[MSCW list] RX-8 R3 Track Tires

[Michael Charles Gross]

JBecker,

I assume you will use these tires only for track days, including driving to and 
from the track.  If so, then you'll want separate wheels, and there's no reason 
to stick with the 19s that come on the R3.  18s and even 17s will give you more 
options and, importantly, save weight.  I don't believe the brakes on the R3 are 
bigger than on the other RX-8s, so fit should not be a problem.  Do you want 
true DOT R-compounds that can be driven on the street---in other words, have 
tread---or just very, very sticky street tires?

DOT R-comps with tread I'd consider are the Nitto NT01 (I have a set of these), 
Toyo RA1, and Toyo R888.  The tripple-8s are allegedly stickier than the RA1s, 
but don't last as long.  For track days, the RA1 or NT01 may be a better 
choice. 

For extreme-performance street tires, there are even more choices, including 
Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 (I have a set), Hankook Ventus R-S3 (I have a set), 
Dunlap Direzza Star Specs, Toyo R1Rs, and others.  The R1Rs are said to be very 
sticky but wear faster than the others in this class.

Most or all of these tires are available in 17- or 18-inch sizes in widths of 
245 or 255 with profiles that will give you a very similar outside diameter to 
that of your stock wheels and tires. Here's an excellent tool for comparing 
different sizes:  http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp

One of the best places to shop for wheels and tires for the RX-8 (and all 
Miatas, and Mazda3s) is Goodwin Racing.  Brian Goodwin has a good selection and 
is very responsive to questions on his forum.

Tires for the RX-8: 
 http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Parts/RX8/Wheels-Tires/Tires.html?id=2eQi4AR8

Wheels for the RX-8: 
 http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Parts/RX8/Wheels-Tires/Wheels.html?id=2eQi4AR8


If you want to talk wheels and tires in more detail, give me shout.

Lastly, let me know if you ever decide to sell the car.  I'll be shopping for a 
used R3 sometime in the future.

Michael



________________________________

Message: 2
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:02:31 -0500 (EST)
From: JBRERX7 at aol.com
To: mscw at mscw1.com
Subject: [MSCW list] 3 Topics
Message-ID: <23eaf.54637fcf.3a679227 at aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

All,

I'd like some advice on the following:

1. Wiper Blade Replacements: As you may know, you cannot purchase  actual 
blade replacements anymore, you have to buy the wiper blade frame  assembly.  
This is kind of expensive as the blade assembly costs $  9.00 - $ 11.00 
dollars each.  Calculate two cars, four wipers, replacing  every 6 months and 
you will wind up spending over $88.00/ year vs. under for $40  per year for 
replacing blades only.
With that said, has anyone found a supplier that offers replacement  wiper 
blades only? 
Is there a supplier that produces a wonder blade that lasts forever?

2. Track Tires: I'm not having any success in finding DOT track tires that  
will allow me to drive to a track event (Mazda Drivers for example), 
participate  and then drive home.  The problem is the Mazda RX8/R3 has 
245/40/R19 

wheels  and I've not been able to find a DOT track tire to meet those specs. 
  Advice appreciated.

3. Available for sale $250.00 , Four, 1988 RX7 convertible 15" wheels with  
Hoosier track tires already mounted and used at just one MDA event for a  
Saturday only.  

Thanks, 

JBecker
'04-3s
'09-RX8/R3
The dearly departed:
'81-RX7/GS
'88-Rx7/Convertible
'89-626 Turbo-5-door
'99 B-2500