Could you guys list some of the good racing compound tire brands. I would like a tire that has some rain treads in it, if that is possible. Since I'm in college the R isn't getting many miles, so I am thinking of running some awesome tires on the street. I know they won't last long and I'm most likely going to get SO-3's or RE010's again, but I was throwing the idea around. Thanks

 

t1-s Proxes are my fav. I don`t drive in the rain.

Ryan

 

I'd recommend the Falken Azenis, it's more of a street tire w/ characteristics of a track tire...sticky, good in the rain, but decent enough to use at the track...

Plus they come in good sizes for us and are cheap too!

for all out track tires, you could use the Kumho V700's, Yoko A032's, Toyo T1 (as mentioned)....

 

Yokohama A032's are DOT streetable tires with bad-a$$ grip. You'd be lucky to get out 7500 miles.

 

Even sticky track tires vary. The following list shows track tires starting with the most streetable (longest lasting, best in rain) to the least (fastest wearing, fastest in the dry):

Yokohama A032R
Kumho V700 Victoracer
Hoosier R3S03

If you're competing, where a tenth of a second matters, get the Hoosiers. Otherwise, the Yokos make a great all-around track tire where you can still use it if you get stuck in the rain.

 

I would caution against using the Hoosier and Kumho for the street. Once worn slightly they have no tread. No tread and R compound is still ok for wet surfaces, but when you get standing water => hydroplane immediately !

 

How about ADVAN A038, A039 and A048? I know that they are newer model than the A032R, so it should be better, right?

 

Yes, I agree. But man, those tires are noisy as hell. If you don't mind the noise, get the A032s. Great grip on the dry, pretty decent in rain. And probably the longest life among all R compound tires. At $124/tire @ tirerack, the price isn't all that bad either.

 

039 is for wet weather
048 and 038 are mostly for dry weather.

 

go with the A032Rs....

 

So Dave what do you suggest Now for street tires and the occasional Weekend Warrior stuff?

Or is it now, just road tires and track tires? I remember you weren't fond of your Khumo's and am wondering what you will choose next? I too need some new rubber, "10,500 miles" and am seeing some good wear. Whats a good set in your opinion?

Thanks,

Anton

 

Steet tires are good for the street, and track tires are good for the track. Different tires for different purposes.

As noted above, the Yokohama A032R is a great all-around tire for the track. And the stock Bridgestone RE010 is a great all-around tire for the street.

 

The one of the best over looked race tires to drive on the street is the Toyo RA1. Beats the 032's by far, better grip, quieter, longer lasting and a better rain tire. They are expensive but worth the cost if you want an R tire on the street.

 

Yokohama Advans are the way to go. I launch these tires as high as 6000 RPMS.

 

For race tires I have Kumho V700
For the street I have Kumho 712's

But on my Miata I will soon get the Falken Azenis, which will be a compromise tire if I don't get an extra set of wheels for race tires.

If you are beginnning in autocross, it is best to learn on street tires like the Falken's. Once you understand autocross, only race tires will do.

 

RA1 indeed a good tire... Decent grip for a race tire and pretty good wear too. A032R is more of a street tire IMHO.

I think this list is pretty good as far as grip levels (inversly proportional to wear), best to worse.

Hoosier (pretty much any of their DOT compounds)
BFG GForce R1
Kumho Victoracer V700
Goodyear GS-CS
Toyo RA1
Pirelli P-Zero C
Advan A032R
Nitto 555R
Falken Azenis

The Goodyear/Toyo/Pirelli are actually very closely matched so it's really hard to say which one's better than the other, but the others are definately different.

 

Hey Jimbob,

What would make you say the 032 is a better street tire than the RA1? They are way nosier at speed, there not as good in the rain, they do no have as good of cornering grip, slower and they do not last as long. Their only advantage is they are slightly lighter in weight, commonly available and less expensive. I question your judgment.

 

Toyo T1-S, no doubt. These tires are AWESOME. [Realtime Type Rs choice tire]

 

Hey Keyed ITR,

The T1-S is the spec sponsored street tire in the WTC series. If they had a choice they would not choose this tire. Understand, every one in the series has to use this tire. It is an OK tire but up against any R compound tire it would not stand a chance unless they were flat. There is very big difference between the RA-1 and T1-S.

 

The RA1 is indeed a great tire...but they are not DOT legal...

this might prove to be problematic with those who have been VERY unlucky to be pull over and cited a vehicle inspection ticket.

It does happen though not as frequently....another thing to consider is if you were involved in a car accident that was or was not your fault.....and where the police will measure stuff like skid marks...this could get you into some trouble using an "off road" tire.

A local gentleman in BC actually had a ticket written for his A032Rs....and had to BRING IN a tire to the precinct, sat down and showed the supervisor the wear bars which qualify 32Rs for street use/DOT legality....

It's sad and unfortunately true.... my choice is with the RA1 if possible, but I will wear the Falken Azenis next, solely due to the price vs. perf. index.

 

Hey RagingAngel,

The RA-1's are DOT-approved/legal competition tire. I don't know where you get your info from, but go back and recheck. They would not qualify for competition in the same class as 032's, V700, or the Hoosier DOT bias and radial ply tires. This should help you out http://www.toyo.com/tires/tire_lines/high_perf/ra1.html

 

DB1-R81 - Both are noisy, A032R is a better rain tire than the RA1 although at full tread the RA1 is pretty good too. I didn't say it's a better street tire, but I said the A032R is MORE of a street tire in terms of grip than the RA1. It just doesn't have the ultimate grip that many R compounds have. The A032R also lasts longer so it's more convenient for the road.

Raging Angel - RA1's are DOT approved. All of the competition tires I'm refering to are all DOT approved even the Hoosier. It doesn't make any sense to use them on the street but legally, they're dot approved. At least new then there's a little tread.
www.toyo.com/tires/tire_lines/high_perf/ra1.html, just in case you need any factory backed reassurance.

 

Hey jimbob,

The RA-1 is nowhere near as noisy as the 032. I don't know what is the basis of the rest of your opinions; obviously I do not believe they are justified. I also suggest you read the most recent commonly available review of DOT legal race tires, Grassroots Motorsports August 2001, page 47. They did not even bother to test the 032 because it does not compare to the other 3 tires in question.



[Modified by DB1-R81, 10:12 AM 10/13/2001]

 

I have read that article. I know the 032 is noisier than the RA1. I get my info from experience. I know the 032 doesn't compare to the other hence my opinions of them on my last post. I think they belong more to the street tire class than the RA1!!!

 

Hey jimbob,

Thanks, I think I understand what you are saying now; they are better for the street because they are not that great as a competition tire!