toyo r888

[stevet]

Just seen this being discussed on blatchat. fyi

http://marktg.toyotires.com/file/TireStorage.pdf

[Boxologist]

thats been reissued every year for the last few years. its true of every r comp.

[scannon]

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1210023806_DSC03278.JPG

Picked up a set of R888s today. The 205/50-15s were $133 each and the 225/50-15s were $147 each. Prices include mount and balance, everything but the sales tax.
I get to try them out at the track this Sunday:7fume:
:hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray:

[Jim F.]

Hi, Scannon;
Could I ask a favor of you to measure the diameter of a wheel/tire combo since they're in a free state (not installed). I'm looking for a second set to fit under my cycle fenders. There seems to be enough clearance, but if it's doable, it'll be tight. Thank you!
With best regards from southern Oregon,
Jim F.

[scannon]

Jim,

With 20 psi mounted on 7" wheels the 205/50-15s are 22 7/8" diameter and the width sidewall to sidewall is 8 3/4".

The 225/50-15s are 23 5/8" and 9 1/16".

Skip

[southwind25]

<<I get to try them out at the track this Sunday>>

Ohhhwww,,let us know how they are!...inquiring minds with bland tires wish to know. price seems in line.

And where did you get the bright-neon orange color paint? I have been looking for such a paint and could only find it in a flat finish. (Not for my wheels but for the rudder-centerboard of our sailboat)

[RDROCKT]

Any recommendation as to where to buy the Toyo R888s?

[JohnCh]

Any recommendation as to where to buy the Toyo R888s?

I just bought a set from a local chain here in the Northwest, but I recommend anyone in the Eastern half of the country to check out Appalachian Race Tire (http://www.racetire.com/) in TN. They have good prices and are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I tried to buy there after getting a lot of pre-sales support, but was told shipping to Seattle was steep and I was better off buying from the West Coast. They then continued to discuss my situation and offer solid advice. Good people!

-John

[scannon]

<<I get to try them out at the track this Sunday>>

Ohhhwww,,let us know how they are!...inquiring minds with bland tires wish to know. price seems in line.

And where did you get the bright-neon orange color paint? I have been looking for such a paint and could only find it in a flat finish. (Not for my wheels but for the rudder-centerboard of our sailboat)

The wheels came that color from Kosei. They are powder coated but Kosei didn't do a very good job of it. I have some powder that is a fairly close match and sometime in the future I will strip and re-coat them.

[Kitcat]

So I see the RA1's on my car should have been removed and stored inside for the winter. Yikes!

Since I did not do that, I will report about any cracking/failure issues this next year.

[scannon]

A 205 is not always a 205
When I attempted to install the 205/50-15 R888s on the front of my SV, the sidewalls rubbed on the fender stays. Neither the 205/45-16 Avons nor the 205-50-15 Kumhos had this problem. Spacers would solve the fender stay clearance problem but would push the outer edge of the tire into the fender lip.

These R888s must be way over size as the Kumho 205s are noticably wider than the 225/40-16 Toyo T1S tires I run on the Miata.

I checked and the 205/50 is the smallest R888 they make in 15"

The 225/50-15s fit just fine on the rear and look great.

So the tires go back and I will have to find something else and will have to run on the Avons this weekend. Akkkkkk :cry:

[JohnCh]

Skip,

How much wider are your Toyos? The Kumhos were on the same wheels, right? I just did a quick search, and according to the manufacturer spec sheets, the 205/50-15 R888 (http://marktg.toyotires.com/file/30029.pdf) is only 0.1” wider than the Kumho ECSTA MX (http://www.kumhousa.com/tires/passenger/ultra-high-performance/KU15/specs.do), ECSTA V70A (http://www.kumhousa.com/tires/passenger/competition/V70A/specs.do), and Victoracer V700 (http://www.kumhousa.com/tires/passenger/competition/V700/specs.do) on the same 6.5” wide wheel. I’d guess the Toyo spec sheet is off, but their measurement of 8.5” on a 6.5” wide wheel seems consistent with your measurement of 8.75” on a 0.5” wider wheel. Something certainly seems odd. Might be worth calls to manufacturers before you buy replacements.

-John

[scannon]

John,

I didn't measure the Kumho V700s before I removed them. I still have one stored away but it probably won't give an accurate measurement since it isn't mounted on a wheel.

1/4" would make the difference, there was less clearance than that with either the Avons or the Kumhos.

My tire shop is doing some checking but he was not of the opinion that the spec sheets can be trusted.

If I can find a performance tire that comes in 195/50 and 225/50 I should be OK, if not, then another set of Kumho V710s is likely the way I will go.

Skip

[JohnCh]

Might be worth a call to Appalachian Race Tire, the shop I referenced earlier. They seem to know their stuff and carry Toyo, Hoosier, and Hankook. They may be able to offer some insight.

After I get my R888s mounted on the new rims I'll compare the width to my current 195/55-14 Toyo T1-Ss. According to the spec sheet, the R888 should only be 0.3" wider. Hope that's right!

-John

[southwind25]

Could the front fender be moved-spaced up and away from the tire a bit? i know it may catch a bit more air under it but?

[scannon]

Could the front fender be moved-spaced up and away from the tire a bit? i know it may catch a bit more air under it but?
It would require a new custom made fender stay. The Caterham stays bolt to the upper ball joint and the back side of the upright using the nut that holds the spindle to the upright. It would also require new fenders as these are bonded to the stays.

Much easier to find a smaller tire.

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1658733406_Fender Stay.jpg

[scannon]

Good and somewhat puzzling news. I picked up two sets of spacers today, 1/8 & 1/4". Put the adaptors, 1/8" spacers and wheels back on the car and checked the clearances. To my suprise there was more clearance at the stays than with the stock wheels and tires.

I took the spacers out and tried it without them and I am back close to clearance of the stock wheels and tires. When I first put the new tires and wheels on, the tires were actually indented a bit by the rear stay. What has changed I can't figure out. I had torqued the adaptors to the hubs and the wheels to the spacers the first time which resulted in negative clearance.

There is no play in the wheel bearings and I recently went over all the suspension bolts, not that they should affect the tire to stay clearance.

So, if the weather holds, I am good to go for Sunday's track day on the new tires.

Skip

[slngsht]

strange :crazy:

[gjslutz]

Has anyone ran both the Toyo Ra-1 & R888? Feedback for noise and delta on handling please. Likely only someone from the south as the R888 are quite new.

Gary

[scannon]

Has anyone ran both the Toyo Ra-1 & R888? Feedback for noise and delta on handling please. Likely only someone from the south as the R888 are quite new.

GaryIts been a few years since I have run the RA-1s and then on a Miata but I was very impressed with the performance of the R888s on Sunday. It was a cold day and I didn't have a chance to heat cycle them before the track event but they held well and were very predictable. I really like them.

Wear in about 125 track miles looks negliable but I forgot to measure them new so I don't know for sure.

More recently I had the Caterham on Kumho Victoracer V700s which were nearing the end of their lifecycle and the R888s 'felt' much better. No objective data to compare as the track had been drastically changed at the last turn until repairs can be made.

I started smelling burning rubber, the kind that comes from fire, not scrubbing on pavement. I was also finding little flakes of rubber on the bodywork and windscreen, not the balled up stuff you normally see, light, flakey stuff.

The inside edges of the front tires were rubbing on the fender stays even though there is about 1/8" clearance at rest. I can't feel any play in the wheel bearings so I am not sure what might be moving. Tires have a shiny stripe but it didn't wear much rubber off.

I will use a spacer on the next track day and see what happens.

Skip

[Boxologist]

it was being used at a test n tune

"Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 6:45 pm Post subject:

Wow...this tire has my vote!!! It was brutally cold at the Meadowlands today, but the regular autocross junkies did show up all dressed as if we were ready to shovel snow. Vaino, Drew, Cousin Joe, Mr. and Mrs. Chang, the Brothers Leone and more...It was sort of like driving on ice, BUT if you want to practice and learn Good Car Control, a cold Autocross day at the Meadowlands will do it. You really had to focus on keeping weight transitions to a minimum and be as smooth as you could...one wrong move and you hit a cone...The Proxy 888 was surprisingly grippy in comparison to the V710 and I would go as far to say that for cold weather events, even Better. I will try this tire at a DE event and I cant wait.
Rob Szczsney set a very challenging course, a little complicated for the first event of the year, but what the heck...might as well get back in the game...
Thanks to GJ Dixon for helping me set up my car and teaching me the difference between Compression and Rebound . He was FTD (in my car on the Proxy 888s ) with a 47.5 and I came in 2nd (as usual ) with a 48.1. Drew had a spectacular time of 50.xx. Cousin Joe about 51.xxx. Steph burned up the course in a Mini Cooper and Chris drove a Really Fast BMW on R comps.
John Flynn stopped by to try out his new camera and took some shots with his new 3 foot lens... , maybe he will post some pics...
All in all, it was cold but it was Great to be amongst the group of die hard Autocrossers...
There is another MSNE event next Sunday and although it will probably be cold it was FUN, and it is Great Car Control Training...
Thanks to Michael G. for getting us out there on March 9th...the longer the season the Better...

In 2nd Place as usual,
611"

i should have my set mid april or may.
http://racetire.com/products/toyo_r888.htm fo a vendor. 235 wide in 15"

[Boxologist]

there is arumor that NASA members have a $100 rebate on Toyo tires that is expiring this weekend. as I am not a member, i can not verify.

If its true and some doesn't plan to buy them. i would be interested in using ur name/discount.

edit: supposedly mailers on the way for SCCA members. so just u wait mazda!.

[slngsht]

there is arumor that NASA members have a $100 rebate on Toyo tires that is expiring this weekend. as I am not a member, i can not verify.

If its true and some doesn't plan to buy them. i would be interested in using ur name/discount.

edit: supposedly mailers on the way for SCCA members. so just u wait mazda!.

What did I do? :confused: :D

[gjslutz]

I just ordered the Toyo R888 from http://www.thetireshoppe.com/default.asp?ID=276&sa=y&pagedata=tires . I did the 205/50X15 and 225/45X15 sizes. I talked to Joe there, he told me that Toyo had a rebate of $100 if you purchased a set of 4. They had the best price I could find and were in Pa, so the shipment cost should be ok.

I think I'll mount them on the Team Dynamics wheels where my Kumho V710's are. FYI he mentioned the R888 had tread the full depth, and the RA-1 didn't. He said likely you would have a street leagle tire longer with the R888 tire.

Gary

[gjslutz]

Ok legal.

[scannon]

I did the 205/50X15 and 225/45X15 sizes.
Gary
Are you sure on the 225/45? I wanted a lower profile 225 but couldn't find any when I bought mine a couple weeks ago. The listing shows only 225/50-15. They do offer a 225/45-16.

Skip

[Boxologist]

more vendors

"Ordered a set of 255/40-17 R888's ($195/each) from Phils Tire Service and he confirmed he's an authorized dealer. This was easiest for me because he'll be bring the tires to the NASA event at VIR at the end of the month. I'll bring my new wheels and get them mounted there. Saves on shipping. For those that don't have that option, Tire Deals 4 Less has a 5% discount code on R888's right now. When you checkout just put "r888" into the coupon field and and hit update quantity to get the discount. Pretty much covers the shipping costs."

http://philstireservice.com/pages/tires/tires_toyo_2.htm

http://www.tiredeals4less.com/TOYO_Proxes_R888_C789.cfm

[gjslutz]

Skip, I hope they are 225/45X15 as that is what I ordered. Joe said he had them in stock and would ship today. You are correct, they were not listed on his site though. He was a pleasure to deal with. From the reviews they come up to temp quick.

Gary

[gjslutz]

I have the R888's on the Birkin now. 205/50X15 & 225/45X15. On the first shipment with UPS the 225's were coated with printers ink from a package spill on the UPS truck. Joe sent another pair and I received 2nd day. Great prices and great service. I didn't even need to call and ask.

I had to add a spacer to the front fenders brackets to clear the tires, but the rears required no mods. They went on much better than my 225/50X15 KUMHO V710's.

Gary

[southwind25]

Gary, what width wheels are you running on the front-rear?

[gjslutz]

Robert, 7" F&R.

I also made some aluminum stone deflectors to extend below the back edge of the front fenders. The V710's would blast the cockpit & rear fenders with stones & sand. I'll let you know how they do. I'm not wild about the looks. If they work well I'll try to get these fenders glassed in or change them out for new ones that are about 8" longer. Too many people here for Easter, to drive it today.

[JohnCh]

(Revising an old thread) I finally had the new wheels and tires mounted, so thought I would offer up my early opinions on the R888s. For background, before the rebuild I ran 185/60-14 A032Rs on my Westfield. After that I changed to 195/55-14 Toyo T1-S. I made the switch from R compounds in part to prepare for potential rain on USA2005 (we had it!), but mainly because the AO32Rs really lost their grip below ~60F. The car is often driven in 40F weather, so this was pretty annoying. I noticed a couple of things when I made that change. Warm weather grip was down (duh!) but there was a significantly smaller drop in grip between warm and cold weather, and the T1-S gave a significantly more comfortable ride.

I’ve heard good things about the R888 when cold, so I recently decided to make the switch to 13” wheels and install 205/60-13 R-888s all the way around. I’ve now driven on them a few times with outside temperatures in the upper 40F range, and I am blown away by the grip. I was hoping to just be in the same ballpark as the T1-S under such conditions, but they stick much, much better on cold roads even before there is any heat put into them. And the ride has surprisingly improved! I’m sure part of this is down to the taller sidewall, but it seems to me that the sidewall is also much softer than the old AO32R, which is certainly a good thing for such a light car.

Here is a pic with the new wheels installed (and yes, I did mow the lawn after taking that picture ;) )

http://qa7fkg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pAXUZYTMSZ_FBlCT_IZleqQA7_pC-DXPAAldv7ja3PbE_fpmoAQ1JikN-fmLjUlYLMpgbwbPwABnMPkv7TGg6oQ/New%20Wheels%20800.jpg

-John

[slngsht]

and yes, I did mow the lawn after taking that picture



-John


You got your priorities straight :thumbs:

[MHKflyer52]

Here is a pic with the new wheels installed (and yes, I did mow the lawn after taking that picture ;) )

http://qa7fkg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pAXUZYTMSZ_FBlCT_IZleqQA7_pC-DXPAAldv7ja3PbE_fpmoAQ1JikN-fmLjUlYLMpgbwbPwABnMPkv7TGg6oQ/New%20Wheels%20800.jpg

-John


Great looking car and the wheels look great.
Having lived in the Northwest I bet you mowed the grass before the photo also :d as I knew in grows and grows when ever the sun is even thinking about coming out but that is why that part of the country it is so green and beautiful.:d

[gjslutz]

I also love the dry and damp grip. As TOYO states, watch out for standing water! If you see any shine on the wet roads hang on, you are about to get ready to float, I started to search for the life jackets. The trip to Carlisle and back a few weeks ago with the rain was a trip from hell on the R888s. I think it is the best dry and damp road track tire combo out there though. My RT615's do much better in any standing water and will be on for any drive that has rain.

[JohnCh]

Having lived in the Northwest I bet you mowed the grass before the photo also as I knew in grows and grows when ever the sun is even thinking about coming out
This is a great time of year in the PNW if you like to do yardwork. Within a week we went from a few weeds to a carpet of the suckers over a foot tall.

My RT615's do much better in any standing water and will be on for any drive that has rain
I am keeping my old wheels with Toyo TS-1s as rain tires.

-John