utkinpol

Hi,

My Toyo RA1 tires are now almost 10 years old, rear ones, so i would like to replace whole set.

I use 18" CCW rims, 9" wide front, 12" rear. What is best/available streetable r-comp rubber on the current market in 255/315 or 245/305 sizes, that preferably does not need shaving? 2 years ago it was NT01, i think, but no one could find them in required sizes - is there anything better for this season to drive to/on/from track, no trailer?

Regards, Paul.

marcus1249

Most people I know are still using the NT-01's for that application, I usually stock up at the beginning of the season but haven't had any trouble finding them when needed

Loud223

Hi Paul,
I'm in the same boat but I run 20 inch so I am somewhat limited in my choices. I'm looking at Dunlop sport maxx or Michelin sport cups. For this season. You'll have a lot more choices in 18 inch. Being in Mass you may want to call Justin At South Shore Autoworks. He goes to all of the PCA track days and has a great shop off rte 3. He can get any tire you want. He can also suggest tires if you let him know your level of driving.
What track are you running, I'll look for you and introduce you to Justin if we run the same tracks.

JayG

Bridgestone RE-71R is a great street/track tire
Also Dunlop Driezza Start Spec

gbuff

Yes, in that order--have used both. Nothing like the 71R in the rain......

Gary

txhokie4life

I love the Star Spec -- we use it in endurance racing and I use it for my drive to the track car.

We've had grip even with the polyester running down the side of the car :-)

Now is it NT-01 grip -- IDK, but like my golf game -- I hit it where she lies.

alexaqui

I thought the 71R is a great tire; only issue is the wear. I did not find them to last very long, especially when driven hard.

I am a huge fan of the RE11. Very predictable tire with very good grip. They also last forever, which makes them a great drive to track tire.

Slakker

RE-71R if you are worried about rain, NT-01 if you're not.

johneecatt

I run 18's and NT-01s.

gbuff

Boy, that's for sure--if your car is at all camber-challenged (like mine) you'll be flipping them early and often.

But the grip makes up for it

utkinpol

i used star specs as my street tire. awesome tire, but the biggest size it got is the 285 - it works on my street rims - 8"/10" but for track i need a rear tire to fit on a 12" rim. it means possible sizes 305, 315, 335. OK, i see a consensus here is still mostly about NT01, so, i guess, not much have changed in 2 years... thanks so much, will go to do some shopping now.
...

Hmm.
Well, i see pretty much same picture as i remembered it. sizes i can use are either 245/40 front with 305/35 rear - but i would prefer to go with 275/35 front and 335/30 rear as the latter sits properly on a 12" rim.
From what i can see online this 335/30 does not seem to be listed at all no matter where i look. Do they even make it? 265/40ZR18 size also does not seem to be showing up and it would work well with 305/35ZR18, better than a narrow 245. 275 tire is not tall enough to combine with 305 and also too wide to be used with 305...

Have anybody used a 315/30ZR18 98W tire - why do they say it can only go to a 11.5" rim as a max width? Similar Toyo R888 in 315 gets mounted on a 12" rim just fine and does not feel stretched at all - what is the issue with NT01?

z06801

Bummer that the RA1 is no longer made in those sizes 335, it made such a great drive to the track summer tire. I've run 315/30/18 NT-01s on my 12" CCWs no problem but the 305/35/18 with their taller side wall is better IMO.

alexaqui

My car was dialed in as intended. They wore out fast though, particularly the center ridge. They can be flipped as you say. I was surprised how quickly I consumed them. That being said, the grip level really lets you push it hard and have some real fun with them.

I did not love them in the rain, which is counter to what most people are saying in this thread!

txhokie4life

Oh maybe that's why I love four wheel drifting my Boxster -- I'm lucky if I have 265's on there :-)

If I want the slot car feel -- I've got my avatar (25.5x14x16)

M

Gofishracing

Michelin Cup 2