The above question.....how are the ra-1's in 205 50 15 and how much they cost a piece US?

 

They go for about $130-$140 each. I've never used them but have talked to a few that have. From what I've heard they have very consistent grip, last fairly long, and one of the easier R compounds to drive. They are molded at 8/32 for wet but most will shave them to 4/32 for dry track. I met someone who autocrosses them in full tread but had some serious chunking problems.

Edit: I was thinking of buying these tires for HPDE's earlier this year then realized I should wait until I get more experience with steet tires. R compounds don't give any audible feedback when pushed to the limit.



[Modified by 6ghatch, 11:13 AM 10/23/2002]

 

anyone had use RA-1 for autox ?
Are they good ? and how they compare to VictorRacer ?

 

i'm guessing he wants to use it to go straight
by his comments here:

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=313869



[Modified by BlueR, 11:22 AM 10/23/2002]

 

[QUOTE]how are the ra-1's in 205 50 15QUOTE]

I drove just on that size RA1 at a spec miata race a couple of months back.

The RA1 is a great tire. It is virtually right up at the performance level of the hoosier, but the toyo lasts a lot longer and also does not fall off in grip as the hoosier does. For ultimate grip (and feel) you can’t beat a brand new hoosier, but you can certainly come close (if not match it) with a shaved RA1 for use in dry conditions. I have nothing but good things to say for this tire.

 

Have you used them full-tread for rain use?

 

Yup

 

What do you mean by "shave" them...how do you do that...also which would be cheaper the Ra-1, or the T1-S....

 

The RA-1 is a race compound tire, they wont last long on the street maybe a couple thousand miles if you are lucky. The T1-S is a performance street tire. Big difference.

Don't get the RA-1 for the street.

 

RA-1s have a 40 treadwear rating. A032Rs have an 80 treadwear rating. Most passenger car tires have 250-280 treadwear rating. They are an R compound tire and not recommended for street use.

I have used them and so far they are my favorite tire. They come at 8/32 tread depth and are ideal for rain use at that tread depth. In the dry you will find them very squirmy until you get to 4/32 tread depth (this is the shaved depth). They grip like crazy when up to temperature. They do need quite a bit of heat in them before they start to feel "strong". And they last and last until they cord.

I highly recommend them for track racing/HPDEs/Solo 1.

 

K thx guys...