thomsbrain

EDIT: Oops, wrong forum! Please move to Wheels and Tires! Thanks!

Hi folks,

I'm running Pirelli Trofeo Rs right now and they've been excellent track tires but they're pricey at $270 each for 255/17s. Thoughts on equivalent replacements that don't cost so much? Sport Cups and Advans are out due to price; might as well just get another set of Trofeo Rs for that much money.

Hankook TD? Toyo R888-R? NT-01? I know the NT-01 is tried and true but I'm not sure if it's as fast as the others.

ZDan

I've been happy streeting/tracking NT01s. A solid step or two above Extreme Perf tires, but a couple of steps behind Hoosier A7/R7 or BFG R1/R1S. Probably comparable to Trofeo R for less $$$, $207 for 255s.

michaelnyden

I've seen some actual tests where the nt-01 is no faster than re-71r. These compounds and tech have come a long way and NT-01's are aging at this point. I know the old R888 (not R888R) were tested as not any faster than re-71r either.

I would advise to the OP to give up a little grip by going to re-71r if they want to save a little money. I wish someone would comparison test the trofeo R as I believe they are honestly faster than these tires by a good bit.

ZDan

I think NT01 would be cheaper in the long run. $20 more per tire vs. RE71R, but should last at least twice as long. I've seen tests where RE71R are equal to NT01, but on my FD (~480rwhp) the RE71Rs were not able to put the power down out of 2nd gear corners, and I wound up wearing the rears to the TWIs in one track day (only with <300 street miles). NT01s on the car now have been on the car for ~7 track days and ~2500 miles on them. I think I'll replace them for trip to Watkins Glen coming up in a couple of weeks...

thomsbrain

Thanks for the responses! My fear with the RE-71R was falloff due to heat. One lap wonders aren't ideal for me as I'm generally fastest as a driver towards the end of a given HPDE session.

Has anyone driven the TD or R-888R?

I will say that the Trofeo R was obviously a class faster than my old RS3s from the very first turn out of the pits. So much so that I am going to need stiffer springs and/or more front camber. Even when way overheated in 110 degree weather they're still faster than RS3s in cool weather. They are both wonderfully forgiving with slip angle and quick to recover from being overdriven. No complaints from me other than price (that and being way taller and wider than the size indicates). I expect them to be done after my 4th day (couple thousand miles total).

RedCelica

Hankooks TD Z221s! Dirt cheap and excellent mechanical grip. They're my next tire after I wear through the RC1s and the RA1s I have now.

Set of 4 for $436: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPECIAL-HANKOOK-Ventus-TD-Z221-Semi-Slick-255-40ZR17W-C3-Quantity-of-4-/192248373095?hash=item2cc2e55f67:g:e60AAOSwxxdZaVt 7&vxp=mtr

I really wanted to try the Trofeo Rs but they run wide and I already have some rubbing issues. Need stiffer springs.

s2000Junky

Wow thats damn cheap! Are these R comps? Couldn't find the TW on these.

afzan

The Hankook TD's are faster than the trofeo's

RedCelica

Yes, they're R-comps.

If I'm reading the data correctly, I think the TWR is 80 for both the hard and soft compounds: https://www.discounttiredirect.com/b...ft-c70/p/10648

s2000Junky

Nice!