TurboCup87

I ordered CCW C10 wheels today, 18x9 and 18x11, for my 2004 GT3. It has a stock suspension, and will stay that way for at least this season. I have put in seats and a DAS bar and belts. I have 21 years of track experience and have PCA instructed since 1989.

I am down to two choices for my track tires. I've read numerous posts on this topic. I trailer the car, so street driving on these tires is not an issue. My two main goals are good, consistent grip and fairly good longevity. I don't have an overbearing need to beat anybody's time and I don't care much about that last 0.1 second. I'm only competing with myself.

I'd like opinions and experience on these two tires.

Toyo R888. Supposedly you can run 255/35s on the front and 315/30 on the rear. I like this because I could get better front grip and get rid of some of the understeer I noticed in my 2 DEs last fall. Are there rubbing isses with this setup with stock suspension? Front camber is -1.6. Rear is -2.1.

Nitto NT01 245/40 and 315/30. Saw a number of threads saying this was a no real problem set up. Plus is less cost and likely better longevity. Minus is less front tire.

Thanks for your opinions. Kyle

multi21

Nittos... without hesitation.

LVDell

I have run the Nitto's s run a search with my userID and Nitto in the subject. There will be some good reading. Long story short....I loved them! Can't comment on the R888 as I moved to slicks before they came out.

zoomzoom

If you trailer your car, why not get a proper track geo to begin with.
That geo seems to be a very strange road biased geo.

Instead of slapping on wider (heavier) front tyres killing the steering feel/handling, why not try running more aggressive front camber which will dial out the understeer whilst allowing you to run standard/narrower/lighter front tyres?

iLLM3

I was running toyo 888's this past weekend for the first time at full tread. Even at full tread and at VIR for the first time, they heated up real fast and gripped well from the FIRST lap on. Granted as the more heat cycles went in, day 2 and 3 were just getting faster and better, but still they were awesome tires!

I was running 245 up front and 335 rears on my GT2, no need to go more then 245 IMO as Adrien mentioned, set up your suspension to compensate for the understeer not tire grip.

DavidNR

Ran the Nitto's last year, 40 heat cycles and they started getting hard toward the end. Still worked OK enough to say they lasted a whole season for me, 12 good days of 4 sessions each. Expected to see cords on the rears but never did.
Ordered a new set for this year. Maybe I can wear them out this time!
Used the Roland Kussumaul alignment settings. May use .2° more neg camber in the front is all.

GT3 Chuck

Nitto's all the way...and more camber or track bar adjustment for understeer...going to a wider tire just allows it to roll under..no benefit...good luck...

KOAN

Kyle,

Glad you asked the question the way you did, because we are in a very similar position. I just got the GT3, but put about 16k track miles on my previous 993. I have the seats and DAS bar, but also did the Cup rear toe arms. I want to have a stable ride, but don't need Hoosiers. I also trailer. I bought Nittos, based on the recommendations here, and will have them out in about 4 weeks at VIR. I flipped the front struts, and am going to try F -2.5, R -2.7 (otherwise, Kussmal). Can't wait to get it out!

iLLM3

Whoa that's crazy! I know my Toyo888's will last a bit, but not like that!

Anyone who has used both? Opinions? I might pick up a set of Nitto's to try out and keep my 888's as well!

multi21

My Nittos lasted about 40% longer than R888's in street, autox and track driving. Grip lasted until I corded them. Not the case for R888s.

iLLM3

WOW that's impressive, is the grip greater or equal to R888's in their prime? I would think not? R888's having the upper hand if NT01's are lasting that long.

multi21

It took a while for the R888 to "scrub in" when they were at the prime. At that point, they were quite fast. However, they fell off the pace a bit and it took a lot more effort to keep the tires underneath you. The slide/slip angle grew more and more before the "V" tread was gone and they went to slicks. this is before they corded.

The tread pattern is different on the Nittos and that may have something to do with it, but a lot of BMW Club racers turned me on to them and I haven't been disappointed.

iLLM3

Damn interesting to hear, a lot of people told me to go R888's from my RA1's and that they were the best of the breed, NT01's sound damn good :/

AllanJ

The only solution is to do more track days so you can finish those R888's and try out a set of NT01's to see for yourself. I'll be right behind ya.

Cheers,

TurboCup87

Thanks for all of the advice. I think that I am going to go with the Nittos. At this point, I still drive the car on the street for fun on the weekends or occ short trips, hence the less aggressive geometry. My previous track car was a dedicated track only car. Since I also sold my M3 to help pay for the GT3, I need someting for weekend grins. Likely I will migrate to more aggressive settings over time. I trailer because I've had a trailer for 15 years and I can bring all my stuff, inc a second set of tires for rain, puncture etc. I go as far as Watkins Glen which is 600 miles each way. I've never wished that I didn't have a trailer at the track.