I was planning on purchasing some 255/40/17 Toyo RA1 tires for my EVO (stock rim). My car doesn't see very many highway miles. Most of the driving I do is in town and fairly aggressive. So I was reading this thread:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=258001

... and had second thoughts about the RA1s. I am looking for a tire that feels nice and crisp like an Advan but has more grip. I though RA1s were the ticket but now I need someone to confirm that.

(Yes I want an R compound tire for the street)

 

just purchased a second set of RA-1 for street use, the first set lasted 20K miles, yes you read right. Of course you have to baby and rotate them at least every 2 weeks and be gentle on braking. I love their grip on off ramps, makes no sense on how fast they are.

Got a great deal with Bob Woodman tire.

I do not it's fair to compare them with the Advans as these are R compound... these RA-1 are the ones to use, they are crispier and grippier no doubt!

 

What size did you go with? I'm running stock BBS wheels but and trying to decide on 235s or 255s.

The width difference is real but so is the weight.

 

I'm still on original Enkeis with 255/40/17 check...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-_uyvbVpSg

255 look better too

 

Wow... your post count is low LOL!!!

Just don' t know if its worth the extra weight. I drive like an **** all the time and want better than advan grip. Probably should get the wider tire for enhanced grip and appearance.

 

been reading for a few years but do not like to argue or discuss sometimes...

Used to race a Subaru with Hossiers and the RA-1 are the closest for grip and stiffness I can recommend. The weight difference is irrelevant comparing it to the gains in grip.

If you drive like an **** all day then I do not recommend them unless you count on replacing them very, very often, I really baby them!!

I read from a lot of people that 255s on the original rim do not work and that is not true, the responsiveness is way higher than the Advans,

 

If say for instance...it never monsoon'd, i drove it only on the weekends, and short distances.......oh wait that's only on track days ONLY THEN, nt-01's. Good luck stopping or turning for that matter if it's above average rain.

 

I live about 5 minutes from work and I have a jeep for bad weather. The EVO is a toy. I'll take your word for it on the 255s. Now I need to find a good deal on them.

 

if it doesnt rain where you live go with the NT01's....

 

Do the NT01s come in 255/40/17?

 

NT-01 or Toyo R888.

 

nankangs all the way.

 

Have you thought of going with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups? They are an R compound but seem to last reasonable well. I have also heard from a very experienced driver that these have a very consistent feel as they wear down and they last quite well (he has run nt01's, ra1's, hoosiers, a032, a048, various kumho r-comps, and is now sponsored by bfg and running their r1's - so I trust him ). They're not cheap, but hey, if you're running R-comps on the street, cheap probably shouldn't be an issue

 

Sheesh, why not Pirelli Corsas since we're spending his money... lol.

 

I think the best two choices would be RA1 or NT01. Both have been proven by many EVO owners. The only problem I see is that the tread won't last long (by design) making them a slick for 50% of their lifespan. You must be prepared to run them with no tread. I've done that and so do many of my friends.

I think Advans are about the best street tire you can buy so your only choice is R compound and you'll just have to deal with the idiosyncrasies and cost associated with them.