RickBetterley

Down to the cords - serioulsy, that is how long they last. For me, that has been about 50 heat cycles, and only 1 of the tires corded.
I hope I don't regret that I have bought a set of Hoosiers.

mrbill_fl

check my avatar: Kumho VictorRacer (have nylon/poly cords)

IIRC, the RA1's have steel belts and might shred... but I've never seen it happen.

once I feel the steel cords, I toss 'em. the victor racers can go a little longer... (but are slower)

Drew_K

Another vote for running the RA1's until they cord.

Lou D

There are little holes on the outer edges of the tires that are the best wear indicators. When these tiny holes disappear you are probably near the end of the tire's life.

JPS

Thanks for all the advice!

Ah...the holes are a handy tip...

My problem with cording them is I don't trailer the car...I drive it up...if that is Watkins, we are talking what....280 miles away and now wouldn't have tires for the weekend or a way home. So it seems that I'll not stress about the wear bars, but will look at the little holes. If those look like they wouldn't make a weekend, then I'll replace.

Seem logical?

P.S. Is a highway drive considered a heat cycle? What about a drive to the pizza place at lunch?

TR6

For DE'ing (not racing), do they have a longer life span if you start out un-shaved or shaved? I've heard opinions both ways.

mooty

RA1's virtually has no heat cycle.
you dive until cords are showing.
grip grip grip.

RickBetterley

Hi Greg
I have never heard that unshaved is better; shaved (mine to 4/32nds) is, I believe, the accepted practice for dry track tires. Shaved actually lasts longer.

Acropora

IME shaved to 4/32 the traction is much much better than not shaved. Considering Hoosiers but realize I actually have 20 tires for one car right now. Seems almost like some women with shoes...

VaSteve

Alright, guys. These are mine. They are my first set and started as full treads. I need to know if I have one event or one SESSION left in them. I drive to and from the track on these, so the more knowledge the better!

Thanks

Mike Buck

Those have many events left in them Steve.

jerome951

Steve,

You'd better flip them on the rims if you safely want to get another event out of them. You're getting close to the cords when you see the scalloping between the tread blocks on the shoulder.

VaSteve

That's conflicting advice...Jerome, which image are you talking about? tks

Mike Buck

Probably talking about the 2nd and 4th pictures. The tires have plenty of tread depth left in them, but you have to manage what remains properly to maximize the life. I've run my Toyo's down to a near completely smooth surface without cording yet.

How many times have you flipped them? I would do the fronts at the least. Rotate the "best" tires to the left side of the car.

jerome951

Yep, I'd say the 2nd and 4th pics need to be flipped. You'll beat yourself up for cording an edge while the other side still has meat. BTDT.