Fellow road racers, I'm faced with a dilemma and want input from people in the know. As you can see from the title, I'm looking to get a second set of wheels and tires for track use. I've done considerable research already and recently spent a day at a NASA meeting asking the people who run time trials and the real racing events about tires. I came away with some good info about tire longetivity. The tires I'd been considering included ADVAN 048's, 032's, Pirelli P Zero Corsa's, Hoosier R3SO4/5's, Kumho Victoracer's and a few others. After getting some feedback, I had several of the racers pointing me towards Toyo RA-1's. The primary reasons being a combination of grip (not as high as some), price (hard to dispute), and longetivity (something high on my list of variables). One additional consideration is shaving. I know shaving to 4/32nds is recommended, but since my first two track events of the year are early this year (Road America in early April and MAM in early May), I'm considering leaving them at the original 8/32nds in case it rains (or snows, mmm?). I've heard the RA-1 is a pretty decent rain tire if left at 8/32nds tread depth. This just about covers the tires considerations. Let me know what you fellow Evo enthusiasts think.
Moving on to wheels, I'm looking for light weight (who isn't), durability (again, who isn't) a wheel that's easy to clean (minimal spokes-somewhat unique), something that fits the overall theme of the Japanese car I drive (read: most likely a Japanese wheel maker like Ray's {Volk, ADVAN, Gram Lights, Ray's), SSR, WedsSport, etc. Relating to both the wheels and tires, I’ve made the decision I’m NOT going to upgrade the front brakes to a six piston design, so I’m planning on keeping the original 235/45/17 size (also recommended for track use by fellow Mitsu enthusiasts). The stock BBS wheels will continue to run with ADVAN 046’s or Neova’s for street use. This keeps tire costs to a minimum and wheels in a slightly lower price range. On a previous car I owned, I had a 17” set of SSR Competitions in Anthracite grey and loved them, primarily the ease in cleaning with some P21 after track events. This is a good wheel to use as a reference. Obviously wheels are a very personal choice, so general observations with some wheels fitting my general preferences is all I can ask for. Thanks a lot.

P.S. Does anyone know if the 05 Evo 8 MR has a baffled oil pan? Can anyone recommend a good (proven) brake fluid for track use? I’ve been leaning towards Motul RBF 600, but heard it doesn’t last long. Any opinions?

 

So what's your question? LOL

Check the motorsports section, tire selection has been talked about in depth. As far as NASA TT's go, it all depends on how many points you want to rack up. Toyo's are +5 Hoosiers are more. Over all if you're sticking with a DOT r-comp Toyo's seem to be the tire of preference. Shaved or not is up to you.

Wheels? Just buy a used set of stock enkeis. You can get them pretty cheap.

Brake fluid? Motul will work and Valvoline Synpower (cheap and high BP) will work. Your real question should be brake pads. As long as that fluid is fresh it more than likely isn't a problem.

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Yes, I know, It's a rambler. As for brake pads, I've gone through multiple sets of the stock Brembo's and Ferodo DS2500's. I think I prefer the stock pads.

 

Not what I wanted to hear. If you're using separate track wheels/tires you're certainly going to need (and maybe wish you had) dedicated track pads. Ferodo DS3000's and Hawk Blues are the only ones I have experience with. Look around for more thread about 'track pads' and you'll see many other options. The stock pads just plain won't cut it on the track. They will overheat quickly and disintegrate. Not a good situation to be in.