Fellow road racers, I'm faced with a dilemma and want input from people in the know. As you can see from the title, I'm looking to get a second set of wheels and tires for track use. I've done considerable research already and recently spent a day at a NASA meeting asking the people who run time trials and the real racing events about tires. I came away with some good info about tire longetivity. The tires I'd been considering included ADVAN 048's, 032's, Pirelli P Zero Corsa's, Hoosier R3SO4/5's, Kumho Victoracer's and a few others. After getting some feedback, I had several of the racers pointing me towards Toyo RA-1's. The primary reasons being a combination of grip (not as high as some), price (hard to dispute), and longetivity (something high on my list of variables). One additional consideration is shaving. I know shaving to 4/32nds is recommended, but since my first two track events of the year are early this year (Road America in early April and MAM in early May), I'm considering leaving them at the original 8/32nds in case it rains (or snows, mmm?). I've heard the RA-1 is a pretty decent rain tire if left at 8/32nds tread depth. This just about covers the tires considerations. Let me know what you fellow Evo enthusiasts think.
Moving on to wheels, I'm looking for light weight (who isn't), durability (again, who isn't) a wheel that's easy to clean (minimal spokes-somewhat unique), something that fits the overall theme of the Japanese car I drive (read: most likely a Japanese wheel maker like Ray's {Volk, ADVAN, Gram Lights, Ray's), SSR, WedsSport, etc. Relating to both the wheels and tires, I’ve made the decision I’m NOT going to upgrade the front brakes to a six piston design, so I’m planning on keeping the original 235/45/17 size (also recommended for track use by fellow Mitsu enthusiasts). The stock BBS wheels will continue to run with ADVAN 046’s or Neova’s for street use. This keeps tire costs to a minimum and wheels in a slightly lower price range. On a previous car I owned, I had a 17” set of SSR Competitions in Anthracite grey and loved them, primarily the ease in cleaning with some P21 after track events. This is a good wheel to use as a reference. Obviously wheels are a very personal choice, so general observations with some wheels fitting my general preferences is all I can ask for. Thanks a lot.

P.S. Does anyone know if the 05 Evo 8 MR has a baffled oil pan? Can anyone recommend a good (proven) brake fluid for track use? I’ve been leaning towards Motul RBF 600, but heard it doesn’t last long. Any opinions?

 

lot of questions you're askin.

I run ra-1's on 17x9 5zigen wheels, not the lightest, but i believe they're 18-19 lbs, and they're 7-800 a set. (read : good and cheap) This also allows me to run 255's. A little more meat on the road, and they stick great. I left them at stock depth.

Motul is good stuff, never boiled it, I swap between Motul and ATE super blue, so i know i have a clean flush.

Couldn't tell ya about the oil pan.

edit: also, i'd invest in the motive powerbleeder for brakes, works like a charm, and you don't have to deal with calling for help when it's time to bleed brakes or the clutch

 

For my extra track wheels, I bought a set of stock EVO VIII Enkei wheels, used but in good condition for $100 each. 255/40/17 RA-1s fit just fine. So I have 8 wheels that are the same, and I just keep cycling through them. Drive to and from the track on the new RA-1, and drive on the track on the nicely scrubbed in ones.

I use Motul 600 too.

 

I'm in the same boat right now... stick with 17's for wheels and tires. I'm going the route of enkie RFP1's 17-9... about $1,000 a set with 255 RA-1's all the way. Its the best track wheel/tire i found.

 

5-Zigen 17x9 is the cheapest way to go - you can dump good cash and get Volk CE28N @ 17x9 which are very light; this allows the 255x40x17 tire

 

I did the same thing except I went with the 17x8.5 because I was unsure of the whole spacer issue. I was also considering the FN01RCs which are a great value, I just couldnt pass up the 16 lb. Enkei's!

 

exactly, theres quite a few wheels, and some of it comes down to choice. although they get mighty dirty, the black with polished lip looks pretty nice on track

http://www.warmpepsi.com/evoMR/homestead/002.jpg

 

Definitely! Im spray painting mine black so they always look dirty.

 

Thanks for the feedback so far. For those of you running the 9" wheel and 255's, no rubbing or clearance issues? Any brake pad recommendations? I've got a new set of the DS2500 Ferrodo's set for my first two events, but I'm willing to try something else after these are toasted.

 

Pending the clearance question, I think I've decided on the WedsSport SA-70's at 17 x 9 and the 255/40/17 RA-1's. Anyone see any issues with this set up?

http://www.weds.co.jp/products/wedssport/sa70.html

 

Have you checked out the wedspots tc-oo5? Pretty unique IMO.

 

I drive on WedSport SA-90's (17x9 +35) and 255-series Toyo RA-1's. The WedSports aren't the lightest rim around, but they're strong and true. Eventually I hope to get a set of RPF-1's. Anyhow, I've had no rubbing issues whatsoever, even with a reasonably lowered suspension.

BTW, are you going to MAM in May with the findtheline crew?

 

Actually the MAM event in May is with my local car club here in Minneapolis. Yes this sounds funny, but it's the Minnesota F-Body club (Evo owner???). The date is May 6th, and we're always open to new faces.

www.mnfbody.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

 

haha, nice. yeah, 255's are fine, no rubbing (again, stock suspension height)

i think when i toast my endless ccr's, i'll try the step down thats the ccx, a more moderate pad, but again, i may exceed the heat range of those, so i'm not sure.

 

You might be interested in the SSR / yoko combination I have for sale here!

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...hreadid=170469

I used Castrol SRF in my EVO....its gone now sadly.