires are more or less designed for a quick drive to the track, raced and then a quick drive home, not for long hauls. I can fit 4 wheels with tires along with a full weekend bag, helmet, toolbox, small jack and other junk in the hatch of my FB, you shouldn't have a problem fitting 4 wheels in your car.

Barnett87GXL

iTrader: (2)

or throw some in the passenger seat as well

KenSpeC

iTrader: (16)

I have run the azenis and I found that they were really good. They offered a lot of grip in the dry obviously. They do tend to get a little "greasy" the hotter they get. I used them for solo sprints, but for autocross since the runs are usually 40 secs or less you dont have to worry about it.

I have also heard good things about the r888...kinda pricey though.

rx7racerca

iTrader: (1)

You can run the R888 as a daily driver tire. Although they're not the same as the RA-1, they are supposed to be the successor and in the same vein, and I used a set of RA-1s for 3 summers for daily driving and autocrossing - about 45 events, so easily150+ runs, and 10,000+kms street use. For ultimate grip for autocross, you would go with Kumho 710s or Hoosier A6s, but while you can get away with driving them to and from the track, they will wear quickly, and especially for the Hoosiers, lifespan is measured in autox runs, not kms - think in terms of them giving their best in their first 15-20 runs.

In the sticky street tire category, Kumho XS are pretty hot tires, probably close in grip to the R888/RA-1.

squealy

iTrader: (12)

looks like i'll have to try a test-fit with a jack, 4 tires, and a tool kit. That'll be a tight fit in an FD though. There was someone on the forums a while ago that made up a little trailer, and bolted up a hitch to their FD. That looked pretty slick, although I'm pretty sure it couldn't handle hardly any tongue weight. I don't think i want to molest the car that much though.

As far as cost on the R888s, check out talontire.com
they're pretty reasonable for the most part, and if you're autocrossing in Ontario, you can sign up for Team toyo racer discounts, which I think is 25% before taxes. That helps a bunch... as long as they're going to renew their sponsorship with CASC-OR this year. They haven't announced yet, so anything could happen.

rx7racerca

iTrader: (1)

I get my 4 track tires in the hatch area of my car, with room for helmets, a couple gym bags, jack, and assorted tools. I run 225/50-15 710s on the BBS vert 15x6.5 rims (which are noticably wider than my street 225/50-16s on 16x7s). The FD has less storage space, and larger rims/tires, so your mileage may vary, but one or more can ride in the passenger seat, or depending on your class, you might be able to remove the passenger seat (it's a 2 minute job in my car), and put a couple tires there more easily. If you're running under SCCA car classes (which last I knew all CASC-OR clubs were) in stock, SP, or an ST class, seat removal won't be allowed, however.

A cheap utility trailer from Home Depot/Crappy Tire can be easily adapted to carry tires, lots of autocrossers do it. Just mount the tires so they're slightly ahead of the trailer axle centerline, and you'll have a very moderate tongue weight.

Terrh

iTrader: (7)

RT615's are a very solid all around tire.

2slo4my7

iTrader: (3)

615 = street tire

R888 = R comp track tire (will be fine from driving too and from track as well)

Hybrid G

iTrader: (4)

bring this back for a new season,

what are the options when looking at the street track tires.

I have been looking at the flaken RT-615 & the Nitto NT05.

what other option in this category and any personal experiences with these or any others tires worth noting?

Hybrid G

squealy

iTrader: (12)

Here's what I ended up figuring out. Others may have differing opinions:

RT615k's: Great tire from what I've heard, and falken markets it as an R-comp, but i don't know that it's really comparable to some other options. If you want a sticky tire that you can run on the street on the way to the track, that might be a good option.
Wear: 200, A,A

Something to Consider: Dunlop Z1 Star Spec's
Wear rating of 200, A,A, (i think) and they've done really well at street tire class autocrossing. In my club, they are far and away the fastest street tire. They really are blurring the line between a street tire and an R-comp, that's how sticky they really are, and they last well enough to be considered a true street tire. They would probably be a great option if you don't have an extra set of wheels, or you just don't want to be bothered changing tires, or bringing a support vehicle.

Nitto NT05: my experience is on a Mustang GT that autocrosses and goes lapping. The car sticks hard, but he's not getting any class wins in autocross, so ultimately it's not the gummiest thing out there. He's also got a lot of suspension work done, so that makes a huge difference too.
Wear of 200,AA,A

If you're looking at dominating your class in autocross, then probably kumho V710's are the way to go. They're really sticky, but not really a lapping tire. They'd probably be done in a day, and they're not cheap. They will however stick like a flicked booger.
Wear: 30, C, A (probably a C because they have no rain grooving)

Toyo R888's:
Wear 100, A, A (IIRC)
This is what I went with, and is a great entry level r-comp tire. Toyo has great support for grassroots racing, and offer compettitor discounts for anyone doing legit events. You just have to sign up at their website www.teamtoyo.com so that you have a racer account. That gets you a huge discount over retail.
Additionally, www.talontire.com out of Quebec usually sponsors stuff, so if you go to the CASC spring meeting which is usually held at CSCS racing in Newmarket, for the cost of signing up for either the ATTS series, or membership in the SPDA (you don't have to have a subaru), you can get discount toyo dollars, if they're sponsoring again this year.
www.talontire.com was an ATTS sponsor last year, and signing up got 2x $50 coupons from them. I think it was $40 to sign up for the 4 race series.

All told, my R888's cost me just over $800 shipped to my door. They arrived in 2 days, and then i got a local shop to mount and balance. That's huge in terms of savings compared to other tires. Plus you're supporting Canadian businessess that support racing.

I can actually get 4 tires, my tools, and stuff for a day of lapping into my FD. It's tight, but it can be done. I think i'm going to look into a custom hitch and a small trailer for next year.

There are other options as well like BFG R1's, or Hoosier R6's, but I wouldn't suggest they be your intro to R-comps. The limits are higher, but then when they finally let go, it's very abrupt. I found the R888's to be sticky, competitive at lapping and autocross events, forgiving, they last, and they're affordable.

Syritis

iTrader: (2)

https://www.rx7club.com/race-car-tech-103/what-tires-best-wear-937151/
more tires covered here.

thewird

iTrader: (8)

For what its worth for R-compounds, do not get the BFG R1's. They do not work like the Hoosier R6's and are unpredictable.

thewird

FC3Sdrift

iTrader: (5)

Check out the Kumho Ecsta XS. they are almost as good as R compounds but have a high enough tread wear you can stay in the street tire class

23Racer

I have found the R888's to be a decent lapping tire, but not the best racing tire for the money. Nothing touches the Hoosiers, Hankooks or new Continentals for outright pace. The main issue with the Toyo's is the dreaded wear line that occurs around the circumference about an inch in from the outside edge. This is the same issue that the RA's had as well. I could go all deep into tire construction and stuff, but the softer compound of the R888's aggrevated an already existing condition in the design of the carcass.

Many of the race series that have mandated the R888 have converted back to the RA1 or moved on to other tire manufacturers. The big issue for people who want to run the Toyo RA1 is that they are not available in Canada, but they are available in the U.S.. You can run a RA1 down to the cords and on my RX7, they would heat cycle out before they wore out. The R888's lasted about 4 heat cycles or about 3 hours of track time before cording. Toyo has a great support program and is willing to work with local racers. For Street Track combo tires, look strongly at the Nitto NT05 and the Falken 615. Great value at a decent price. Personally I also like the Michelin Pilot Sports, but they are a fair bit more money. I have them on my Jag now and they transformed the car.

For a driver who wants to drive his car to the track and get a decent level of grip and lifespan, I strongly recommend the Nitto NT01. For outright grip at an affordable price, the Hankook has provide the "Hand of God" level of grip like a Hoosier, but at an affordable price. Keep in mind that they wear really quickly. Also, the new Conti is a Hoosier with a different name. Hoosier is generally recognized as the gold standard of track R compound tires. By the way, all tires really need a close eye kept on tire pressures and temps. I mean every session!!!!!!!!!

Just some advice from a long time racer.

Eric

Syritis

iTrader: (2)

+1 for the nitto NT01.

I have out lapped comparable/identical cars on hoosiers with my nittos
as i stated in the other thread these tires need a lot of heat to work. I'd call them more of a track tire then autoX.

neion

dose any one know were I could get the nitto TN01's in Toronto? Been looking and cant seem to find anywere

Syritis

iTrader: (2)

http://1010tires.com/tire.asp?tirebr...tiremodel=NT01
these guys are located in vancouver.
including shipping these prices are competitive with anywhere else i found.

thewird

iTrader: (8)

Tirerack is often the cheapest option if you have somewhere to mount the tires. Even with hookups I find its cheaper through tirerack lol. Living in Canada you get ripped off everywhere you go. Not sure if they have nitto's though.

edit: they dont have nittos >_>

thewird

Syritis

iTrader: (2)

some tires are cheaper on 1010tires, some tires are cheaper on tirerack.
if you order from across the boarder do forget to use
www.thefinalcost.com

23Racer

You can go to any Kaltire in Canada and get Nitto's. I have been doing some work with the guys at Nitto and have worked with them on a deal until the end of June for the NT01's and NT05's. They are offering between 15 and 20% off list pricing on the tires which brings them very close to U.S. Discount Tire pricing after the tires are landed in Canada. As well, Nitto has just landed a few new containers of new product just for this sale!

No group buy needed, just go into a Kaltire and tell them that you are a competitor and you will get the prices. This is at any Kaltire in Canada.

Pattern Discount

NT05 15%

NT05R 15%

INVO (up to 18”) 20%

INVO (19” and above) 25%

NT01 20%

NT555RII 20%

NT555R 20%

Eric

JDK

iTrader: (8)

NTO1's look interesting for the Super Street class, anyone know what the UTQG is on these tires?

Hybrid G

iTrader: (4)

yeah the UTGQ is 100_A-A

Hybrid G

iTrader: (4)

so i called kaltire and the prices at kaltire are 15% higher than 1010tires.com so with the discount it is the same price as 1010tires

and they do not all the sizes yet at least they are getting more as the spring arrives.

hybrid