Track tire question
I finally used up my Hoosier R6 in 205 50 15 and need to buy something for 2008
the Hoosiers are $197 (Tire Rack)
Kuhmo V710 are $184 (Tire Rack after recent BIG price increase)
R888 are $149
Nitto NT01 are $134 and they have a 225 45
anyone got any experience with the last two?
looking for good grip rather than longest life, but price counts too
Last edited by nealb; 02-01-2008 at 02:29 PM.
2009 MX-5 STR and track toy
2003 Z06 -- Not a Miata, but 3200# and 400 RWHP is fun
OTM -- 2012 Sierra, 2016 Impala (Appliances)
If you're looking for good grip over long life and you're not going for the ultimate fastest time, why not pick up a set of Toyo RA-1s? They'll last for a very long time on a lightweight car.
Aim Tire has Miata sizes for good prices. Full tread 205/50-15s for $128.50, 225/45-15s for $136. FWIW, they have 205/50-15 R888s for $135 each as well.
Iain
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
the R888 is the replacement for the RA1, so I was hoping the newer tire would be better
not always the case as we know from Falken history
2009 MX-5 STR and track toy
2003 Z06 -- Not a Miata, but 3200# and 400 RWHP is fun
OTM -- 2012 Sierra, 2016 Impala (Appliances)
From what I have been reading, it is not replacing it, it is a new offering on it's own. I have read that the R888 is very close to a Shaved RA1. People seem to be saying that you should buy unshaved RA1s for street or as a wet track tire, but then get the unshaved R888s (or shaved RA1s) for dry track.Originally Posted by nealb
My understanding is that the R888 is the same compound as the RA-1, but the tire has different belt construction. Reports I've rear say it's faster, but I haven't seen any hard data to back it up.
The RA-1s will be phased out over the next year or so and replaced by the R888, which has been available in other markets for several years (i.e., it's not a brand new tire).
Iain
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
I've also hear that the Nitto NT-01 is the same compound as the RA-1, just less void area in the tread pattern.
Thomas
V-to-the-Dub
R888, NT01, RA1 and A048 are all pretty similar. They take a few laps to get heated up and then work pretty well (but not as well as A6/V710). I had a great time on a set of RA1's on the RX-8 at MW in the summer. I had roughly the same experience on a set of NT01's on an Elise at MW, great grip once heated.
No complaints on the A048 which are very similar to the R888 except they have a very stiff sidewall and ride like a brick on the street. I haven't autocrossed them yet but just replaced the dead rear pair last night.
The lotus board has a few people that just switched to the R888, they should have some feedback.
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