DefSport

In general, on an R7, you're looking at maybe a dozen good heat cycles out of them, with the first few being the best. Once you're in the 2-3 dozen heat cycle range, they're well past their prime and pretty much not fit for hard driving anymore past that level.

At least in TX, I see almost everybody doing DEs go to R-comps way too quickly, so they will typically heat cycle out their first set or two of R-comps before they use them up because they're driving at 7-8/10ths max. Even NT01s can HC out and lose quite a bit of grip, but it takes a lot of high temp heat cycles to do it. They never get that demon balance change though from what I've felt, just get moderate UHP street tire slow.

LostMotion

In my opinion there is no comparison between a NT01 and a NT05, the NT01 is sticky enough to where it is difficult to break loose on the street for a naturally aspirated S2000. I can't say the same of an NT05.

Apex1.0

After this discussion, I guess what I am looking for a r-comp (or near r-comp) levels of grip combined with the usability of a EHP tire. I am OK with heat cycling out as long as it is gradual. Even my current Rivals have about 6 track days and 3000 street miles on them, and they are still pretty good, but they just don't have the grip they used to. These tires also sat in the garage during two cold New England winters, which is a no no.

From what I read here it seems like NT01 is the best bet. Amazingly this is not a new tire, but seems to strike that right balance of outright performance and consistency. The price is icing on the cake. If money were no object maybe I would consider Trofeo Rs or Pilot Cup 2s or the newer Advans.

Great responses... Thank you!

s2000Junky

I agree with NT01 choice based on what I have heard as well. It is amazing how well rounded they seem to be for as old as they are. Much like the toyo RA1. Several later renditions have come after, but people still find the originals perform best. Seems like R comps have hit their ceiling on what they can offer, and EP tires are where all the advancements are being made. I foresee R comps as becoming more obsolete and phased out as EP tires eventually offer the same grip without any of the compromises. Id say they seem to be about 3/4th the way there now, its just longevity and consistency that is still short coming, but that may change with more rubber technology advancements. All the grip and consistency of and R comp but the wear of an EP tire. The RE71 has given us a taste of things to come. I just wish they would offer a wider range of larger sizes for these types of tires. I still run all the previous gen EP tires because none of the new ones within the last 8 years come in anything larger then 255 or 275's, at least in 17's. Thankfully Nitto and Toyo are still around.

circuitclub

What about the A052 or trofeo