IkoIko911

I ran the R888R's this weekend. a lot a guys had run the R888's in the past - so everyone had a ton of questions about the new R's.... but I have never driven ANY track tire so I can't compare it to anything.

all I can say is that OHHH how they grip

here's a before pic and an after 8 sessions pic

David993S

Do they squeal and howl loudly in corners like the previous R888's? With the old R888's everyone knew when you were running those.

IkoIko911

I would say no - the only time I heard any squeal was when I pushed it a little too hard....

here's a track video - you won't hear much tire noise

David993S

Thanks. That's good to know.
Have fun and be safe on your R888R's.

jplohg

I just bought a set for my 991. Any advice on cold and hot pressures?

IkoIko911

I would run cold pressure - starting about 29-30.... would be about 37-38 after the session

jplohg

Good to know. That's about what I run cold and about where I end up after a session on ps2 and p zero as well, so glad to confirm no real difference there. I'll report back my experience on this thread after my next event (April 29-30). I'm also going to max out my camber on stock sport PSAM prior to the de as I understand these tires can use a bit more to keep the sidewalks from rolling.

David993S

If R888R's react and perform like R888's then 37-38 when hot seems a little high. The previous R888's seem to like slightly lower hot temps, i.e. front 32-33 hot, and rear 34-35 hot. If they got to 37-38 they started to lose grip. At least that's my experience. R888R's may be different (I haven't used them yet) but I doubt they would like higher hot temps than R888's.

g-50cab

Dang those look like Nt01's now...

ckarlos

Fitted a set of R888R's for a track day, and I can say that their grip is superb. Having solid sidewalls, these toyo tires don't sway on corners. They also have a good grip on wet roads.

orangeman

Suuuuuuuper interested in this because I have an 04 4S (that's now RWD) and am in the market for some track tires.

I was told the old standby was the Nitto NT01s, and that R888s sucked, but the R888Rs might be interesting. Thing is, in the size I want, 255/35r18 and 315/30r18, nitto doesn't make that front.

Hey OP, can you tell me if you bought stock sizzes, 225 front 295 rear, or if you sized up?

Any advice on the nitto vs the toyo?

orangeman

Also, did you have them heat cycled from the seller, and should I also?

David993S

I finally got the chance to try my new R888R's last weekend at Mid-Ohio on my 996. I did not order them pre-heat cycled. My observations are these:

Positives:

- Grip is better than the 888's they replace, but they're not comparable to NT01 levels. Still a decent choice for a track tire. I've read the compound for 888R's is the same as old 888's (just different tread) but they sure seemed "stickier" when hot than 888's. No scientific analysis, just feeling how they handled on track, and how gummy they felt when I came off the track.
- it was a very hot weekend (90 degrees). Like 888's they seemed to grip best at hot pressures of 32 front, 34 rear. Being such a hot day, it turns out the cold starting pressures needed to be 26 cold, f & r. They build a lot of pressure on such a hot day. Cooler temps = higher starting pressures.
- First two sessions I started out too high cold pressures and the tires overheated and got somewhat greasy. Their hot pressures at the end of session 1 was 37 f, 38 r . On 911's R888R's just work best at 32f, 34r hot.

Negatives:

- they squeal in the corners just as loudly as the old 888's. Everyone knows when you're running Toyo's
- and worse..... driving to/from the track on the interstate they're very loud. Semi tractor-trailer loud. When I first got on the interstate and heard them, I thought something was wrong with the car. Very annoying.
-judging from the wear, I think they might not last a long as 888's. Makes sense if they're softer.

Overall:

- pleased with them as track tires, but will probably go back to NT01's when I need to buy the next set.

YMMV. Cheers.

jplohg

I have them on my 12 991 S. I have 265/19 up front and 295/19 rear (305 will fit fine, but for an additional $100/tire, I didn't think the 10mm was worth it). I am thrilled with the tires. Mine don't squeal in corners or under hard braking and I have larger upgraded racing brakes. I'm in a warmer climate, but even on temperate days, my cold starting pressures are 26 front 28 rear or 24 front 26 rear and they come in hot about 9-10 higher. I found that if I start with any higher cold pressures they get a little greasy feeling towards the end of a 20ish minute run. I bought mine heat cycled, although lots of people say it doesn't matter. They hum/buzz on the highway but with afteermarket exhaust I don't hear it that much. I have run this set ten 20 min sessions at Motorsport Ranch Cresson and 15 twenty-five minute sessions at Circuit of the Americas (notoriously tough on tires and brakes) and they still probably have 1-2 days of HPDE (or 5-10 twenty min sessions) left in them (although I probaly will only run 1 day out of abundance of caution). I can't say enough how happy I am with them and will be buying a new set for my fall (cooler weather down here) HPDEs at MSR Cresson and COTA. Here's a video at COTA to show you little/no squeal:

orangeman

Guys,

Thanks so much for your insights. David, what sizes did you get?