I have a set of 17 x 9.5 5zigens that I want to set up for track use only. I am leaning towards an R compound as opposed to a full slick. I have been out of the game for a bit and need recommendations for the new breed of tires out there. Looking for both size and brand recommendations. Thanks in advance

 

Auto x or road race?

 

Do you have a lot of track experience? I don't recommend going to a r-comp or slick until you are at the limits of a street tire. R-comps can hide driver mistakes.

 

im using the 275 r888 on the same size rim but they move around a little due to to the fact they run wide for their size,makes the sidewall stand taller,im ging back to the 255,my buddy runs the 255 nto1 on that rim and it is fantastic,and not just for the money,they stick really good and they last,first venture into rcomp for me would be 255 40 r17 nto1

 

sorry im assuming your going to use them for trackdays,if your looking to shave tenths there are faster tires out there however your going to pay a lot more

 

Whats up bro..

I have some TOYO RA1's (excellent condition)
and some R888's (barely used)

let me know what you decide

I got the TOYO sponsorship so will be getting some newer tires in a few... for the car

 

Road Race

I have track experience. I have finally outgrown street tires

 

Woot!

Well then, there is T888's, Hoosier R6's, Kumho VicroRacer V710s and V700's (I just picked up the V700's).

 

If you're wanting an R-Comp; I'd highly recommend the Nitto NT01. It's faster, cheaper and seem to last longer than the Toyo RA1/R888. It comes in 255/40-17 which would fit nice. You can shave them, but the don't need it imo.

Beyond that, it gets pricey. You can get faster tires but you're really trading off durability if you not in TT/TA competition. Hoosier A6/R6, Hankook Z214, BFG R1, Kuhmo V710's...

 

Haven't seen the BFG R1 get mentioned.

Whats the verdict on those? Road course vs autox

 

Ditto. That seems to be a serious tire. Probably no where near the wear of the r888 but from what I have read it is a fast tire. I guess this is considered a semi slick?

 

not many people run them because they were banned from using them in modified class in the redline time attack,go with the nitto,they are an excellent tire for entry level making the jump from street to r comp

 

They rock but buying new is kinda stupid. I won't be doing that again. I've run RA1s, NT01s, and now the R1s. Once worn down there isn't as much difference as people lead you to believe. The most noticable difference is width. The R1s are significantly wider than all others in the same size.

 

Ya, those look just like my V700s mounted. Crammed on there!

I take some pics of mine when I get back to CT.

 

all i have to say is BFGoodrich G-Force R-1's dude! Amazing D.O.T. approved dry traction!