275's RA1's all around fit perfect!

[glenspeed]

ok, not my rims (anymore) (thanks Wayne) but 275/35/18 on all 4 corners fit perfect on the 18x9.5 rims. I used the 27 offset in the rear and the 35 offset in the front and NO spacers!

The RA1's were very nice and actually I had to get used to how much better turn-in the car was getting with the 275's in front. The improved front end grip also meant a bit more dancing in the rear, but it was never abrupt. The RA1's didn't get greasy after many hard laps and stayed very consistent. I didn't check hot pressures, but I used 36 cold to get probably around 40-42 hot which is where they are recommended to be. Very even tread wear from shoulder to shoulder so that was encouraging.

It was hard to see on the inside fronts how close the tire was to the spring perch, but it was very very close. Not enough to rub at all, but probably not more than 3-4mm, which would lead me to think 285's in the front with the 35 offset probably won't fit. But, if you used the 35 offset in the rear (since there is no spring perch) that should work.

[STALKER]

Looking good. Are they heavy tires?
Do they provide lots of feedback?

[glenspeed]

Looking good. Are they heavy tires?
Do they provide lots of feedback?

I didn't weigh them, but since they were a bit wider than the Dunlops I had, they seemed a bit heavier when hefting them around, but not much more so...

I would say they provide less sound feedback then the Dunlops, but more feel feedback. With the 275's in front, I could brake so much harder that the rear would squirm alot more...but you could also push alot harder through the corners.

[STALKER]

I didn't weigh them, but since they were a bit wider than the Dunlops I had, they seemed a bit heavier when hefting them around, but not much more so...

I would say they provide less sound feedback then the Dunlops, but more feel feedback. With the 275's in front, I could brake so much harder that the rear would squirm alot more...but you could also push alot harder through the corners.
I was pretty sure you fronts were et35.
I was toying get R compounds, but I think I might run the Falken 615 till they wear out, get some more experience.
How do you think they will wear compared to the Dunlops?

[glenspeed]

I was pretty sure you fronts were et35.
I was toying get R compounds, but I think I might run the Falken 615 till they wear out, get some more experience.
How do you think they will wear compared to the Dunlops?

well I actually had the 27et in front before and it worked too...I actually think for Wayne with his 285's he might have to put the 27et in the front to get the tire to clear the spring perch.

[STALKER]

well I actually had the 27et in front before and it worked too...I actually think for Wayne with his 285's he might have to put the 27et in the front to get the tire to clear the spring perch.
Agreed, cause my 9.5 rims up front are around et40 and they are supper close with a 265 tire. Ast long as he is not slammed, ,the 35 out rear will be ok.

[glenspeed]

How do you think they will wear compared to the Dunlops?

RA1's are very long wearing. Dave also runs them and he's had them for his 3rd season but he bought them on full tread. I expect to get for sure 2 seasons out of these.

[STALKER]

RA1's are very long wearing. Dave also runs them and he's had them for his 3rd season but he bought them on full tread. I expect to get for sure 2 seasons out of these.
Nice, and the price was good too.

[glenspeed]

Nice, and the price was good too.

shaved and heat cycled (so you can say) too...

[STALKER]

So what is the ETA on the CHs?

[BMWHP]

RA1's are very long wearing. Dave also runs them and he's had them for his 3rd season but he bought them on full tread. I expect to get for sure 2 seasons out of these.
Wow that's a long time ,they must wear like iron!

[webbie]

I read that R-compound (in general) would break loose without warning.

On the other hand, I know some guys running RA1 on street.

I am kind of confused. What is your comment on this, Glen?

[Yorgi]

I used to run RA-1s on my 944 full time - street and track since I only used the car on weekends. It's an OK street tire but with the stiff sidewalls combined with my stiff suspension the ride was a little rough over sharp bumps. It is still by far my favourite track tire but it’s very expensive locally.

Glen’s new source for the RA-1 means I will be switching back to this tire next time around.

RA-1s do last forever, almost as long as A032Rs and like the Yokohamas they are not affected much by heat cycles. Most track tires start to get real hard and lose their performance after 10 or so heat cycles. The Toyos will loose a little performance after about 30 cycles but it's not dramatic.

[STALKER]

I used to run RA-1s on my 944 full time - street and track since I only used the car on weekends. It's an OK street tire but with the stiff sidewalls combined with my stiff suspension the ride was a little rough over sharp bumps. It is still by far my favourite track tire but it’s very expensive locally.

Glen’s new source for the RA-1 means I will be switching back to this tire next time around.

RA-1s do last forever, almost as long as A032Rs and like the Yokohamas they are not affected much by heat cycles. Most track tires start to get real hard and lose their performance after 10 or so heat cycles. The Toyos will loose a little performance after about 30 cycles but it's not dramatic.
I totally forgot about your Pcar, when are we going to see that at a track event.

[BMWHP]

I've read that the RA1 is one of the more foregiving R-compounds out there,very predictable with great feedback that gives you ample warning before breaking loose.

I'd also like to hear Glens view on this.

[Yorgi]

I totally forgot about your Pcar, when are we going to see that at a track event.It's in storage and will not be coming out until I sell it. :crying:

[STALKER]

It's in storage and will not be coming out until I sell it. :crying:
booooo.
Glen,
when the tire is shaved, is it usable in the rain?

[Yorgi]

I've read that the RA1 is one of the more foregiving R-compounds out there,very predictable with great feedback that gives you ample warning before breaking loose.

I'd also like to hear Glens view on this.RA-1s do break loose very progressively, so there is no instant snap-like oversteer, but they do not squeal at all. So if you are relying on sound as your indication of going over the edge then the RA-1 is not your tire.

Like any track tire the RA-1 will get you in a lot more trouble if you loose the car at the limit due to the much higher cornering speeds.

[blue dragon]

Great info Glenn. RA1s were actually recommended to me as my first true R comp due to their progressive breakaway. Hoosieres and even the Kumho V710 might offer more grip, but with less progressive characteristics, and with no noise

[glenspeed]

So what is the ETA on the CHs?

supposed to be early-mid August...

[glenspeed]

I read that R-compound (in general) would break loose without warning.

On the other hand, I know some guys running RA1 on street.

I am kind of confused. What is your comment on this, Glen?

those comments should be taken with a grain of salt depending on who is saying it. R compounds are alot quieter than street tires so you won't get the early slipping warning squeal before they start to slide. some people can't detect slip in street tires even, so for those people yah, the R compounds will seem to break loose without warning. IMO, if you are advanced enough to feel tire slip, then RA1's are very progressive...but like Yorgi says, they are pretty quiet.
I would have no problems running them on the street, but after they are worn or shaved you have to realize they are not going to be useful in the rain.

[webbie]

Thanks.

And yeah, I have seen worn RA1 in rain, it is like super summer performance in snow. :1nono:

[blue dragon]

Now just imagine if you had some camber plates to really get that front end working ;)

[glenspeed]

Now just imagine if you had some camber plates to really get that front end working ;)

incidentally, because of the increased grip all around, the springs are being overworked with the street/track rates I have in there now. I can see 600+lbs and camber plates making this thing a track monster, but I ain't going there....

[STALKER]

incidentally, because of the increased grip all around, the springs are being overworked with the street/track rates I have in there now. I can see 600+lbs and camber plates making this thing a track monster, but I ain't going there....
we shall see...

[glenspeed]

we shall see...

no we will not!

[STALKER]

no we will not!
ha ha, Im calling it know, you get plates at least.

[blue dragon]

^^ Yup, I think so too. Glenn, a BBK would go really nice with the new found grip :D

[STALKER]

^^ Yup, I think so too. Glenn, a BBK would go really nice with the new found grip :D
He still has BBK envy, I have been working on him for a long time.

[glenspeed]

ha ha, Im calling it know, you get plates at least.

you will lose your bet my friend...

[STALKER]

you will lose your bet my friend...
:devil:
Im still sticking with my prediction.

[JazzM]

:devil:
Im still sticking with my prediction.

What's the prediction?

T.

[STALKER]

Hey says, he want get new springs or camber plates, he will get the plates.

[JazzM]

With RA1's you need at least 2-3 degrees of front negative camber.

T.

[glenspeed]

With RA1's you need at least 2-3 degrees of front negative camber.

T.

I've got -2 now.

[STALKER]

I've got -2 now.
Im surprised you were able to get that without plates, impressive.
I have to drop by Sam's to get that work done.

[glenspeed]

Im surprised you were able to get that without plates, impressive.
I have to drop by Sam's to get that work done.

this is why I won't be getting plates... whipped

[STALKER]

this is why I won't be getting plates... whipped
-2 is not -2.5. lol
Give it to my son, give it time.

[Yorgi]

this is why I won't be getting plates... whippedHahah...owned...

Now let's see if we can get Blue Dragon out to the track.

[STALKER]

Hahah...owned...

Now let's see if we can get Blue Dragon out to the track.
yup, have to push him over the edge.

[blue dragon]

Not gonna happen :D

[STALKER]

Not gonna happen :D
I really wanna know why?????

[blue dragon]

I really wanna know why?????
1. Scared of subframe tear out which generally occurs in tracked cars
2. Wife would kill me if I ever got injured on track (in a crash say) whipped
3. Can't afford to buy another M3 if car is crashed since wife is on maternity leave :D
4. All you guys have faster cars than me :yak:

[STALKER]

1. Scared of subframe tear out which generally occurs in tracked cars
2. Wife would kill me if I ever got injured on track (in a crash say) whipped
3. Can't afford to buy another M3 if car is crashed since wife is on maternity leave :D
4. All you guys have faster cars than me :yak:
I dont accept any of those, you coming next time.

[glenspeed]

1. Scared of subframe tear out which generally occurs in tracked cars
2. Wife would kill me if I ever got injured on track (in a crash say) whipped
3. Can't afford to buy another M3 if car is crashed since wife is on maternity leave :D
4. All you guys have faster cars than me :yak:

autocrossing is probably harder on the subframe IMO because of the abrubt changes in direction, acceleration, braking and sharp turns.

i think you are getting the impression that we let beginners go crazy at the track and let them drive as fast as they want. that is not the case and everyone drives within their limits of their abilities which always improves over sessions

if you are driving in a mature, controlled manner, you have way more chances to crash the car driving down the 401 by some idiot rather than at the track

there's always someone faster, so what? we are not racing.

[STALKER]

autocrossing is probably harder on the subframe IMO because of the abrubt changes in direction, acceleration, braking and sharp turns.

i think you are getting the impression that we let beginners go crazy at the track and let them drive as fast as they want. that is not the case and everyone drives within their limits of their abilities which always improves over sessions

if you are driving in a mature, controlled manner, you have way more chances to crash the car driving down the 401 by some idiot rather than at the track

there's always someone faster, so what? we are not racing.
Our group is a very good group actually. As Glen said, we keep an eye for one another, and a few of us are wathing for crazy drivers. Come on man, just come. You will love it, there are fast and slow guys out there, its all about having a good time and hangin out, and if Glen has his way, million dollar cars.

[blue dragon]

Pej + Glenn = Big arm twisting machine :yak:

[webbie]

Exactly, there is always a car faster than you. (not sure why though)

It is about driving at close to the limit, appreciating how well your car and yourself were doing.

Just come out at one of the track days and see how thing works.

[STALKER]

Pej + Glenn = Big arm twisting machine :yak:
Come on, you will regret not coming.
Its a fun, safe time. We have never had a bad punch out there, we had a few STi's that needed to be toned down a bit, but that was it, and they were dealt with.
I tell you what, I go Autocrossing with you when Im around, and you go tracking.

[webbie]

Back to RA1, did the tire shop in the states shave and heat cycle the tire for you?

[STALKER]

ya, Glen bought them that way.

[glenspeed]

Back to RA1, did the tire shop in the states shave and heat cycle the tire for you?

they have about 4/32 of tread in them shaved and heat cycled. They were used once for testing/qualifying, but still have at least 3.5/32's after my day of lapping...

I know this because the outer grooves are still there and they disappear at 2-3/32's because of the stepped tread design of the tires.

the amazing thing about the RA1 is they get better the more worn they are...

[STALKER]

I wish the RA-1 came in 265/35/18s too.
Might be running 9" rims front and back and 265 is a better fit according to many sources on that size rim.

[glenspeed]

I wish the RA-1 came in 265/35/18s too.
Might be running 9" rims front and back and 265 is a better fit according to many sources on that size rim.

you can run 275's because I know you can run them on the OEM 18's.

[STALKER]

OEM 18s are 18x8 and 18x9?

[glenspeed]

OEM 18s are 18x8 and 18x9?

I think they are 8.5 and 9...

[STALKER]

I think they are 8.5 and 9...
I think the optional 19s are wider up front, but the 18s are smaller.

[glenspeed]

I think the optional 19s are wider up front, but the 18s are smaller.

either way 275's will fit, so you should be ok.

[fayraree]

i think you are getting the impression that we let beginners go crazy at the track and let them drive as fast as they want.
:yak: boink

ps. OP is exactly the setup I have decided on for now...I'll be looking at this once I've checked off (1) driver training (2) helmet (3) brake fluid - Motul 600 (4) pads - PF01 (track only) (5) SS lines - whatever Mikey's selling (6) rotors - Stoptech slotted (or Brembo cross-drilled I've also heard good things about) I gotta replace my rotors after the winter anyway (7) R-compound rubber on SSR wheels - glen's setup (8) sway bar - again, glen's setup (9) shocks - TC Kline (Dipal's and Pete's setup) (10) re-build my shift knob (RMP special ;))

Holy sheeit :eek:

[glenspeed]

:yak: boink

ps. OP is exactly the setup I have decided on for now...I'll be looking at this once I've checked off (1) driver training

if you've only gotten started at tracking, I would definately put a few more seasons under your belt before going with a super wide R compound track setup. You have a convertible, so the chassis will flex alot more and make the R compounds more tricky at their limit and if you don't have too much track experience that's not a good place to be with R compounds.

I would seriously stick with street tires until you are very comfortable sliding around in your car. Trust me the M3 on street tires still goes very very fast...

[951kid]

if you've only gotten started at tracking, I would definately put a few more seasons under your belt before going with a super wide R compound track setup. You have a convertible, so the chassis will flex alot more and make the R compounds more tricky at their limit and if you don't have too much track experience that's not a good place to be with R compounds.

I would seriously stick with street tires until you are very comfortable sliding around in your car. Trust me the M3 on street tires still goes very very fast...


i'm partially to blame for this. i thought the bmw training he took was a race track session. So Fay borrowed my old R compounds so he could drive the crap out of his car. we ALL [yes fay, ALL = me, mikey, scotty2h, yorgi, carboy88, you] agreed he should stick to streets for now.

to tell you the truth, i'd rathar he find a good hard top to go lapping before all of this. its just too dangerous without the roof.

[fayraree]

iYou have a convertible, so the chassis will flex alot more and make the R compounds more tricky at their limit and if you don't have too much track experience that's not a good place to be with R compounds.
lol I know exactly what you're talking about there as I spun out 3 times in my 15 or so laps, all three were in consecutive DSC-off laps when I thought I knew what I was doing after about 10 laps prior with DSC-on and before I put the R-compounds on.

Mike/Dipal told me after they were discussing how because of my spin outs and off-roads, it would be better for me to stick with the street tires because of how easily I slipped up in the Rs. But you're right, I definitely need way more sessions under my belt, all starting with some formal training next year. I'd like to add each mod in increments, so I can fully enjoy and appreciate the previous before the next. But the SS lines/fluid/pads I will do sooner than later (maybe after the first training session) because I hated that fade and that nauseous stench, and I want to minimize the cool down period and get back out for more!!!! woot

[fayraree]

i'm partially to blame for this. i thought the bmw training he took was a race track session. So Fay borrowed my old R compounds so he could drive the crap out of his car. we ALL [yes fay, ALL = me, mikey, yorgi, carboy88, you] agreed he should stick to streets for now.

to tell you the truth, i'd rathar he find a good hard top to go lapping before all of this. its just too dangerous without the roof.
lol yeah I agree!!! haha look at this family showing its love gay

:p

the problem with the hard top is that it's so bloody expensive and rare for me to find in my colour for the right price :( I will have a helmet before the next session though, that's important. Also, I thought the verts have pretty sophisticated anti-roll systems that deploy in a roll scenario (these massive bars pop out of the rear seats and the windshield border is reinforced with something to prevent it from crumpling downward (i.e. windshield frame is way more secure than a coupe's)

also, the added weight from the hard top is a pain, and I just LOVED the tracking with the top down experience, it was like being on a bike!!!! drool drool drool I'd never want to give up that experience :(

[951kid]

lol yeah I agree!!! haha look at this family showing its love gay

:p

the problem with the hard top is that it's so bloody expensive and rare for me to find in my colour for the right price :( I will have a helmet before the next session though, that's important. Also, I thought the verts have pretty sophisticated anti-roll systems that deploy in a roll scenario (these massive bars pop out of the rear seats and the windshield border is reinforced with something to prevent it from crumpling downward (i.e. windshield frame is way more secure than a coupe's)

also, the added weight from the hard top is a pain, and I just LOVED the tracking with the top down experience, it was like being on a bike!!!! drool drool drool I'd never want to give up that experience :(


even if you find one in another colour, buy it if possible....technically, your life should be worth more than the price of the hardtop.

also, your "roll bar boner system" assumes you are rolling over onto a flat solid surface, which at many times you won't be especially when you go off track.

yes, the windshield reinforcement may be stronger than the coupes, but thats it - the coupe is a lot more rigid/safe.

just take it easy and be safe. helmet, and brakes and training are a good 1st step.

[Qreus George]

even if you find one in another colour, buy it if possible....technically, your life should be worth more than the price of the hardtop.

also, your "roll bar boner system" assumes you are rolling over onto a flat solid surface, which at many times you won't be especially when you go off track.

yes, the windshield reinforcement may be stronger than the coupes, but thats it - the coupe is a lot more rigid/safe.

just take it easy and be safe. helmet, and brakes and training are a good 1st step.

I think that's the key..initially, just slow it down and reduce the risk. As you get more experience, speed will come..like everything else in life.

Much more fun driving 8/10 and driving home as opposed to driving 10/10ths and maybe crashing and hitching a ride home with the towtruck.

[glenspeed]

l But the SS lines/fluid/pads I will do sooner than later (maybe after the first training session) because I hated that fade and that nauseous stench, and I want to minimize the cool down period and get back out for more!!!! woot

That mod I highly recommend. Nothing wrong with having good brakes that fade less and let you continue lapping.

you got the green light from me on that one!

[glenspeed]

Much more fun driving 8/10 and driving home as opposed to driving 10/10ths and maybe crashing and hitching a ride home with the towtruck.

yep, and you will find that driving a bit more slow will let you see the track more than if you were driving at the limit. that way you learn the lines better and the braking/throttle points so that speed will come naturally as a result.

People often think the faster they drive the faster they go, that's true up to a point, but a better line, better car control, knowing the braking and throttle points will result in a much faster car with way less effort.

[fayraree]

go slow to go faster ;) got it! :thumbsup:

[blue dragon]

Here's a little vid of me at shannonville right click, save as (http://www.wardphotography.com/s2k2.avi)

[STALKER]

That mod I highly recommend. Nothing wrong with having good brakes that fade less and let you continue lapping.

you got the green light from me on that one!
Three letters. BBK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[951kid]

Three letters. BBK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


You sure the 3 letters arent "SUV"

:yak:

[fayraree]

no, hopefully he means R-S-4

[Qreus George]

why mess around, just go with these three letters..

9-9-7

and C-4-S

[glenspeed]

i like GT3...

[STALKER]

You sure the 3 letters arent "SUV"

:yak:
Bastard.
:mad:

[STALKER]

i like GT3...
me too.
Hell I like all of them, 997, C4s, RS4, they are all better then 325(what Im driving right now) :(

[webbie]

Three letters, GEE TEE THREE! This is for Qreus George. haha.

Back to the topic, driving like a madman doesn't go fast, it is fun to do that, you feel you are pushing the car very hard, but that doesn't translate to lap time.

Smooth, like flow of water along the river will be fast. And you can prove it with your in-car video. Video doesn't lie.

[fayraree]

Smooth, like flow of water along the river will be fast.
yes, miyagi-san!! :yak: