Looking to get a set of R Comps for the track

[FtW_STi]

So I'm looking to make a change as far as tires go for my car. I've been doing autocross for a little while now, but every time I go to the track I become less and less interested in autox. I currently have 245/40-17 RE-01r's on the stock BBS's and they are great tires. However, after killing one of them at the track the other weekend during a slight off (something sliced the tread down to the steel belts, still runs fine, but needed to be fixed) and finding out that they had increased to $211 each (replaced individual tire, shaving FTW) I am now considering getting a second set of wheels and dedicated track tires. I think I am going to get out of autox once my current STU terrorizing tires are shot and then I will buy a set of RE760's for daily driver use. Since I can get a good deal on another set of BBS's and I am going to stick with my RCE yellows (non-lowering camber plates in the front, grp N mounts in back) I want to find an r-comp in 245/40-17 since 255 would require a more expensive wheel option and would be a tight fit. I really wanted to run the Nitto NT-01 since it seems to be a good entry level track tire, but it doesn't come in this size (245/45-17 or 255/40-17). Right now I am leaning towards the BFG g-force R1 (245/40-17) but am open to suggestions. I am just looking for something that would be good to learn on, stickier than the RE-01rs (not knockin 'em, they're great) and wear reasonably well. I'm not trying to win any races, just learn to use r-comps, have more fun at HPDE's and maybe pass a Lotus or two

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[mav1c]

I think the R1 is a bit too aggressive for a first time R-Comp tire. You should start with something with a higher wear rating and more progressive "about to loose traction" tendencies. You're best options are the Nitto NT-01, and Toyo R888, but unfortunately they don't come in 245/40-17. I'd suggest the Yoko A048. They come in 245/40-17, have good grip, wear fairly well, and have a pretty progressive feel. I will say that they tend to fall off a decent amount near the end of their life, but until then, they're a great first time R-Comp tire. One drawback is that they're expensive, but if you were looking at the R1 I'm guessing price isn't too big a concern.

I ran into the same problem. I wanted to stick with 245/40-17 so I could use my 17x8 wheels, but the tire options just weren't there. I moved up to 17x8.5's and run a 255/40-17 not.

My $.02

[FtW_STi]

Thanks for the advice. The reasons you mentioned are exactly why I had picked the NT-01 first. I had also considered the A048's as you mentioned. I had heard of them falling off towards the end of their life. How many track days (assuming treadwear is OK), well i guess we're talking heat cycles, do the Yoko's tend to put up with? The place where I run does six 20 minute sessions in a day. I can deal with the expense, but I want the tires to last the season (say 5-6 events). I would hate to have to ditch them when there is still a fair amount of tread left but the heat cycles had ruined the rubber (or at least made a big difference).

[mav1c]

They should just about last the season, although it'll be getting close near the end, and you'll see a dropoff in performance I'm sure. Even after they drop off, they'll still be better than any street tire. IMO.

[misterwaterfallin]

I was just thinking about making a similar thread.

where can I find a set of 255/35ZR18 888's?

[Gonz]

Originally Posted by FtW_STi

I've been doing autocross for a little while now, but every time I go to the track I become less and less interested in autox.

amen to that.

I really wanted to run the Nitto NT-01 since it seems to be a good entry level track tire, but it doesn't come in this size (245/45-17 or 255/40-17).

Check this hyperlink for the NT01 in 255/40-17.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...ager.offset=10

But for that price, why not get a set of RA1 Toyo ? Probably the ideal entry level track tire. They last quite a while and get to be pretty fast once they are broken in. I'm on my 3rd set and like them alot.

From what I've read on the NASA forums, based on early test results, the old RA1 is the way to go over the new R$$$.

G

[REX8]

R888's, RA-1's, A048's, NT-01's, hell even a decent set of used 032R's are far and away your best choices.

The last thing you need to worry about at a DE is a second a lap here or there. Get something you can throw on and forget about for a while.

There's plenty to worry about besides squeezing another day or two from a sticky, quick wearing tire...

[FtW_STi]

Sorry, I meant the NT-01 doesn't come in 245/40-17 but is available in both 255/40-17 and 245/45-17. I thought about the Toyo as well but it doesn't come in 245/40-17 either which is the biggest tire that I can run on 8" BBS wheels. I wonder how a 235 r-comp compares with a 245 RE-01r... Oh well, the Yokohama is looking like a winner right now.

[kunfuzion]

The NT-01 also come in 235/40-17 which is what i'm currently running on a set of 17x8.5". I was worried about going with the 255/40-17 since i wanted a tighter sidewall. I also have a set of RA1 235/45-17 on a set of 17x8" and the Nitto's are about 1" wider overall when stacked. We'll see how they compare during this weekends track event but for the cost, the Nitto's seem to be best choice for those on a budget.

[FtW_STi]

Would the NT-01 in 235/40-17 still be a sizeable upgrade from my 245/40-17 RE-01r's or would I be better served by the A048 in 245/40-17?

-Rob

[mav1c]

The 235/40-17 will be a bit smaller in diameterm so you'll have even shorter gearing. I would think you'd have about the same grip as the RE01. They will wear a little faster because of the smaller size. I ran 245/45-17 NT-01's on a 17x8 +48 wheel with stock struts and Swift springs, and I didn't get any significant rubbing, so you could try that. That size also helps the gearing IMO.

[FtW_STi]

hmmm, decisions decisions. I'm guessing the Yokohama's would be a little stickier because of their lower treadwear rating? So, 245/40-17 A048's or 245/45-17 NT-01's.... I guess the 245/45's might require a touch of fender rolling (no bigee). Would you recommend shaving either of these tires or running them at full tread depth? Thanks again for all of the helpful advice!!

[mav1c]

I ran both at full tread. I don't think you'd need to roll the rear fenders with the 245/45-17 NT-01. I didn't have to, and I had lower offset wheels. I will say that both heat up a lot when they're new and full tread, so start with pretty low cold pressures. Like 28/30.

[FtW_STi]

Would you say one of these options is better to learn on than the other or is it just a personal preference? Thanks again!

[mav1c]

I would say the NT-01 would last longer, and be cheaper. The only thing I can't guarantee is any rubbing on the strut side, since I had 5mm more clearance. I think I've seen other people run 245/45-17's on the BBS's without rubbing though. I just can't guarantee it.

[Red_Wrx]

I JUST GAVE A DUDE PROPS FOR RUNNING 245/45/17 ON HIS STOCK BBS. I WANT TO SAY 255 BUT IM NOT SURE, ITS ON HERE SOMEWHERE. BUT WHAT IVE READ I WANTED TO REMARK. IVE BEEN A BIG SUPPORTOR OF NT01'S CAUSE MY NEIGHBOR'S RAN ON HIS EVO AND HE RIPS THE CANYONS, ID SAY ALMOST DAILY AND TO WORK AND ALL THAT. REGULARY ROTATES IT AT A BUDDIES SHOP, HOWEVER BASICALLY TAKING CARE OF THIESE TIRES CAUSE YOU NEED TO WHEN YOUR GOT TRACK TIRES = EXTRA ATTENTION.
SAYING THAT. THEY LASTED MAY TO MAY(08) AND STILL GOTS THEM ON, SAY HES NEED TO CHANGE THEM SOON. BUT KOWING HOW HE DRIVES AND THE LOGEVITY OF THE WHEELS ARENT BAD AT ALL.

I THINK THERE SUPER STICKY, YEAH YOULL BE PICKING UP SOME RANDOM STUFF ON THE TIRES (YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KEEPING CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR WHEELS ANYWAYS) (MARIO ANDRETTI..."CHECK YOUR TIRES"..LOL) ANYWHO, I THINK THERE AWESOM BELOW THE RADAR TIRES, HOWEVER IVE SEEN THEM WITH 245/45/17 OR WAS IT 235/45? NOT SURE BUT I KNOW THEY GOT 245/40/17's CAUSE IN THE BEGINNING OF THE THREAD YOU STATED THEY DONT GOT THAT SIZE BUT IM ALMOST SURE THEY DO. www.NITTO.COM

IM LOOKING TO PUT 255/40/17 ON SOME 17X9'S GOOD LUCK

[misterwaterfallin]

Originally Posted by Red_Wrx

I JUST GAVE A DUDE PROPS FOR RUNNING 245/45/17 ON HIS STOCK BBS. I WANT TO SAY 255 BUT IM NOT SURE, ITS ON HERE SOMEWHERE. BUT WHAT IVE READ I WANTED TO REMARK. IVE BEEN A BIG SUPPORTOR OF NT01'S CAUSE MY NEIGHBOR'S RAN ON HIS EVO AND HE RIPS THE CANYONS, ID SAY ALMOST DAILY AND TO WORK AND ALL THAT. REGULARY ROTATES IT AT A BUDDIES SHOP, HOWEVER BASICALLY TAKING CARE OF THIESE TIRES CAUSE YOU NEED TO WHEN YOUR GOT TRACK TIRES = EXTRA ATTENTION.
SAYING THAT. THEY LASTED MAY TO MAY(08) AND STILL GOTS THEM ON, SAY HES NEED TO CHANGE THEM SOON. BUT KOWING HOW HE DRIVES AND THE LOGEVITY OF THE WHEELS ARENT BAD AT ALL.

I THINK THERE SUPER STICKY, YEAH YOULL BE PICKING UP SOME RANDOM STUFF ON THE TIRES (YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KEEPING CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR WHEELS ANYWAYS) (MARIO ANDRETTI..."CHECK YOUR TIRES"..LOL) ANYWHO, I THINK THERE AWESOM BELOW THE RADAR TIRES, HOWEVER IVE SEEN THEM WITH 245/45/17 OR WAS IT 235/45? NOT SURE BUT I KNOW THEY GOT 245/40/17's CAUSE IN THE BEGINNING OF THE THREAD YOU STATED THEY DONT GOT THAT SIZE BUT IM ALMOST SURE THEY DO. www.NITTO.COM

IM LOOKING TO PUT 255/40/17 ON SOME 17X9'S GOOD LUCK

having problems controlling your voice?

[SubyFi]

I have the Nitto NT01 in 245/45/17 on my stock BBS (17x8) wheels. No issues when I had just lowering springs and stock struts. Now I have coilovers (Racecomp Tarmac 2). When I got the coilovers installed, the tires wore even better. I flip mounted them after about six events. This extended their life a bit. I just corded my set after ten HPDEs.

I have a stack of 255/40/17 NT01s ready for mounting.

[mav1c]

Originally Posted by SubyFi

I have the Nitto NT01 in 245/45/17 on my stock BBS (17x8) wheels. No issues when I had just lowering springs and stock struts. Now I have coilovers (Racecomp Tarmac 2). When I got the coilovers installed, the tires wore even better. I flip mounted them after about six events. This extended their life a bit. I just corded my set after ten HPDEs.

I have a stack of 255/40/17 NT01s ready for mounting.

Well there's confirmation they should fit. I say ago for it!

[mav1c]

Originally Posted by Red_Wrx

I JUST GAVE A DUDE PROPS FOR RUNNING 245/45/17 ON HIS STOCK BBS. I WANT TO SAY 255 BUT IM NOT SURE, ITS ON HERE SOMEWHERE. BUT WHAT IVE READ I WANTED TO REMARK. IVE BEEN A BIG SUPPORTOR OF NT01'S CAUSE MY NEIGHBOR'S RAN ON HIS EVO AND HE RIPS THE CANYONS, ID SAY ALMOST DAILY AND TO WORK AND ALL THAT. REGULARY ROTATES IT AT A BUDDIES SHOP, HOWEVER BASICALLY TAKING CARE OF THIESE TIRES CAUSE YOU NEED TO WHEN YOUR GOT TRACK TIRES = EXTRA ATTENTION.
SAYING THAT. THEY LASTED MAY TO MAY(08) AND STILL GOTS THEM ON, SAY HES NEED TO CHANGE THEM SOON. BUT KOWING HOW HE DRIVES AND THE LOGEVITY OF THE WHEELS ARENT BAD AT ALL.

I THINK THERE SUPER STICKY, YEAH YOULL BE PICKING UP SOME RANDOM STUFF ON THE TIRES (YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KEEPING CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR WHEELS ANYWAYS) (MARIO ANDRETTI..."CHECK YOUR TIRES"..LOL) ANYWHO, I THINK THERE AWESOM BELOW THE RADAR TIRES, HOWEVER IVE SEEN THEM WITH 245/45/17 OR WAS IT 235/45? NOT SURE BUT I KNOW THEY GOT 245/40/17's CAUSE IN THE BEGINNING OF THE THREAD YOU STATED THEY DONT GOT THAT SIZE BUT IM ALMOST SURE THEY DO. www.NITTO.COM

IM LOOKING TO PUT 255/40/17 ON SOME 17X9'S GOOD LUCK

Turn off your CAPS LOCK!!!!
There is no 245/40-17: http://www.nittotire.com/#index%2Etire%2Ent01%2Esizes

[FtW_STi]

Nitto's it is then! Looks like they can be had for around $180 each. Thanks for all the tips! Looks like I am joining the club of r-comp addicts soon!!

[kunfuzion]

Originally Posted by mav1c

The 235/40-17 will be a bit smaller in diameterm so you'll have even shorter gearing. I would think you'd have about the same grip as the RE01. They will wear a little faster because of the smaller size. I ran 245/45-17 NT-01's on a 17x8 +48 wheel with stock struts and Swift springs, and I didn't get any significant rubbing, so you could try that. That size also helps the gearing IMO.

Yeah i know but the tracks around here are usually more technical where acceleration is more important than high end speed. Seriously how many people max out fifth gear at their local track? The reduced rotational mass, lighter weight, and better steering response will make up for it. I'll have both sets this weekend so i'll be able to compare proper diameter vs the shorter diameter wheel/tires.

[REX8]

Originally Posted by FtW_STi

hmmm, decisions decisions. I'm guessing the Yokohama's would be a little stickier because of their lower treadwear rating? So, 245/40-17 A048's or 245/45-17 NT-01's.... I guess the 245/45's might require a touch of fender rolling (no bigee). Would you recommend shaving either of these tires or running them at full tread depth? Thanks again for all of the helpful advice!!

The NT-01's are noticeably stickier than 048's...but they won't last as long. They are certainly softer than 48s...

Don't get me wrong, for an R, they have good life, but 48's wear like iron.

[misterwaterfallin]

where can i score a set of NT-01 255/40r17? I might pick up a rim set that would be perfect for them

[dunk]

Discount Tire has them pretty cheap.

Duncan