I just recently got a second set of rims and was thinking I could get a set of street legal track tires. Currently I run Potenza S0-3's and like them but was thinking there might be something else out there that would be stickier that will help me get around the track even faster. Is there? I'm looking for a tire that I don't have to swap at the track, but can drive there with them already on. My sizes are 17/18 as well. Anyone have some suggestions?
Looking for a good R-compound tire
- Thread starter comquat1
- Start date
Toyo RA-1 235/40/17 front 275/35/18 rear. Unlimited heat cycling properties and excellent wear.
Alright Comquat taking the big step to R Compounds huh...I'm on my second set of RA1's and love them they have my vote. Looking forward to seeing you in the rear view at Gingerman :tongue: Hee Hee... :biggrin: Can't wait for Spring.
^^Peter is correct. Ive got RA1s on all the time and Im pretty happy with the choice. The wear is not unreasonable for what they are and they've got way more grip than anything for the street.
BUT - about 30% into their life the rears will be pretty bald. My daily commute is just a few miles, but during that Im on the highway for a mile and I have to cross some railway tracks that have metal shields for a few feet around them. The car is now very very tricky in the wet. Standing water is deadly. Sometimes the back end can be a challenge to keep in the lane if there is standing water in the ruts created by trucks on the highway. Its downright scary. The back end jumps out a foot or two when I cross those wet RW track guards.
I will probably replace them with another set of RA1s, but if I got stuck far from home on the highway on a real wet day, Id probably have to pull over and wait for it to pass.
Ive got the 205/40s on the front because Ive got a 7.5 inch rim. Peter, do you think I could go to 235s and not rub (or have to remove the liners) on the 7.5inch rim with a +40? I didnt think that I could....
BUT - about 30% into their life the rears will be pretty bald. My daily commute is just a few miles, but during that Im on the highway for a mile and I have to cross some railway tracks that have metal shields for a few feet around them. The car is now very very tricky in the wet. Standing water is deadly. Sometimes the back end can be a challenge to keep in the lane if there is standing water in the ruts created by trucks on the highway. Its downright scary. The back end jumps out a foot or two when I cross those wet RW track guards.
I will probably replace them with another set of RA1s, but if I got stuck far from home on the highway on a real wet day, Id probably have to pull over and wait for it to pass.
Ive got the 205/40s on the front because Ive got a 7.5 inch rim. Peter, do you think I could go to 235s and not rub (or have to remove the liners) on the 7.5inch rim with a +40? I didnt think that I could....
Spa, I can't believe you run those on the street...The first couple laps at the track I feel like I'm on ice before they warm up. Your a brave Man!!
SPA_S2000 said:
Not Peter..., but I know that you can't run 235's on a 7.5 inch wide rim, 235's requires a 8 inch wide rim.
NSX 3.0 said:
That's after I lap you once, right? :biggrin:
I also should ask this, I've done three track events all at the same track and feel I'm getting better every time. In some of the expert opinions here, do you think I am going to R-compound too soon? I don't exactly know where you cross the line from beginer/intermediate but I'm just guessing that I'm fast enough to run in the intermediate group (b/c I've been there the last two times) so I'm curious if the R-compounds will help me and not be too much for me. Maybe some who have run with me out at Gingerman could attest (nsxtasy?) as to my skill level? I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision as well.
Got mine from T Bell at a great price.
comquat1 said:
Check out http://www.aimtire.com. The 18's are still quite a bit more than the 17's.
As for when you are ready for R tires, IMO its up to how developed your sense is of when your car has lost traction, and your ability in keeping the car pointed the right way. RA1's break away pretty predictably, but when they do you'll probably be going much faster than on street tires.
comquat1 said:
Just like Jeff (SolidCitizen) mentioned, learn to feel the car, 3 track events and going to R-compounds is *way* too soon IMHO unless you are some hotshoe karting racer moving up to cars or someone with some serious experience in some other motorsport like dirtracing/rallying/etc.
SO3's are pretty good tires in their own right and in the wet they are awesome
IMO, WAY to soon for track tires.
there are really only 2 reasons to go to track compounds this early.
1st. Your hung up on lap times, too woried about the other people passing you, you will not learn more, actually just the opposite it will take you longer to learn, and you will be putting you and your nsx at greater risks(speed wise).
2nd. You are running long track sessions at an aggresive/fast pace thus overheating the steet tires. Not likely right now, but possible.
Most HPDE's are 20-25 min sessions which typically are short enough to keep street tires from overheating, depending on your driving. Smoother=faster=better tire management=grip=FUN= :biggrin:
I am at the track between 5-10 days a month, teaching etc.
I try to keep my students on street rubber as long as possible.
JMO
there are really only 2 reasons to go to track compounds this early.
1st. Your hung up on lap times, too woried about the other people passing you, you will not learn more, actually just the opposite it will take you longer to learn, and you will be putting you and your nsx at greater risks(speed wise).
2nd. You are running long track sessions at an aggresive/fast pace thus overheating the steet tires. Not likely right now, but possible.
Most HPDE's are 20-25 min sessions which typically are short enough to keep street tires from overheating, depending on your driving. Smoother=faster=better tire management=grip=FUN= :biggrin:
I am at the track between 5-10 days a month, teaching etc.
I try to keep my students on street rubber as long as possible.
JMO
i'll just mimick what everyone else is saying. I've been on S03's for a long time now...
when you start moving up the level's.... just think about how much fun it is to pass people on R compounds and you're still on street's :biggrin:
now there's some real fun..
x
when you start moving up the level's.... just think about how much fun it is to pass people on R compounds and you're still on street's :biggrin:
now there's some real fun..
x
docjohn said:
Listen to the good Doctor. I was on street rubber for three years (70 track days) before switching to R compound rubber. You must know the physical limits of your NSX and yourself before you improving your mechanical grip (sticky tires). Three track days is way too early.
When you do finally decide to go R compound, I've found Vilven tire in Illinois to have the best price.
comquat1 said:
I've done 5 track events this year, and I also feel that my skills have increased exponentially since the beginning of the year. With that said, I still think I have a ways to go before I transition to R compounds. I want to make darned sure I have my car control skills mastered first. In my opinion, I'd wait another year. Just my 2 cents. Besides, I find it a challenge to see what I can accomplish on street tires alone.
Sean
A good rule of thumb for what R tires do for you is 3-4 seconds/lap(depending on track length) over street tires and slicks another 1-2 over the r's, imo.And don't judge your times by your run group,use the instructors/advanced times.The fastest intermediate is still an intermediate driver!I tried to be as fast as the guys on hoosiers when I was coming up on So3,p zeros,pilots,ect.ect.
Well, based on these knowledgable replies, I guess I'll stick with the S0-3's for another year. I'll just have a spare set with deep tread incase the day looks like rain. One other plus is being able to run the tires down to the thread before swapping and not having switch a bit early if there's a track day coming up, like this past fall.
Good choice... honestly, you'd be surprised of the people who choose to go to R-compounds too fast. I've chased ferrari's, z06's, whatever (with more horsepower and on R-compounds) all in the instructor group and all of them seem to be baffled that I'm still on street tires. It's always about driver. Like I read on this forum once before... the best upgrade you can do is to fix the nut behind the wheel
Good luck,
x
Good luck,
x
Sorry for getting off topic a bit here, but for those of you who run street tires on track, do you run your tires down to the wear mark? How is the grip when the tire is 70% worn? How many heat cycle can a normal street tire handle before it starts getting slippery?
I'm thinking of hitting the track with my 70% worn Yoko Neova street tires.
Thnx in advance.
Henry.
I'm thinking of hitting the track with my 70% worn Yoko Neova street tires.
Thnx in advance.
Henry.
nsxhk said:
I go down to the wear mark, but I think there's more rubber available for a good track day after that. However the only thing that concerns me is if we have rain and run wet, then I wouldn't want those tires on my car. But then again last time I went, many drivers said they won't run if the track is wet, but then if you have a rainout, you are also out your fee for the school. I'd like to do some driving in the wet if necessary which is why I got a second set of rims to have a fresh set with good tread on them for possible rain days. At least assuming I'm sticking with S0-3's, which I will for the next year.
Sounds like your making a smart choice.
You may want to consider some alignment changes so you can get more track life from your tires.
I am still runniing on the same set of Michelin PS2's that I ran the one LAp with,and they still look good.(4000K street miles+ 12 track events during one lap+ another 5-6 days after one lap) A good alignment is key, you can trash any tire in a few thousand miles if the alignment is off. Plus it wont handle as well.
You may want to consider some alignment changes so you can get more track life from your tires.
I am still runniing on the same set of Michelin PS2's that I ran the one LAp with,and they still look good.(4000K street miles+ 12 track events during one lap+ another 5-6 days after one lap) A good alignment is key, you can trash any tire in a few thousand miles if the alignment is off. Plus it wont handle as well.
I have been tracking my car for 2.5 years. I have done 12-14 events in that time span. I am just looking for R compounds this winter for next year. you will suprised at the capabilities of S03's. just make sure your rear pressures are low(30's, not 40 per manual).
***OFF TOPIC***: what rims are you guys using. I am trying to avoid going with SSR's if possible. Also can you go with RA1's on 17/17's?
Thanks
Ritesh
***OFF TOPIC***: what rims are you guys using. I am trying to avoid going with SSR's if possible. Also can you go with RA1's on 17/17's?
Thanks
Ritesh
