E30 R Comp for Southeasten Tracks - Experienced E30 Track Guys

[dinanm3atl]

E30 is finally 'done' to where I want it. I sold the M3 which was my track car. I wanted the E30 to be the new toy and that is what she is. I used Z214s on the M3 and loved them. Sizing for the E30 will be 225.45.15...

R888
RA1
NT-01

Those are all about the same price. On a full interior E30 which tires are you guys using? What kind of life? Which tire do you prefer? I have experience with RA-1. NT-01 is supposedly the same green tire as the RA-1 with new tread pattern which improves grip. If that is true lots of life can be expected!

R888 seems to have a bad rap. SpecE30 dropped it due to performance and low life complaints.

Open up the floor to a discussion...

[Bglad]

PRO3 uses Toyo R888 and RA-1

[dinanm3atl]

I am not racing. Mostly HPDE right now and open lapping days. So I am not interested in the tire that is the most sticky for 6 heat cycles and then dump them. I want a good life that stays predictable.

[Bglad]

You can shave ra1's and have an amazing dry tire. I know a lot of the guys are doing that right now.

[joshh]

If it's just for fun days I'd stick with the well wearing and predictable RA1. I'd even run them at full tread depth. You're not out there winning money after all.

[E30Idea]

I run RA-1's for PIR track days and I love the shiot out of them. They wear very well, aggressive even in the rain and they will let you know with a squeel before they completly let loose and have you steering with your right foot rather than the wheel.

I highly reccomend them.

[jlevie]

Any of those will work quite well, with the advantage going to the RA1's in longevity.

[nrubenstein]

R888s heat cycle out fast. It's silly to do anything but the RA-1 unless you want to spring for a serious r-tire.

[kishg]

RA-1 or NT-01. On the other hand, you maybe able to pickup R-888s for cheap now..

[dinanm3atl]

R888s heat cycle out fast. It's silly to do anything but the RA-1 unless you want to spring for a serious r-tire.

I am hearing this a lot. Well the NT-01 is up to 100-150 cheaper for a full set. So it is said... the RA-1 and NT-01 are the same green tire. Different tread. If it is the same compound it should last the same... in theory.

[Wh33lhop]

I am hearing this a lot. Well the NT-01 is up to 100-150 cheaper for a full set. So it is said... the RA-1 and NT-01 are the same green tire. Different tread. If it is the same compound it should last the same... in theory.

I've read that the NT01 is actually a bit faster due to huge tread blocks and smaller void area (less tread squirm, more grip), but have no firsthand experience.

[XvillainousX]

R888s heat cycle out fast. It's silly to do anything but the RA-1 unless you want to spring for a serious r-tire.

+ Definitely agrees with this comment.
If you're just using this as a casual trackcar RA1s are good and as the others have mentioned Nitto NT01 is a damn good tire. To me felt almost the same as RA1s and they're alot cheaper.

225 45r15 in Toyo run about 180ish
225 45r15 in NT01 run about 150ish

[E30Idea]

So, whats another $120 when you are spending that much to begin with. Go RA1's. I have had both and I found for my style driving that it was much more forgiving.

[nrubenstein]

I am hearing this a lot. Well the NT-01 is up to 100-150 cheaper for a full set. So it is said... the RA-1 and NT-01 are the same green tire. Different tread. If it is the same compound it should last the same... in theory.

Yes. Go with whichever one is cheaper, just not the 888s.

[etxxz]

used to use RA1s. loved them, but you can't get them anymore.. atleast not easily SO
NT-01's i like just as much, they do seem stiffer on the sidewall over the RA1, but i'm also running them at higher pressure.

R888's i'm staying away.