So, I'd like to give the R compounds a try, and would like to know which tire, the collective wisdom of this forum, would reccomend for an introduction to R compounds. I just do DE's and time trials, no racing.

Choices:
toyo ra1 $162/tire
hooiser r3s03 $180/tire
ecsta v700 $133/tire

I'm currently running 215/45 16 azenis, and would like to stay close to that size and profile, but both the ra1 and the v700 come in either 225/50 or 205/40; which would be best? The hooiser, while the most expensive, comes in a 215/40 (closest to my desired size). Lastly, the v700 also comes in a 205/45 size, how would that fair?

So, what's the consensus? I just want a tire with a forgiving learning curve; don't wanna end up in the sand with my expensive new tires.

 

Start with the Toyos - you can even use them full tread if you are going slow and as you get more comfortable with them they'll get faster.

 

Should I get them heatcycled, or will a 150 mile drive to the track be sufficent? I could either drive on them, or lug em along in the trunk; which would you suggest?

 

You can fit 4 wheels and tires in the back seat of your Prelude. Put your jack and other tools in the trunk and your are set. I would recommend you get a set of 15"x7" wheels with a 40-45mm offset and run 225/50/15 Kumho Victoracers on them.

 

I like the Toyo RA-1 tires. They are good all the way down to the cord. I have had other R-spec tires that still looked good but were not. If you can get them shaved and heat cycled they will last longer. I would try the 225x50x16 if they will fit your car. I have tried that size on a lowered dc2 and they were too big, so I used them on an ep hatch instead without problems. Hope this info helps.

 

check this thread out: https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=658319&page=4

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bb6h22a &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just want a tire with a forgiving learning curve; don't wanna end up in the sand with my expensive new tires.</TD></TR></TABLE>
keep using the Azenis...

 

I would keep using the azenis if you want to learn faster to drive better. But if you want to try out some R compounds, see if you can get Yoko A032Rs. The prices are pretty good. They last longer than the other tires you're considering, stick very well (I can't tell the difference between the Yoko A032R and the Toyo RA1s). The yokos are good learning R compounds cuz they give you better feedback on how you're driving.....it's easier to hear when you're overdriving the tires.

Oh, and did I mention they last a good long time? You can drive to the track and back. Plus you can still drive with them in the rain (assuming you have some treads).

One warning about the yokos though......they're LOUD. The first time I drove on them, I thought there was a helipcopter hovering behind me.

Then, as your third choice, I'd pick the Toyo RA1's.