Skip to main content

MadaboutKitcars

This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.

R888 & Rim Sizes

4 Aug 2009, 11:45am
Hi guys,

I'm in need of 2 new tyres and may get a set of 4. Currently running Toyo Proxes T1R...but want more grip:)

R888 definately.

Question 1: Compoung GG or SG (one is soft/medium the other is medium / hard)...and does anyone have any experience of the different compounds.

Question 2: What size....

Currently have 15" rims running 185/55 R15.....R888 sizes that are comparable are 195/50 R15 or 195/55 R15.....the latter makes the rolling radius a bit bigger, the former a bit smaller.

....or, should I switch to 16" rims and go for 205/50 R16...

Any recommendations welcome / feedback on your own experiences...

...oh.....and a cheap source to buy from please.

ta

Rich
4 Aug 2009, 12:14pm
I run 195/50/15 GG 888s. Plenty of grip, and owing to the stiff sidewall / general construction of the tyre, combined with the low wieght of the car, there are no problems with sidewall deflection. I don't think it's worth the cost of going to 16s, as the reduced sidewall might serve to reduce some useful compliance. I run the tyres with a 7" wide rim.

A friend of mine has been running them for a over a year on his daily-driver, and he doesn't find them a problem in rain either. Standing water yes, but damp roads aren't a problem.

On track they are massively better than summer tread toyo road tyres, as I found the road tyres over-heat, and aren't anywhere near as precise.

I found Camskill to be the best price.

A cheaper alternative is the Hankook offering. I've seen these used on track to good effect, and I was going to buy some, but was unable to source any at the time.
4 Aug 2009, 1:01pm
Has anyone used Marangoni Zeta Linea Tyres.

I have run them on several road cars int he past and are extremeley grippy and predicatable.
4 Aug 2009, 1:49pm
Hi Rich,

I have 16" toyo r888's but opted for the 195/50 instead of the 205 width and they fit great!

Just driven my car for the first time in a long time (50 miles!!)

If you do go 16" you should pay £94 a tyre plus £2.40 delivery a tyre! Which I thought was cheap as chips

As already stated I was surprised just how hard the side walls are esp as I'm running 18psi
5 Aug 2009, 8:45pm
One thing I forgot to mention, but have been reminded of this evening, is that 888s tramline a fair bit more than standard road tyres!
7 Aug 2009, 1:04pm
Hi Rich

195/50 x 15 888's are definitely the way to go. I am about to get my 3rd set having gone through 2 sets on track in my Marlin. Superb grip enables me to keep up with a 911 GT3 at Keevil and Dave Bences Onyx Firefox on slicks at all other circuits despite him having less weight and more power. It's the handling balance, grip and brakes that make all the difference.

Hope this helps.
7 Aug 2009, 2:12pm
Thanks for the help guys.....I'm definately decided on R888.

....my 15" rims are only 5.5j....toyo webpage says 195/50 are ok from 5.5j to 7.0j.....

Q. Would you fit them to my 5.5j rims or get some 6 or 6.5J?

Rich
7 Aug 2009, 2:49pm
Just for curiousity.

What mileage would you get out of the R1's and 888 under normal road conditions.

I was thinking of Goodyear F1's as they supposed to be good in all conditions and hard wearing. As the car will be mainly on the road....