R Compound Tires

[biscuitninja]

Ok guys I have bit the bullet and have a second set of rims for the Focus. I was wondering what type of R compound or nearly race tires are available. I will probably be competiting in the Stock class. So let me know what is adequate....

I would also like to know if there is a advantage in going from 195/60-15 to 205/55-15's. Do you see it?

Thanks
-bix

[BUR_ZX3]

Competing where?

Auto-X?
Spec Focus?
Just track days?

[biscuitninja]

Autocross, Track days and NASA.... I think i can get away with R compound tires, but if not what about some DOT tires that are very close...
-bix

[OmniFocus]

Yokohama A032R (H) and Toyo RA-1s are great dual purpose tires. They offer long enough life for use at a track day, yet enough stick to be a 75% tire for autocross.

I recommend them both.

[biscuitninja]

Cool, I'll check out the sizes for 15" rims.
-bix

[Auto-X-ZTS]

The Kumho Victoracer is a nice choice as well...nearly similar in wear to the Toyos, but likely a bit more stickey...and you can get them from the Tire Rack...

205/50 or 225/50 availible

[biscuitninja]

Originally Posted by Auto-X-ZTS

The Kumho Victoracer is a nice choice as well...nearly similar in wear to the Toyos, but likely a bit more stickey...and you can get them from the Tire Rack...

205/50 or 225/50 availible

Cool, but they are kinda pricey.... Oh well, we will see.
-bix

[BadIdea]

The toyo and yokahama are more.

[Auto-X-ZTS]

Originally Posted by biscuitninja

Cool, but they are kinda pricey.... Oh well, we will see.
-bix

Look at the Victoracers, not the 710s--they are 'cheap' by R standards...

[RogeratTireRack]

FYI, you might want to visit our site at: http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=DG2&...ires/index.jsp for tire tests, customer survey results, and comparison charts on "R" compound tires. You may also want to take a look at the following link for some very good advise on "Competition Tires" - "Tips and General Information" on the use and care of competition tires: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tiretech.jsp. For personal service, please fell free to call me at the numbers listed below.

[MAD]

Originally Posted by biscuitninja

Cool, but they are kinda pricey.... Oh well, we will see.
-bix

better hope you're the best driver in your state cause if you plan on skimming on price for quality tire you'll need to be the best by far

[Z63R]

Originally Posted by MAD

better hope you're the best driver in your state cause if you plan on skimming on price for quality tire you'll need to be the best by far

Or -

Speed costs; how fast do you wanna go?

[MAD]

Originally Posted by Z63R

Or -Speed costs; how fast do you wanna go?

another good !

[OmniFocus]

The best way to think about tires is cost per run.

Back when I ran H Stock, a Yok A032R was about $140 each, a Hoosier A3S03 was about $160 each, and a Victoracer was about $110 each.

So... it would appear that the Victo was the best "price", right?

No.

Later, while factoring in life, I discovered the following (roughly, I've lost the details):

Yoko A032R cost per run: about $3.00
Victorater cost per run: about $5.00
Hoosier A3S03 cost per run: about $8.50

Obviously at the time $8.50/run was the going rate to keep up with the top dogs, but for training and fun, you don't need that.

Summary: Initial expense may result in long-term savings.

[MAD]

it ain't gonne be cheap either way

[biscuitninja]

Originally Posted by OmniFocus

The best way to think about tires is cost per run.

Back when I ran H Stock, a Yok A032R was about $140 each, a Hoosier A3S03 was about $160 each, and a Victoracer was about $110 each.

So... it would appear that the Victo was the best "price", right?

No.

Later, while factoring in life, I discovered the following (roughly, I've lost the details):

Yoko A032R cost per run: about $3.00
Victorater cost per run: about $5.00
Hoosier A3S03 cost per run: about $8.50

Obviously at the time $8.50/run was the going rate to keep up with the top dogs, but for training and fun, you don't need that.

Summary: Initial expense may result in long-term savings.

I'm just looking to have fun. Since these tires are going on some spare rims, I don't need them a whole lot. I did look at the Hoosiers and all the top guys run them. BUT they also have them on WAY modified cars. With essentially a stock car I'm going against good drivers but not great drivers. I'm out there to have fun, not beat the ever living crap out of somebody. I've played that game and its expensive....

Just look at the mush-stang. If I wanted to to I could push 16psi of boost instead of 8psi and with the nitrous kit on top fo that I'm sure I'd have a winning car. But i'm here to enjoy it. Not blow it up again....
-bix

[Z63R]

If you're just looking to have fun, then why not consider Hankook's Street/Autocross softie, the R-S2.

I use them for teh daily drive and weekend blasts in the local foothills.



They're right around a hundred each for most of the 15 inch sizes...

They're not R compounds, but they're damn close and prolly better for relatively inexpensive fun (if that makes any sense).

[biscuitninja]

I'll think about them for the daily drive. I race out at Willow Spring and Fon-tucky er.. Fontana every once in a while and I want to show up the rich guys with high dollar car with my "stock" focus (*quietly saying..- with R compound tires....*). Maybe that'd shut them up for a lap or two when I stick to them like fat kid to a burrido....

anyways good luck
-bix

[MAD]

Cornering is one thing,but suspension will play a huge part in that as well. What have you got going on there?

[OmniFocus]

While true... a bone stock Focus on r-compounds is a formidable track force.

[biscuitninja]

Originally Posted by MAD

Cornering is one thing,but suspension will play a huge part in that as well. What have you got going on there?

Since its a "stock" class car I can't change crap. Right now I'm seeing how far I can push the R compound tires after that I'm going to change the shocks/struts to something a little more sporty. I can't go too ballistic or it will cause the car to bounce around. We will see, you need give in autocross, in a open track car, well you can go ballistic.
-bix

[Ted7rns]

I have used both the Victorracers and the Toyo RA-1s... I would say you could get an extra track day with the Toyo's over the Victors. If you take care of the Toyo's (heat cycle and flip them), they will last a long time for Comp Tire.

You also might want to look at the new Nitto's R-compounds as well. I think they'll last as long as the Toyo's.

[Primaris]

Originally Posted by biscuitninja

Since its a "stock" class car I can't change crap. Right now I'm seeing how far I can push the R compound tires after that I'm going to change the shocks/struts to something a little more sporty. I can't go too ballistic or it will cause the car to bounce around. We will see, you need give in autocross, in a open track car, well you can go ballistic.
-bix

How long have you autocrossed?

If you are trying R's for autocrossing only for the first time go with the Kumho Victoracers V700's unshaved and heat cycle them yourself.

Shocks like Koni yellows or GAZ adjustables are not bouncy in the slightest. They ride rougher because they very rapidly stop the cars motion. (of course maybe this is what you consider bouncy)

Check out the required reading thread in the RR/autocross forum for a link to a very good tire review.

[biscuitninja]

Originally Posted by Primaris

How long have you autocrossed?

If you are trying R's for autocrossing only for the first time go with the Kumho Victoracers V700's unshaved and heat cycle them yourself.

Shocks like Koni yellows or GAZ adjustables are not bouncy in the slightest. They ride rougher because they very rapidly stop the cars motion. (of course maybe this is what you consider bouncy)

Check out the required reading thread in the RR/autocross forum for a link to a very good tire review.

I started back in about 1998 with a Twin Turbo mustang with a heavily modified suspension. While fun, it was more suited for open track than autocross....
anyways, I'm sure a slightly higher adjustable shock would be ok. If it were say 30% more siffer in resistance than the spring, yes it would dampen out the oscilliations quickly but not necessiarly in a desirable mode.

I'm willing to give it a try.
-bix