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Recommend some Good R-Comps

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Old 02-03-2008 | 04:07 AM
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Default Recommend some Good R-Comps

Well, my BF Goodrich GForce R-1s are getting corded, so it is time for some new R-Comps, and I'm looking for recommendations/opinions. The R-1s' were 245/40 fronts, and 265/35 rears on 18x8.5 fronts and 18x9.5 rears. I have a twin turbo G, at 363 rwhp, so I've got plenty of power, but it is a heavy beast, as well. I get some understeer in corners, but I can easily get power induced oversteer, as well.

I want some R-Comps for road course use (not autocross), so if they take a little bit of heat to get sticky, thats fine.

They need to fit on my track wheels, as well (18x8.5 and 18x9.5) I could care less if they are the right profile, since I doesn't matter to me if the speedo reads correctly. However, I do want something that will last a decent number of track days, and will give me good handling.

Any suggestions?
Old 02-03-2008 | 05:04 AM
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There are two avenues you can go. Hoosier R6 and Kumho V710 are excellent tires. They're very sticky, and are great on a road course. I've used both on my RX-8 and RX-7. The Kumhos have a little more grip in my opinion but both are great tires.

The other avenue you can go is the Toyo RA-1. The reason I'm separating them out is that in my opinion the Toyo will last you a little longer. It has a 100 treadwear rating and should last you a whole season (80 & 40 respectively for the above). I don't know how many events you do, but they last my friends a whole ~10 event season. These are also great tires. They also "talk" to you more than the hoosiers and kumhos.

If you want to try out a new brand, I'd recommend you go to :

www.jbracingtires.net

John gets 75-95% tires from pro drivers who are sponsored and sells them for a fraction of what they would cost new. They usually have very little use. I got a set of V710's that had a practice session on them for $75 each. The person tried them, then decided to go to a wider tire. They still had the injection ***** on them from when the tire was made. He's a great guy and will call you right back with info. I've used him several times. Shipping is quick too.
Old 02-03-2008 | 07:19 AM
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^+1 on Toyo RA-1s and getting a used set from John Berget at JB Racing tires. The RA-1s are great road course r-compound tires. I drive my used set to autocross events and these tires refuse to wear out!

If you're not considering a used set of r-compound tires, check out Frisby Performance Tire. They only sell race tires -- Toyos, Hankooks, Avons, and Hoosiers. I found a discountinued new set of Hankook Z211 275/40/17 road race tires for $125 each last year. I've driven these tires to several out-of-town events (60+ miles one way) and they also refuse to wear out. Last month, I drove them on a new local road course, and they performed well on a few 20-minute sessions. Frisby currently have the Hankook Z211 & Z212 on clearance prices so you may be able to find the sizes you're looking for.

Excellent prices, great customer service and fast shipping!

http://frisbyracetire.com/

Last edited by z-u-later; 02-03-2008 at 07:28 AM.
Old 02-03-2008 | 07:32 AM
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This could become a GREAT thread!!! Subscribing.
Old 02-03-2008 | 07:39 AM
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They've got the Z211 in 285/30-18, which would probably fit on my rears (18x9.5), but too big for my fronts (18x8.5), I would think
Old 02-03-2008 | 07:40 AM
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Another affordable, long-lasting tire to consider is the Nitto NT-01. It has a different tread design than the RA-1, but supposedly uses the same rubber compund.

The NT-01 has very large tread blocks on the outside edges to help keep a lot of rubber in contact with the track while cornering. These tires lasted me eight track days over the past year, and probably would be good for one or two more if I was willing to really push them down to the cords.

Here's a page with a shot of the tread design:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...tion&tc=NITHZ8
Old 02-03-2008 | 10:40 AM
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Depending on how hard core you want to be, have you considered the Azenis Sport? Closest thing to an R-compound without being one. There are others close to it too like the Hankook. You could put those on in your garage at home and drive to the track day with them. Save the hassle of doing that at the track.
Old 02-03-2008 | 10:50 AM
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I run the Kuhmo V710...loved it thus far. Have to keep the heat down to make the tire last, but regardless its super sticky
Old 02-03-2008 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave 90TT
They've got the Z211 in 285/30-18, which would probably fit on my rears (18x9.5), but too big for my fronts (18x8.5), I would think
The 285/30/18s should fit on your 18x8.5 rims. I have spoken to Bob Hines from VA last year about purchasing a set of used 285/30/18s from him for my OEM track rims. He has mounted them on 18x8.5 rims.
Old 02-03-2008 | 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by z-u-later
The 285/30/18s should fit on your 18x8.5 rims. I have spoken to Bob Hines from VA last year about purchasing a set of used 285/30/18s from him for my OEM track rims. He has mounted them on 18x8.5 rims.
The right person can mount them on 18x8. I run them for autocross.
Old 02-03-2008 | 06:26 PM
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In truth ther are basically 3 tiers of Track tires.

The Azenas and such, great street tire that does good track duty

The Toyo RA-1 and RA-888 and Nitto NT-01. These are track tires in street disguise.

and then their are the Hoosiers..which are race slicks with a tread molded in. And Tires like the R6 and the V700/710s are like crack. It'a hard to go back. But I found for my uses I liked the RA-1s for now because they will last an entire season, where the R6's last 2 events. But when they were good, the hoosiers were awesome. Cut 2-3 seconds from the RA-1s.
Old 02-04-2008 | 10:15 AM
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I'm doing some research now for my 2006 350Z. I'm trying to juggle mod points and stay classed in NASA's Time Trail TTC base class for the car. I think I can get away with a 275/35-18 tire from the following list:

Toyo Proxes R888
Toyo Proxes RA1
Nitto NT01
Hankook Ventus Z214

All are UTG 100 treadwear rated which only bumps me five points (plus the point mod going from the base class 255 to the 275 width). I'm waiting on pricing for each.
Old 02-04-2008 | 10:33 AM
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How about some Kumho 710's. I have 2 sets of NEW 245/35 x 18" tires that we took off the truck at the runoffs in Topeka. These are NEW and will sell for 15% below TireRack or $921 a set plus shipping. Estimate shipping at about $90, depends on where you are.

We will also have some one weekend used take-offs as the season get underway starting in mid April. Those usually go for about $350 a set plus shipping. Take-offs will have one practice session (20 minutes usually), one qualifying session (5 to 6 laps) and one 40 minute race. First weekend will be a double national at VIR which is easy on tires. For anyone who wants a set let me know and we willreserve them for you. Bob
Old 02-04-2008 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by betamotorsports
I'm doing some research now for my 2006 350Z. I'm trying to juggle mod points and stay classed in NASA's Time Trail TTC base class for the car. I think I can get away with a 275/35-18 tire from the following list:

Toyo Proxes R888
Toyo Proxes RA1
Nitto NT01
Hankook Ventus Z214

All are UTG 100 treadwear rated which only bumps me five points (plus the point mod going from the base class 255 to the 275 width). I'm waiting on pricing for each.
Read through the new 08 rules. The Nittos and R888's are 7 pts this year not 5 like they were last year. And 275's are a +20mm width increase, therefore +4 pts. I'm taking mucho tire points this year with my NT01's. You may be better off with a 245 hankook in terms of points and lap times. Hankooks are free with contingency dollars too if you place in the top 3. Play your cards right and you will only have to pay for the 1st set.

.
.

To better answer the original poster's question, we could use some more info like: Do you want to be able to drive to and from the track? Are you competing? What is your level of experience. What is your budget?

Last edited by daveh; 02-04-2008 at 03:50 PM.
Old 02-04-2008 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by daveh
To better answer the original poster's question, we could use some more info like: Do you want to be able to drive to and from the track? Are you competing? What is your level of experience. What is your budget?
I trailer my tires to and from the track.

I don't compete, but I plan on getting my NASA TT license this year and driving in TT-S Not for a chance of winning, but just for enjoyment to see how I do, with no chance of going to Nationals.

This is my second year of track days/NASA events, and I drive in HPDE 3/4

I'd like to buy one set of tires to last me the season, replace them at the end of the season.

Hope that helps you make recommendations
Old 02-04-2008 | 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave 90TT
I trailer my tires to and from the track.

I don't compete, but I plan on getting my NASA TT license this year and driving in TT-S Not for a chance of winning, but just for enjoyment to see how I do, with no chance of going to Nationals.

This is my second year of track days/NASA events, and I drive in HPDE 3/4

I'd like to buy one set of tires to last me the season, replace them at the end of the season.

Hope that helps you make recommendations
Then I think the Toyos or Nittos are your best bet as long as you feel you have the experience and car control that can be learned on good street tires like the Azenas. The nice this about tires like the falkens is they really help you feel good slip angles and work on car control. They are predictable and wear great. Once you reach the limit of those, then it's a good time to move on the UA-100 tires. But I can seen the falkens pull almost identical lap times on courses that are not smooth or have slick times.
Old 02-04-2008 | 06:07 PM
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The Toyo R888's or RA-1s?
Old 02-04-2008 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by DriveI65
The right person can mount them on 18x8. I run them for autocross.
I've driven on such a set - http://www.tightntidyracing.com/ mounted Kuhmo V710 285/18s on the OE 18X8 track wheels...from what I've heard, it took some persuasion, but with the right tools and a great tire installer, it can be done.

*tight-n-tidy-racing is located in the Seattle area.
Old 02-05-2008 | 07:14 AM
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Read through the new 08 rules. The Nittos and R888's are 7 pts this year not 5 like they were last year. And 275's are a +20mm width increase, therefore +4 pts. I'm taking mucho tire points this year with my NT01's. You may be better off with a 245 hankook in terms of points and lap times. Hankooks are free with contingency dollars too if you place in the top 3. Play your cards right and you will only have to pay for the 1st set.
Yeah, I got an e-mail back from Greg yesterday and he mentioned the point increases for the Nittos and the R888s. I'm looking for a set of of the Ventus Z214s in C51 compound now.
Old 02-05-2008 | 07:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave 90TT
I trailer my tires to and from the track.

I don't compete, but I plan on getting my NASA TT license this year and driving in TT-S Not for a chance of winning, but just for enjoyment to see how I do, with no chance of going to Nationals.

This is my second year of track days/NASA events, and I drive in HPDE 3/4

I'd like to buy one set of tires to last me the season, replace them at the end of the season.

Hope that helps you make recommendations
Sounds like the nittos or toyos are your best bet. The hoosier type tire is only going to be faster on the 1st weekend, then they will fall off and be slower than the above. Toyos will get faster and faster as they wear down. Most times intermediate / advanced drivers are actually faster on a toyo than a hoosier anyways because they haven't developed the consistency and control to take full advantage of the hoosier/v710/hankook. Toyos are so darn easy to drive that many end up faster.

Having driven hoosiers and toyo's in a competition setting, I will say that the toyos aren't that much slower when they're in their prime. And their prime is 5+ weekends..
I'm moving to NT-01's this weekend at Infineon. I'll post up my impressions of them. The word on the street is that they're slightly faster than the toyos and last almost as long. They felt heavier than the toyos when I picked them up, perhaps due to the stiffer sidewall. Details to come next week..


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