Jake951

I am considering the new Toyo R888R for my Cayman track car. I would normally go with NT01's but there are no 19" Cayman sizes available for the rear tire. So, my question is whether the R888R's need pre-heat cycling like real R comps or are they like the Nitto's that don't need it?

CosmosMpower

No

Akunob

The R888R does not need to be pre-heat cycled.

David993S

No.

Bill Lehman

You might want to take a look at Bridgestone RE71.

Jake951

I'm also looking at the RE71R, although I hear they wear out quickly, much faster than their treadwear rating would suggest. Ideally I would like something with the grip level, longevity, and reasonable cost of the NT01. It's too bad the selection of 19" NT01 sizes is so limited.

CosmosMpower

djm68

In my experience the RE71R is not a great choice for a dedicated track tire. I've used NT01s and RE71Rs and, with track use, there is no appreciable difference in *tread life* between the two; however, I feel the RE71Rs heat cycles out much sooner than NT01s and once they do, the performance falls off a cliff. I just did and HPDE at Sears Point this past weekend and my rear RE71Rs, with some visible tread depth remaining, were rather loose and greasy and made for a challenging weekend. The tread depth that the RE71Rs had remaining would have been the 'sweet spot' for NT01s. I am about to order new tires, will probably go with NT01s or R888Rs. For a dedicated track car, I'd look into some 18" wheels as others have suggested.

Cheers,
DJM

Jake951

I did consider dropping down to 18" wheels but from a cost point of view, it doesn't really make sense unless I can get good wheels really cheap. I already have two sets of 19" wheels and it's kind of crazy to buy a third set of wheels. It's cheaper just to spend the money on tires.

misterwaterfall

Sell a set of 19" wheels and pick up a set of 18". I like many run the 18" NT01's, awesome tire. Your car will need a set up change if it's already been corner balanced with the taller tire though