Sterling Doc

Our 944 Spec class has had to change from RA-1's to R-888's this year.
We've had trouble dialing in the R-888's to go as fast as we did on the RA-1's, and longetivity seems worse as well .

I talked to several of the Grand-Am drivers and teams at Road America who've just made the transition (Randy Pobst and Chip Herr are really great guys, and the were all nice & gracious, BTW). They related similar issues. Some were very down on the R-888, some thought it was as good after suspension & pressure adjustments were made. As you might guess, their suggestions were a bit vague and inconsistent, but heat cycling was highly encouraged, and most seemed to think lower slip angles were better for getting the most out of the R-888.

At our 944 Spec gathering @ Miller in the midst of this transition, the fastest guys & winners of the 25+ cars were on RA-1's that looked like slicks. R-888's seem to cord before they get to that point.

Anyone else have thoughts/tips/experience? I have to run the R-888's at NASA Nationals this year.

Streak

I corded a rear 888 in 6 days. They wore out in the middle which seemed odd but according to our supplier it's intended to be that way. It keeps more tread on the outer edges for cornering.

He wants feedback since they are so new. They seem to last about 50% as long as RA1's? Maybe less.

They always felt squirmy until I lowered the pressures to about 35-36 hot. Toyo recommends 37-40. I expected them to get better and better like RA1's but they corded way too fast to even get to that point. As I understand it they will not behave like the RA1, i.e. get better and better. They will also not last as long as RA1's. They are supposed to be faster but with only 6 days on them the verdict, for me, is still out.

I think that once the knowledge base and experience grows all these foibles will get worked out but I don't see the durability improving

multi21

I had better overall experience with the RA1 than 888. The 888 took longer to scrub in to speed, but were faster in the middle of their life span. Toward the end, when there is only a little tread left, they get very slippery and when they are slicks, forget about it. By contrast, the RA1 were much more consistant all the way until they corded.

Alot of people have said it is a set up issue, but I've heard people complain about them for over a year with no magic bullet for set up. I believe it's simply the tire. My .02

Veloce Raptor

888's suck. A major step backwards for Toyo.

Ritter v4.0

It sounds like the absolute peak performance of the 8's may be better, but it's short lived and everything else (durability, consistentcy, wet performance etc.) seems worse than the RA's. I don't think the trade offs balance the gain.
I agreed with VR- Toyo regressed with the 8's.
Viva Hoosier!

Veloce Raptor

And Viva Hankook!

Streak

I forgot about my rain experience. I drove home from a DE in the rain on 2 day old 888's and I thought I was going to die. I'm not exaggerating when I say I couldn't stay in my lane over 70mph.

Veloce Raptor

Don't EVER try it on MPSC's. You won't get over 40 mph.

mooty

i agree with everything you said.
i run my at 36-38F, 38-40R.
they last me 3-4 track days tops, then they either cord or look like slicks. unlike RA1, when 888 are worn, they dont have grip. at best (for me) they are equally as fast as RA1, but my timers tells me i am faster overall with RA1.

mooty

very very short. such that i now prefer hoosier over 888, in fact your overall tire cost would be cheaper running hoosiers than 888!!!! i just need to get the damn R6 to the track.

BobbyC

I kinda like the R888s. But then that's only in comparison to MPSCs and PS2s...as you can tell I'm a noob and don't have much else to compare with. However, rain or shine, track or street, the R888s work well on my car. Matter of fact just ordered my second set.

Ritter v4.0

Its kind of like new Coke. It wasn't as good as old- everyone knew it. Why did they even think they needed a new coke- nothing wrong with the old one. At least they had the humility to admit they goofed and kept both. ( I don't even drink Coke- they did didn't they- isn't that what Coke Classic is- old coke?)

Anyway Toyo goofed- they should keep both tires around or phase the 8's out (not the RA's as planned).

Veloce Raptor

888's don't last as long.

That's good for Toyo.

Steve Watkins

R888 are spec on the Boxster and my experience is quite different than those expressed. I am able to get two full race weekends and several practice days in between on the SPBOX and I am getting 25+ cycles out of them before cording. In addition the fastest laps have been at the "slick" end of the life cycle. I know what Toyo recommends for pressures, however I run 32-34 hot and that feels and performs better for me with our sizes and rim limitations. Don't shoot the messenger, just giving observations. Steve

Chris M.

True but if they're not lasting as long as RA-1s one might as well use a Hoosier.