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Toyo R888's

Discussion in 'Tracking & Driver Education' started by sainthoo, Mar 16, 2010.

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  1. sainthoo

    sainthoo Formula 3
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    #1 sainthoo, Mar 16, 2010
    Anyone know how many heat cycles these things can take before they start to degrade significantly? I have about 14 cycles on one set, and I am wondering if they are scrap material at this point. My last time on track, the conditions were different with lower track temps, but I felt like I was sliding quite a bit more. My confusion comes from my relative lack of experience. Was it the track or tires?
     
  2. ProRallyCodriver

    ProRallyCodriver Formula 3

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    #2 ProRallyCodriver, Mar 16, 2010
    Per the consumer advisory that comes on them:
    "The rubber compounds used in this tire have unique properties that, when compared to other tires, can cause them to lose some of their flexibility when stored or operated at sub-freezing temps..."

    Doubt it has to be exactly at freezing before the properties are effected.

    I've learned it sucks if you don't have heated storage during off season.
     
  3. pistole

    pistole Formula Junior

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    #3 pistole, Mar 17, 2010
    - lol.

    - perhaps what the original poster meant was how many times
    a set of these tyres can see the track before their performance
    degrades substantially.

    - each run followed by a period of cooling down is considered
    a "heat cycle".

    - for the OP : the R888 are absolutely great tyres. And they take
    the on-off-on-off sessions very well.

    .
     
  4. b-mak

    b-mak F1 Veteran

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    #4 b-mak, Mar 17, 2010
    I wish I could get 14 heat cycles out of my tires! After six, they're junk.
     
  5. sainthoo

    sainthoo Formula 3
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    #5 sainthoo, Mar 17, 2010
    Exactly what I meant. In the DE setting we are on and off all day. I have done two full track weekends on one set. There is tread left, because I did not shave them to begin. But, my last run session I felt like the car was all over the place (Before someone makes a comment, I am nearly perfect, so no chance it was driver fatigue/error [This is where I would insert winking face, if I could figure that out]). The track was down to low 40's in the shade from mid 40's with sun. So, I was not sure if the track surface temp could have been so different that I could really tell. I think the tires are spent if I had to guess.
     
  6. sainthoo

    sainthoo Formula 3
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    #6 sainthoo, Mar 17, 2010
    I have been on track in a near monsoon with ice forming on the curbing, so I have experienced the worst. This was different, car was "hooked in," then just wasn't in a matter of 1/2 lap.
     
  7. Rob in Potomac

    Rob in Potomac Formula Junior

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    #7 Rob in Potomac, Mar 17, 2010
    14 cycles seems very low, assuming each track session is about 20 -25 minutes. I ran my RA 888's for over a year, including probably at least 25 cycles. I switched to RA -1's for my 360, especially as the RA 888 did not come in the correct size for my car.

    I am about to replace my RA -1's and unless my dealer shows me something better, will stay with them.

    Rob
     
  8. sainthoo

    sainthoo Formula 3
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    #8 sainthoo, Mar 17, 2010
    Hmmm, maybe I will go ahead and rotate, rebalance and try them out again.
     
  9. ProCoach

    ProCoach F1 Veteran
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    #9 ProCoach, Mar 17, 2010
    Christian, it really depends how quick you're going. If you're going easy, then you get more.

    I don't think 14 is on the edge for 888's, but it's time to think about replacing them.

    I tell by the balance going off in the car, either the car develops under or oversteer more so than before.

    A global loss of grip is eventual, but not usually how the end of useful heat cycles start.
     
  10. sainthoo

    sainthoo Formula 3
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    #10 sainthoo, Mar 17, 2010
    Thanks Peter,

    Definitely had some increased oversteer. I think I will remount and balance, then see how they go. If after my 1st session or 2 on track I am not happy, then I will just switch out wheels/tires.

    I hope to make it back on track this summer (my schedule is terrible). If I can work something out, I would love to have you help me again. Until then, cheers!
     
  11. ProRallyCodriver

    ProRallyCodriver Formula 3

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    #11 ProRallyCodriver, Mar 17, 2010
    Pistole, thanks for the heat cycle lesson. Duh!

    Rob in Potomac, do you get your race rubber from Radial Tire in Silver Spring? Great service to have here locally.

    Anybody, going to be at VIR in 2 weeks (March 26-28)?
     
  12. sainthoo

    sainthoo Formula 3
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    #12 sainthoo, Mar 17, 2010
    I am not in NOVA or Maryland, but this is the cheapest that I have found. Have them shipped to you, then mounted by a local. They will also shave the tire before shipping if desired.

    http://www.treadzone.com/
     
  13. Rob in Potomac

    Rob in Potomac Formula Junior

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    #13 Rob in Potomac, Mar 17, 2010

    Yes, have been dealing with Paul for over 30 years.

    A friend was at VIR last weekend - with PCA Zone 2, said the track was excellent, as usual and despite the rain, had some excellent runs. I am not certain when or even if I can get to VIR this year.
     
  14. ProCoach

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    #14 ProCoach, Mar 17, 2010
    Dave, I'm booked for simulation training Friday afternoon and will run a small data interpretation seminar at my place at the track on Friday night. Undecided whether I'll race that weekend.

    Rob, the track was very good in the middle of the day at the Zone 2 event Friday and Saturday. Heck of a turnout.

    Christian, I'd like to get together again now that you have some time under your belt. You're due some nice weather!
     
  15. ProRallyCodriver

    ProRallyCodriver Formula 3

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    #15 ProRallyCodriver, Mar 17, 2010
    Dang, you're old! Yes, Paul is the man. Just watch out for speed camera on the street going there.

    Joe from TreadZone started supplying tires/mounting at rallies in NY this year including studded ice tires for winter events.
     

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