Help: Best Track Tires: Toyo RA1 or Yoko A032R

[kevinssilver911]

I'm looking to buy a set of tires for the track and have heard great things about both the Toyo RA1 and Yoko A032R. Or other suggestions.

We get a fiar amount of rain here, so something that is reasonable in the rain would be great.

Going on 7 & 8 x 16 wheels. Looking at 205/55 front and 245/45 rear.

What do you think is best?

Thanks,

Kevin

[Jack Olsen]

The Toyo is definitely a better track tire. Kumhos are better still, and Hoosiers are even better. Of course, lifespan goes down as you move up the pole.

Neither is great in the rain -- at least, not after they've been used very long on a track. That's what your street tires are for.

[jpachard]

Kevin, Toyo's at full tread are the best in the rain. They are also pretty good shaved for a car up to 2700lbs. in the dry if laptimes are very important. If you are just starting to use R compound tires, I would go with the RA-1's, especially in your climate. I never had much luck with the Yoko's in the wet on my car('87 Carrera) but others have. Once the RA-1's wear down a bit you can use them as a dry tire and get another set for wet. I hope this helps.

Cheers, James

[kevinssilver911]

Originally posted by JackOlsen
The Toyo is definitely a better track tire. Kumhos are better still, and Hoosiers are even better. Of course, lifespan goes down as you move up the pole.

Neither is great in the rain -- at least, not after they've been used very long on a track. That's what your street tires are for.

Thanks James and Jack - that helps a lot.

Hey, is there a performance diffference between a 225/50 and 245/45 on the rears at the track? I think the 245 looks better, but want to know if it makes difference enough to justify buying wider Fuchs to mount the 245's on.

[jpachard]

Kevin, Assuming your car is stock(motor, suspension etc.) that tire is the way to go. I run 225 front and 255 rear but will be moving to 245 front 275 rear in the near future(I have headers and a chip plus a very aggressive suspension). A 245 in the back will be a good tire for you especially if you run alot in the wet or drive on the street. Plus they are cheaper!

Cheers, James

[kevinssilver911]

Originally posted by jpachard
Kevin, Assuming your car is stock(motor, suspension etc.) that tire is the way to go. I run 225 front and 255 rear but will be moving to 245 front 275 rear in the near future(I have headers and a chip plus a very aggressive suspension). A 245 in the back will be a good tire for you especially if you run alot in the wet or drive on the street. Plus they are cheaper!

Cheers, James

Thanks James, how the heck will you fit those tires on your car? Do you have falred fenders or something?

[jpachard]

No, Just some gentle persuasion. I run 31mm torsion bars in the rear too. I will probably put on Turbo flares this winter so I can run 315's in the back and 255's up front...