Suggestion: Replace with OEM
Shave the RA1s to 4/32-5/32. The reason for this is to reduce squirm, increasing grip and decreasing the effects of heat-cycling on the tire. When any full tread depth tire is subject to extreme cornering and braking loads on the track, the rubber with slide and squirm. The effects of friction while sliding and the elastic release of squirm results in heat, and heat is your enemy for tire life.
I have heat-cycled full-tread track tires to the point that they were unusable well before wearing out the tread. I have shaved all of my subsequent tires (about 6 sets) and they start "giving up" just about when the tread is nearly worn out. To me, that yields the best longevity and increases fun during the useful life of the tire.
I have heat-cycled full-tread track tires to the point that they were unusable well before wearing out the tread. I have shaved all of my subsequent tires (about 6 sets) and they start "giving up" just about when the tread is nearly worn out. To me, that yields the best longevity and increases fun during the useful life of the tire.
Originally Posted by SPLNDID,Jul 28 2005, 10:45 AM
I shall acquire RA1s for track fun and they shall be shaved.
Take note, cynical R&C-ers: this may be the first time someone has actually listened to us!! Almost <sniff-sniff> brings a tear to this old dog's eye...
Originally Posted by l8brakr,Jul 28 2005, 11:11 AM
Cheap Bastard, check your PM's!!
Dude! I'm not blind. I see no recent PMs except from a dude in California that has some wheels for sale.
Originally Posted by CoralDoc,Jul 28 2005, 03:26 AM
I have heat-cycled full-tread track tires to the point that they were unusable well before wearing out the tread.
Originally Posted by Fongu,Jul 16 2005, 08:32 PM
Sounds like you are serious about lapping. Bite the bullet and get some used AP1 rims, $300-$400 and some R-compounds (for the next step in grip) $700-$800. That is the cheapest setup and gives way more performance than the 17" + street tire combo.
Unless you have a big rotor, big brake kit, there is no reason you can't go to 16" rims.
Unless you have a big rotor, big brake kit, there is no reason you can't go to 16" rims.
Originally Posted by mikegarrison,Jul 28 2005, 03:36 PM
Were they RA1s?
Originally Posted by CoralDoc,Jul 31 2005, 07:55 AM
They were Kumho Victoracer V700 tires. Also, it's important to mention that I autocross and track the car, so the two activities together can really put on the heat cycles.








