R Compounds for the track - size & wheel

[CL65 Captain]

Currently running stock 16/17 with Falken 615s and want to make the step to R compounds.

It looks like the only R made for the 16/17 setup would be the Hoosier R6 in 205/45/16 & 245/40/17 or Yoko A048 225/45ZR16 & 245/40ZR17 or 255/40/17

I am tempted to just throw on a set of the Yokohama A048s and see how long they last if I have to drive them to track and back (180m each way).

If I do make the switch to a dedicated track wheel/tire then that means either trailering the NSX or having a second car follow.

So what are you guys running at the track? Wheels & tires?

 

[docjohn]

Many of us have run toyo RA1. I have a dedicated set of ssr-c in 17/17 so I use 235/40/17 275/40/17.In my old days of pirelli P0-c tires I did use 225/45/16 255/40/17 without incident.There are increasing vendors putting out R compounds in more sizes,so keep looking.

 

[RSO 34]

I have just switched to the RA1s on dedicated Prodrives GC-06H with tire sizes being 235-40ZR17 front and 275-35ZR18 rear. I did not have them shaved since I need to drive 260 miles each way to the Glen and don't have a trailer to switch off at the track.

 

[ChopsJazz]

Ah, taking Ken's advice huh?

Let us know how the change goes for you.

 

[NSX 3.0]

Nitto NT01's and really like them. I will write a quick review in another post. Had used Toyo RA1's for the last 5 years and the Nitto's are very similar even more grip in colder temps.

 

[nsxtasy]

So what are you guys running at the track? Wheels & tires?

At the track, Toyo RA-1 in stock '91-93 sizes (205/50-15 and 225/50-16) on stock '91-93 wheels. I can fit them inside the car so I drive to and from the track on my street tires.

 

[NSXDreamer2]

Nitto NT01's and really like them. I will write a quick review in another post. Had used Toyo RA1's for the last 5 years and the Nitto's are very similar even more grip in colder temps.

same here, I have to add it's big difference if you are planning to have them unshaved.

Also, give you local discount tire store a call, chances are they can get you the tires. Nitto is not the easiest tire to order online.

A048 does not last as long as the NT01 or RA1. Still a tag better in grip when they are fresh.

I have an extra set of 17/17, pefect for track duty. Let me know if you are interested.
I used to run OEM 15/16 with RA1.
starting to use the NT01 with 235/140/17 with 7.5 front, 275/35/18 with 9.5 last year and loved it.

 

[nsxnut]

If you decide to use the RA1's get them shaved. They will last longer shaved and offer more grip.

I prefer the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup's over the RA1's

I have heard good things about the R888's I have not tried them.

I think after the Mich's I have are done I'll try Hoosers.

Later,
Don

 

[L8apex32]

I'm still using 205/50/15 and 225/50/16 ('91-'93 OEM size) at the track. I use Avon Tech-R tires as they are the cheapest R tire I could find.

On the other hand, I trailer the car to the track and take my street tires with me as rain tires.

If you drive R tires to the track, and it rains, you'll need to drive very slowly on the way back. Been there, done that. White knuckle ride. Possible, but not for everyone.

I'm about to switch to 16/17" wheels and am not sure what fronts I'll use. I want a larger difference front to rear than what I have now as I have too much oversteer.

 

[docjohn]

I'm about to switch to 16/17" wheels and am not sure what fronts I'll use. I want a larger difference front to rear than what I have now as I have too much oversteer.[/QUOTE]

if I were you I would consider 17/17 or 17/18 combo for the track there are more R tire options with 17 fronts,that 16 front is just wack to get R compounds.

 

[nsxnut]

if I were you I would consider 17/17 or 17/18 combo for the track there are more R tire options with 17 fronts,that 16 front is just wack to get R compounds.

I agree.

More options with the larger rims. Will allow for larger brakes as well.

 

[MJSpeed]

Not to hijack the thread but why 17/17 over say 17/18, I've heard this several times now? Is it just for weight savings?

 

[nsxtasy]

I'm about to switch to 16/17" wheels and am not sure what fronts I'll use. I want a larger difference front to rear than what I have now as I have too much oversteer.

In another topic, someone mentioned the Yokohama A048 in 195/50-16 and 245/40-17.

Not to hijack the thread but why 17/17 over say 17/18, I've heard this several times now? Is it just for weight savings?

With R compound tires, the biggest consideration is often tire availability.

 

[MJSpeed]

Thanks and I guess the consensus is 235/40/17 up front and 275/35/17 in the rear...is this the same set up as in the NSX-R?

 

[docjohn]

Thanks and I guess the consensus is 235/40/17 up front and 275/35/17 in the rear...is this the same set up as in the NSX-R?

No 275/40/17 out back

 

[MJSpeed]

No 275/40/17 out back

Thanks!

So its 235/40/17 up front and 275/40/17 in the back...what should the wheel size be 17x7.5 up front by 17x9.0 out back? What offset?

By the way this is for a '92...

 

[MvM]

Many of us have run toyo RA1. I have a dedicated set of ssr-c in 17/17 so I use 235/40/17 275/40/17.In my old days of pirelli P0-c tires I did use 225/45/16 255/40/17 without incident.There are increasing vendors putting out R compounds in more sizes,so keep looking.

Dumb question perhaps, but why did you choose the 235/40 tires for the front?
Don't you have rubbing problems with these wide tires ??

 

[docjohn]

Dumb question perhaps, but why did you choose the 235/40 tires for the front?
Don't you have rubbing problems with these wide tires ??

Simply put the more rubber the better to balance with the 275 rear.And yes some rubbing on the inner wheel well but only in 3/4 turn which does not happen at the track.

 

[docjohn]

Thanks!

So its 235/40/17 up front and 275/40/17 in the back...what should the wheel size be 17x7.5 up front by 17x9.0 out back? What offset?

By the way this is for a '92...

a 7.5 front wheel is the narrowest I would go with 235. 9.5-10 in would be optimal for the rear at 275.

 

[BioBanker]

Im not sure Id put a 235 on a 7.5 inch wheel. In fact, I wouldnt. But I know some do.

Im running shaved RA1s on 17/18 tecnos 235/40 and 275/35.

The fronts do rub. My car is lowered 2.25inches probably. Rub at lock and on bumps. Not sure if theyll rub in compressions on the track yet.

I was running 205/275 RA1s. That set up was, suprisingly, pretty good. Im looking forward to seeing if I can power through the corners a bit better with the 235s.

I ran full tread RA1s when I daily drove them. They're terrible for the first 2/3 days! Slippery like banana skins. Now that Ive got dedicated track wheels Im shaving them.

 

[nsxtasy]

You can look up the tire manufacturer's specs to see which wheel widths they approve for each model and size tire. For example, Toyo approves the R888 in 235/40-17 for wheels 8.0-9.5 inches wide, and 275/40-17 for 9.0-11.0 inches wide. They use 17x8.5 and 17x9.5 for the "measuring rim width" (the width they use to come up with other specs) so that's what I'd probably target if I were planning to use the R888. I do NOT recommend using wheels outside of the approved range of rim widths, especially for tires for track use.

 

[docjohn]

Im not sure Id put a 235 on a 7.5 inch wheel. In fact, I wouldnt. But I know some do.

Im running shaved RA1s on 17/18 tecnos 235/40 and 275/35.

The fronts do rub. My car is lowered 2.25inches probably. Rub at lock and on bumps. Not sure if theyll rub in compressions on the track yet.

I was running 205/275 RA1s. That set up was, suprisingly, pretty good. Im looking forward to seeing if I can power through the corners a bit better with the 235s.

I ran full tread RA1s when I daily drove them. They're terrible for the first 2/3 days! Slippery like banana skins. Now that Ive got dedicated track wheels Im shaving them.

I would agree with the above,but since at the time the ssr comp wheel only came in 7.5 at the correct offset I went for it,and have countless track days on them with 235 no problems.

 

[Abrunod]

Hello if you want an advice for 16" and 17"

I use the soft coupond in front 195/50 16
And medium hard rear 245/40 17

Yoko A 048

Try these and you will have great balance trust i have on my car

for road use 2.3 pressure for rear and 2.0 for front

For track rear pressure 1.9 and front 1.7

This is my actual setup

Bilstein and eibach

The car its just perfect in any situation try and you will like

Andrea

PS this setup of tyres was give me from yokohama Italy race departments

I forgot 195/50 16 Its only write on tyres but its not real meseaure like the rear meseaure what you have its not what is write but its perfect balance for stock engine cars for gain a lot a lot of grip without loose HP

 

[nsxtasy]

for road use 2.3 pressure for rear and 2.0 for front

For track rear pressure 1.9 and front 1.7

This is my actual setup

If you converted these numbers (in bar) to psi (pounds per square inch), it would read as follows:

for road use 33 psi pressure for rear and 29 psi for front

For track rear pressure 28 psi and front 25 psi

This is my actual setup

 

[MJSpeed]

You can look up the tire manufacturer's specs to see which wheel widths they approve for each model and size tire. For example, Toyo approves the R888 in 235/40-17 for wheels 8.0-9.5 inches wide, and 275/40-17 for 9.0-11.0 inches wide. They use 17x8.5 and 17x9.5 for the "measuring rim width" (the width they use to come up with other specs) so that's what I'd probably target if I were planning to use the R888. I do NOT recommend using wheels outside of the approved range of rim widths, especially for tires for track use.

Thanks!

On a 8.5x17 front and 9.5x17 what offset is required so that the wheel/tyre doesn't "stick out" but instead is flush with the body panels?