Toyo, Yoko, or Mich Sport Cups

[9secz]

I've read through a few tire threads, but most are a year or more old. My Corsas feel a bit slippery, so I'm shopping for fun street / survive Thunderhill tires. So far it looks like Toyo R888, Yoko A048, or Mich Sport Cup. Tire Rack's survey gives the edge to Mich, but Toyo isn't represented. The Yoko and Mich are about the same price at the Rack.

Depending on brand, fronts would be either 235/40 or 245/40, and they all have a 285/30 for the rear. I'm fixin' to get a set of Forgeline ZX3Rs to mount them on that will be 1/2" wider front and rear.

Have any of you sampled more than one of these tires? I'm always interested in comparisons.

Jeff

[Zezinho]

Have driven all three, although the Toyos only on my Miata not the Noble. The tire I liked the least was the Yoko, by far. The Toyos are real sticky but need to be shaved and have a relatively narrow window and then they go off (vs the RA-1's which prob aren't quite as quick during the 888's short window, but outside that are significantly faster and run fast all the way to the cords). The Pilot Cups require some heat but are very fast tires, prob the ones I'd choose of that group.

Curious why you didn't mention the Hoosier R6's, best tire of all in my opinion for track days?

[flynoble]

I would agree on the Yokos being the (very) low tire on this list.

I would put the Toyos a bit ahead of the PSC and I have gone to Hoosier R80/100s but should be same as R6s. (I have all 4 tires on either the E30 M3 (PSC, Toyos, Hoosiers), E46 M3 (Hoosier, Cups, and Yoko) or Noble (PSC and Hoosier))

[Robert Puertas]

I'd also consider the Kumho V710.

The biggest problem with the Toyos and Yoks is that they will heat cycle out way before they wear out, and usually in the rear before the front.
This is a handy trait if you're into drifting, but not if you like to be fast.

[9secz]

Thanks for the feedback!

A good friend of mine, who is an SCCA champ and runs a race car fab shop, has frequently advised me to stay away from the stickiest race rubber until I develop more driving skill. I think he's trying to keep me alive. I'm not a racer by any stretch, or even a wannabe, but that doesn't mean I'm not interested getting around T'hill quickly and efficiently.

As I mentioned, my planned usage is fun street and surviving a few 20 minute sessions at T'hill 2-3 times a year driving at 8- or 9/10s. Bonus points for a tread pattern that won't put me in the ditch if I get caught in the rain. Roger Kraus Racing grooves A6s so that they can handle a bit of rain, but I think they may be too much tire for my skill level.

But then again, the 3 I listed may be more than I should be allowed!

Jeff

[dino]

Originally Posted by 9secz

Thanks for the feedback!

A good friend of mine, who is an SCCA champ and runs a race car fab shop, has frequently advised me to stay away from the stickiest race rubber until I develop more driving skill. I think he's trying to keep me alive. I'm not a racer by any stretch, or even a wannabe, but that doesn't mean I'm not interested getting around T'hill quickly and efficiently.

As I mentioned, my planned usage is fun street and surviving a few 20 minute sessions at T'hill 2-3 times a year driving at 8- or 9/10s. Bonus points for a tread pattern that won't put me in the ditch if I get caught in the rain. Roger Kraus Racing grooves A6s so that they can handle a bit of rain, but I think they may be too much tire for my skill level.

But then again, the 3 I listed may be more than I should be allowed!

Jeff

Jeff,

Your friend provides good advice. The closer to get to the stickiest slicks the closer to get to a tire that provides no warning when they give up all traction. You will have great grip and then nothing with zero warning. Until you become "one with the car" you might stay away from slicks.

Read the Ross Bentley books. They are excellent.

[Maarten]

Bit late, just returned from holydays. Toyo's, better in rain then Pirelli half-slicks imho. I'm very happy with them.
Maarten

[LordZ]

I'm running the A048's right now, but it was mainly because I got a deal I couldn't refuse...

On my Lotus I prefer the R888's over the A048's, but normally run the RA1s due to their longer life. If you go RA1 then get them shaved, at full tread I got some major tread squirm on the Lotus.

The A048's are a bit hard for me to tell when they are about to let go, both the R888 and RA1's are a bit easier to feel, plus they get tons more life out of them.

If you are going to be driving this on the street and rain I would recommend the R888's. RA1's can get a bit tricky when you are down to just 2 grooves (or no grooves when they get really good and sticky) in the rain. A048's just plain suck in the rain. I've never ran the Mich, so can't really comment on them.

Just my 2cents.

[Brav]

I use the R888s for both street and track, and thus far have been quite happy. With that said, I dont have experience with other race tires. I had PS2s prior, and going to the R888 had me experiencing the car on a whole new level, so I probably would have been happy to get any DOT-R on there from that perspective.