Hey guys,

With the lapping season rapidly approaching, it's time for me to start getting my car into shape. I'm pretty much done, but tire selection has been an issue for me.

Now this will be my first season lapping with the R. I've been a few times before in my old GSR EG hatch, but in no way would I consider myself an expert. My old car was running the Eagle F1 GS-D3's the first couple of times, and than the S03 Pole Positions for the next few. The Eagles were by far the better tire. These are the only experiences I've had with tires on the track.

Right now the R is running the Kumho SPT's for the street, considering it's just about the best buy out there right now. I'm looking for either an insane street tire that'll hold up well on the track, but are driveable on the street (I'd get rid of the Kuhmos) or an R compound tire on the lower end of the price scale considering money is very tight this year.

The two tires I've been looking at are:

Falken Azenis RT-615, and the Nitto NT-01 in 205/50/15

The Azenis would be the obvious choice if I go the street route, but the NT-01's are looking mighty good, considering the sub-$140 price tag. The reviews of the NT-01's have been A+, but the Azenis are raved about for an all-round, ***** out street / track tire. I'm confused. These things need to last as well

My question:

I'm looking to get to a competitive level this season and need a great tire on a serious budget. Is it worth it to run two diffrent sets of tires (mediocre street and R compound), or go for an all out performance street tire to handle both jobs? Which would be more beneficial to the price conscious racer?

Thanks

 

I track my R on the Azenis 615's and have NO complaints.

 

Isn't it recommended to have a good amount of track experience before upgrading to R compounds, because they give less warning when reaching their limits?

Do you have spare set of wheels to drive to the track, or will you be driving on the R compounds/Azenies? I think this will have a big effect on your budget, unless your towing your car.

If you have a spare set of rims try roughly figuring out how many events the Azenies will last you versus the R comps.

Ali

 

Azenis for sure. Cheap as hell in 205/50-15, grip great on track, good in rain (as long as decent tread) and acceptable on the street.

I dont know much about the NT01 but I dont have a very favorable opinion of Nitto thats for sure.

 

i agree above if you hv a set of other rim, go with R compond, once you try R compond on track, you never satisfy street tire
trust me

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PrinceAli132 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Isn't it recommended to have a good amount of track experience before upgrading to R compounds, because they give less warning when reaching their limits?

Do you have spare set of wheels to drive to the track, or will you be driving on the R compounds/Azenies? I think this will have a big effect on your budget, unless your towing your car.

Ali</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks for the replies so far.

I do have some experience on the track, so an R compound is not too far away for me, but i know what you're saying. I reccomend that to everyone too. I'd be driving on the SPT's on my Slipstreams to the track, than put the R comps on my stock ITR rims.

 

Also, isn't it recommended to baffle your oil pan with the use of R comps?

Ali

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PrinceAli132 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Also, isn't it recommended to baffle your oil pan with the use of R comps?

Ali</TD></TR></TABLE>

Correct, due to oil slosh leading to oil starvation in long sweeping corners. However, this can occur on street tires.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98 ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm looking to get to a competitive level this season and need a great tire on a serious budget. Is it worth it to run two diffrent sets of tires (mediocre street and R compound), or go for an all out performance street tire to handle both jobs? Which would be more beneficial to the price conscious racer?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Given the fact that you have enough experience to take advantage of the R compound tires, and the fact that you want to be competitive on the track, and the fact that you already have two sets of wheels, I think your question is a no-brainer. Keep using the SPT on the street, and get R comps for the track. You will be more competitive on the track that way, AND you will spend less money for the mileage you put on the SPT on the street.

Incidentally, have you considered the Toyo RA-1 rather than the Nitto NT-01? The RA-1 is $120/tire plus shipping in 205/50-15 at Edge Racing.

BTW, I don't have a baffled oil pan, and I have over 5K actual track miles on my ITR. However, I don't do events on high-banked ovals, only road courses. If I did ovals, I might consider the BOP.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Given the fact that you have enough experience to take advantage of the R compound tires, and the fact that you want to be competitive on the track, and the fact that you already have two sets of wheels, I think your question is a no-brainer. Keep using the SPT on the street, and get R comps for the track. You will be more competitive on the track that way, AND you will spend less money for the mileage you put on the SPT on the street.

Incidentally, have you considered the Toyo RA-1 rather than the Nitto NT-01? The RA-1 is $120/tire plus shipping in 205/50-15 at Edge Racing.

BTW, I don't have a baffled oil pan, and I have over 5K actual track miles on my ITR. However, I don't do events on high-banked ovals, only road courses. If I did ovals, I might consider the BOP.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You bring up a few good points. Thanks.

$120 is a steal for the RA-1's ... up here in canuck land they're about $220 / tire ... that's why I never considered them as a choice. They're all my instructor reccomends though!

btw, does anyone have any experience with the Advan A038 Hard Compounds? Those might be a good compromise between R comp and street. Just found out I can get them pretty inexpensively.

 

I was in the same boat as you ealier this year. After much debate I opted for the RT615's. This will be my second season of HPDEing and I felt that I should take this step this year before going with a full track tire. Last year I used the Toyo T1R which was a very good tire but I had to try the Falken after all the positive reviews I read. Plus they can be driven to and from the track.

I voted for the RT615's for you

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98 ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">btw, does anyone have any experience with the Advan A038 Hard Compounds? Those might be a good compromise between R comp and street. Just found out I can get them pretty inexpensively.</TD></TR></TABLE>

If anyone has experience with the A038R, speak up. However, don't be surprised if you don't get any responses. I don't think they've been available in the States, and right now, the Tire Rack only shows one size (195/50-15, too small for Integras) and they're quite expensive.

You don't mean the A048, rather than the A038, do you? The A048 is Yokohama's current R compound track tire. I've seen people using it at the track, and they seem to think highly of it. But (at least here in the States) it's expensive, too (USD193 for 205/50-15 at the Tire Rack). Funny - I just checked prices on Talon, and this is the first time I've seen a tire for sale at prices lower in Canada than in the States (USD155 at Talon). If I had to choose between paying CAD174 for the A048, and CAD191 for the RA-1 (those are current prices in 205/50-15 at Talon), I would give the A048 a shot.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If anyone has experience with the A038R, speak up. However, don't be surprised if you don't get any responses. I don't think they've been available in the States, and right now, the Tire Rack only shows one size (195/50-15, too small for Integras) and they're quite expensive.

You don't mean the A048, rather than the A038, do you? The A048 is Yokohama's current R compound track tire. I've seen people using it at the track, and they seem to think highly of it. But (at least here in the States) it's expensive, too (USD193 for 205/50-15 at the Tire Rack). Funny - I just checked prices on Talon, and this is the first time I've seen a tire for sale at prices lower in Canada than in the States (USD155 at Talon). If I had to choose between paying CAD174 for the A048, and CAD191 for the RA-1 (those are current prices in 205/50-15 at Talon), I would give the A048 a shot.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The tire I was referring to was the A038R-H (H=Hard) ... don't know if you can get them here, but I've been told you can get them through JDM importers here in Canada for very cheap. Who knows, maybe a good deal, maybe not. Thanks for the link to Talon though, nice to see decent pricing on a Canadian site. We usually get raped on parts.

I'm liking my options so far. Lots of ways to go. Thanks for everyones input so far. Lots of for the Falkens too!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98 ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for the link to Talon though, nice to see decent pricing on a Canadian site. We usually get raped on parts.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know.

I actually bought tires from Talon a few years ago, when the RA-1 was in short supply in the States. Smooth transaction, no problems.

Do you know whether this place or this place (both in Ontario) has good prices on tires? Neither one posts prices on their sites.

Any time I've checked, the two big places at the other end of your country (this one and this one) have both been very expensive.

 

One more season on the Azenis RT-615 won't kill ya... Save the money and spare rims for next season when you are a little more compfy.

 

I've been using the JDM A048R on my R in a 205/50-15 size in soft compound.

Really nice tire.

I don't think they are MUCH better than the Toyo RA-1 though (still my fav)

I'm going to order a JDM A048R in a 215-50-15 size - which comes in Medium compound soon.

I also think RA-1 &gt; A032R because the Yoko's hum on the highway like gumbo mudders on a 4x4.


To the OP: If you want to go R compound - you should get a dedicated set of track rims and cart the extra wheels/tires in the back of your R on the way to track events and change rims when you get there. That way your R's will last longer and you should get into the habit of rotating your tires (even running them backwards) - to even out the tire wear as you track them.

If you can't be bothered doing that - then stick with street tires like Azenis

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I know.
Do you know whether this place or this place (both in Ontario) has good prices on tires? Neither one posts prices on their sites.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Wheel and tire zone's email is down, but I emailed Tires23.com for all the above choices. I'll let you know how they are. I know a friend of mine got the RT615's for $520 cdn. taxes in, including installation from Tires 23, which is a great price for us.

I'll let you know

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Big Phat R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've been using the JDM A048R on my R in a 205/50-15 size in soft compound.

Really nice tire.

I don't think they are MUCH better than the Toyo RA-1 though (still my fav)

I'm going to order a JDM A048R in a 215-50-15 size - which comes in Medium compound soon.

I also think RA-1 &gt; A032R because the Yoko's hum on the highway like gumbo mudders on a 4x4.


To the OP: If you want to go R compound - you should get a dedicated set of track rims and cart the extra wheels/tires in the back of your R on the way to track events and change rims when you get there. That way your R's will last longer and you should get into the habit of rotating your tires (even running them backwards) - to even out the tire wear as you track them.

If you can't be bothered doing that - then stick with street tires like Azenis</TD></TR></TABLE>

I've got my stock ITR rims as a second set for track tires if I go that route. Glad to hear you like the A048's.

And I'm indiffrent about road noise .... my first car was a 94 YJ with with 31x10.5 Interco TrXus M/T's. Try going 140KPh down the highway with those! Friggin retarded.

Thanks for everyones input. Much appreciated.

 

bro its Joe (py itr) from the itr meet u set up last auguest.....we should both make a run to buffalo for tires b/c im in the same boat as you

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by floatfisher &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">bro its Joe (py itr) from the itr meet u set up last auguest.....we should both make a run to buffalo for tires b/c im in the same boat as you</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hey dude! Yeah, no kidding about going over the border .... I did that about a month ago for my Recaro's ... well worth it. The only problem was finding the time to do it. And the customs people were dicks. Well when it comes time for me to purchase tires, I'll definately consider going down there. Just doing my research as of now.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98 ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I've got my stock ITR rims as a second set for track tires if I go that route. Glad to hear you like the A048's.

And I'm indiffrent about road noise .... my first car was a 94 YJ with with 31x10.5 Interco TrXus M/T's. Try going 140KPh down the highway with those! Friggin retarded.

Thanks for everyones input. Much appreciated.</TD></TR></TABLE>


The stock ITR rims are only 6" wide - which are fine for 195 section width

For track rims people usually run 6.5"-7" wide - plus they get shot to hell from all the track debris (melted rubber etc) and brake dust.

I would try to keep your OEM rims in nice shape

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Big Phat R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The stock ITR rims are only 6" wide - which are fine for 195 section width

For track rims people usually run 6.5"-7" wide - plus they get shot to hell from all the track debris (melted rubber etc) and brake dust.

I would try to keep your OEM rims in nice shape</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good point. Forgot about the rim width. That leaves the Slipstreams for track duty than

 

R compounds are great and you'll gain a lot of speed (and you'll never wanna go back) but they're much less forgiving than street tires.

I'd get used to the car on street tires and worry about R comps next year.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Big Phat R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The stock ITR rims are only 6" wide - which are fine for 195 section width

For track rims people usually run 6.5"-7" wide - plus they get shot to hell from all the track debris (melted rubber etc) and brake dust.

I would try to keep your OEM rims in nice shape</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm using my 205/50-15 RA-1 on a somewhat beat up set of stock rims. No problems.

 

where did u pick up the recaros in buffalo?? how much duty did u pay?