I'll have my roll bar (G&W Racing) in by the end of Feb. and will be heading for VIR sometime by the summer. I'm getting a second set of wheels for the track and need some ideas on track tires. I'll be doing some DE events and whatever else pops up outside the realm of competitive racing so I'm looking for a compromise of performance, longevity, and price.

Also, what are the issues if I go to 17 or 18 inch rims? I have a 2000 "S" by the way.

If I were to make one or two minor modifications (price being a consideration) to the car, what might you suggest? By the way, this is primarily a street car so nothing too radical.

Please, let me know your thoughts on these subjects.

tm

 

Check out other threads on this subject.

Quick answer: Kumho Victoracers, Saner front sway bar, first or second hole.

You'll love it.

 

Toyo RA1s (not Kumhos for the track)

The Toyo is IMHO about the best "compromise" DOT-R track tire. It offers great traction, predictible handling, excellent heat management and long life.

I've run these as street tires and will typically get 8K miles and 8 track days out of them. They don't heatcycle on the freeway so you can easily drive to and from on them weather permitting. If you do get them overheated on the track one cool down lap and they will be like new. They wont blister (like my kuhmos did in just 2 days on the track) nor chunk and you can get 6-9 good hard track days out of them.

The hoosiers are faster but cost more and wear quickly
The Kumhos heat fast but over heat easily and can blister if you work them too hard. Good for autox but not track
The Yokos just aren't sticky neither are the Pilot Sport Cups.

You can get RA1's from Vilven Tire (search "Vilven" for the number) $642 shipped and shaved my last order. You must shave your RA1s as they royally suck with tread. It wont reduce tire life like you think and you don't want to drive on the bit they take off anyway.

 

I too like the Toyos...
Vilven Tire Inc.
101 W. Main St
Royal, IL 61871
800-251-0017
217-583-3277
217-583-3383 FAX
rjvilven@aol.com


[QUOTE]Originally posted by cthree
You must shave your RA1s as they royally suck with tread.

 

I was just getting ready to post a I want to try race rubber thread, and I just recvd a $ 1000.00 bonus from work yesterday.. good timing.

The Toyos seem to be the right tire for me as I will have to drive on them, VIR is a 5 hour drive (I hope to make it there at least once this year) I bought a spare set of stock wheels for track use.

Now on the stock 16 inch wheels, what size do I need? Or is recommended (I have a Comptech Adj front sway bar. )


Will these tires (shaved) work in the wet? How about on the street in the wet? (just to get to the circuit)

Cheers,

George

 

So is a 225f/ 245r combo the way to go? (with stock wheels)

 

205/245 is the right combo for stock suspension. If you have a front sway bar then 225/245 is the right size.

 

Thanks

 

I just did an evolution driving school (autocross) in my Miata on Toyo RA1s and they worked very well in the wet. I even used them to drive on the street in pretty steady rain and they were predictable, though I never went faster than 60 MPH and was very careful about slowing down for standing water. They even had good grip at Sebring last month during some showers that passed through.

Full tread depth RA1s are used by the Spec Miata racers in the wet, but as mentioned before, they are not a good choice for the dry track. So, you have to decide if you can compromise on their ability to handle standing water for dry surface traction improvement.

 

Hey Guys,

I was at my local race tire place and asked them for pricing on Toyo RA-1s

I asked for 225/55/16 and 245/45/16

They said I needed 225/50/16 fronts and no 55s, he mentioned the front wheel diameter would be too large.

I just need clarification before I order..Please help....


Thanks,

George