Track Tires

NSXLuvr · 6 May 2004

I'm planning on getting a extra set of OEM 15/16 rims for track use. I am trying to figure out which tires to go with. Can you guys chime in what tires you guys have used, and what has your experience been. I am not looking at the Hoosiers as of yet. Instead, I am looking at the Yokos, Toyo Proxes, or ...

The main variables I am looking for a traction and tire life, and of course price.

TIA

ncdogdoc · 6 May 2004

I have only used one brand, but both of their "types" of R compounds.

Kuhmo Victroracer. Very inexpensive, and come in stock sizes. I would guess I get 4 or 5 track weekends out of a set.

Kuhmo Ecsta. More expensive (10-15%), and will wear much faster due to heat cycling if not shaved. If shaved, they will still wear faster due to less tread. Not worth the price for the extra stickiness in my opinion.

I honestly do not know my exact longevity because I am driving on different tracks (Roebling is notorius for eating the left front) and tinkering with suspension and camber. With my more aggressive camber settings now, I may get an extra 4-5 days out of my fronts. Do not know yet.

Once you go sticky, you will never go back

RP-Motorsports · 6 May 2004

I take it you are no longer a track rookie, so I will jump right into sticky's

Best "bang" for the buck is the Kumho's. first the Victoracer followed by the V700.

Hoosiers are among the best, but also wear out first and also wear out your wallet. Skip these unless you are running an actual SCCA race etc.

The RA-1's have become popular as of late, and I thought they were the best middle priced tire, until I started seeing and hearing people start talking up the Pirelli's last weekend.

If you have a tight budget, stick with Kumho. Nothing wrong with them.

If you are floating in cash, try a set each of the RA-1's and Pirelli's, and decide which brand suits you best.

NeSX · 7 May 2004

How many track days do you typically get out of a set of R Compounds? Does it vary dramatically by brand?

I am looking at a set of used Michelin Pilot Sport Cups which have 50% life left... Is that 1 day? 2 days?

Thanks

Andrie Hartanto · 7 May 2004

The kumho lasted about 3 weekends. Michelin pilot sport lasted 4 weekends. The Toyo RA1 lasted 6 weekends. Hoosier lasted 3 weekends, but it drive like shit on the 3rd weekend.

YMMV

NSXLuvr · 8 May 2004

From all my reading, it appears that the RA-1 last longer. But, do they lose their traction after a couple of wknds? Since, they last twice as long as the Kumho's. Would that be the smarter way to go?

where are guys finding the best deals on RA-1 for OEM 15/16's?

RP-Motorsports · 8 May 2004

I have gotten more than 3 weekends out of the Kumho V700's. It depends a lot if you buy them shaved or full depth, and if heat cycled or not. This can make the difference between 3 weekends and 6. You get a discount @ Tire Rack for being an NSXCA member. I don't thing they carry Toyo's though.

ncdogdoc · 8 May 2004

T Bell said:
I............ You get a discount @ Tire Rack for being an NSXCA member. ................

Since when??

NSXLuvr · 12 May 2004

any experience with the Yoko Advan's

RP-Motorsports · 12 May 2004

I thought Tire Rack gives wholesale to members??? I never have had to try as a member, cause I get wholesale with my business.

NeSX · 12 May 2004

Now THAT would definitely be nice...

Ojas · 12 May 2004

I do not think Tire Rack ever offered a discount to NSXCA members. However, their normal prices are among the best. I know Discount Tire Direct used to offer discounts to NSXCA member, but this has been discontinued.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=25280

matteni · 12 May 2004

On a very related topic - how long will these tires last if stored in the garage? I have about 4 weekends on my current Yoko a032's

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=A032R

I really love them as they stick well in the dry, very well (for what they are) in the rain, and seem to last well (with my driving anyway).

Question - mine are now on their 3rd year but have a weekend left - tread wise. Should I scrap them or run them?

Andrie Hartanto · 13 May 2004

Nick,

I would scrap them. We had a bad experience with A032R that was stored for a couple of years in the garage.

matteni · 13 May 2004

Andrie Hartanto said:
Nick,

I would scrap them. We had a bad experience with A032R that was stored for a couple of years in the garage.

Thank you Andrie - good advice for sure.

Forums Nazi · 14 May 2004

NSXLuvr said:
where are guys finding the best deals on RA-1 for OEM 15/16's?

Here.

Track Tires

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