Skip Wolfe

Hey guys,

I have decided to go with the Toyo RA-1's (16" 225 & 245)and want some input from those who have used them if I should get them shaved or not. I will be using them for DE's and consequently I am interested in longevity over outright speed. I know that unshaved, they tend to have some initial tread squirm, but I can live with this. I just don't want them to chunck like the Kuhmos Ecsta V700 are reported to do when run at full tread. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Songz

I am using similar tyres/size, i didnt do it... and the road holding is as good.

M758

I run a 944-spec car and run Toyo 225/50R15 on a 2450 lbs 944 NA.

I currently have 2 sets. I have 12 track days that make up 43 heat cycles on the tires. That includes 13 races. I ran them full tread. They never chunked and always felt good. They do seem to be impoving as the tread depth as been reduced to almost nothing. They looked beat about 6 race days ago and I figured I'd cord one. Still have not I figure I can get another race or two from them.

I also have a second set. I got these since I did not know when the first set would wear. These were also full tread. They seemed a little slick early. I heat cycled them on the track and then have used them for 1 race, 1 wet day where the were great and 2 test days. Only at the end of the two test days do they seem to be getting as fast as my old set.

For DE it probably does not mater, but for racing I am considering shaving my next set. It seems that the full tread tires are a bit slow on a dry track until you get just about to the wear bars. Once here the tire just seems to get quciker and last and last as experinced by my first set.

BTW.. Even if they are worn don't toss them till you see cord! If did that I would have lost about 6-7 track days. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
HTH <img border="0" alt="[byebye]" title="" src="graemlins/wave.gif" />

Skip Wolfe

Thanks guys,

Thats good news. M758, did you do an initial heat cycle. I know Toyo is saying that it is not needed, and just wanted your take on that.

Thanks

M758

I did one on my second set of toyos. I did it because I had them and figured why not just run then in a practice take them off and save them for later. Pretty easy when you have 2 sets of tires. Not sure if it gained me anything.

GaryK

I use the RA1's in the 245/45-16 size front and rear. I did not heat cycle or shave them and have no problem with chunking, blistering, etc. They seem to work best at about 38-40psi hot and -2 deg camber seems ok as well.
They're also durable enough to drive extended distances to the track.

W88951

I used to purchase the RA-1's used from a road racer and use them as Autocross tires. Even used, I would have two seasons of run time on the tires. They certainly were not as competative as the BFG's or the Hoosiers were, but they lasted forever. When I was too lazy to change tires, I would drive on them for a week or so on the street. I don't think I ever corded a set. I figured that after two years of my abuse, and the previous owner, it was time for a change.