Spec Focus to run on Toyo R888's in 2008

[MattMarks]

Effective June 1, 2008, the Toyo R888 will become the mandatory tire for the Spec Focus class. Size will be 215/45 17. Until that time, either the Toyo RA1's in the current 205/40 17 size, or the R888 can be run. No mixing and matching of tires is allowed.

The change is due to Toyo phasing out the RA1 during 2008.

As a result, LC Racing in conjunction with Ford, NASA, and Toyo undertook a week of comparitive tire testing. The R888 was chosen as

1) Overall performance of the car was improved
2) the tire showed significantly improved wear characteristics - especially in the shoulders of the tire
3) Enhanced overall appearance of the car (it fills out the wheel wells MUCH better :thumbup:)
4) Minimal cost increase (about $5 per tire here in the DC area)

Link to toyo's website is http://www.toyo.com/docs/tires/tires...&category=comp

[Sponsor]

[MattMarks]

More information on the R888

R888's Stats

Tire Size: 215/45ZR17 91W RD
Product Code: 168160
Rim Width: 7.0-8.0
Tire Wt: 22 lbs
Tread Depth: 6
Inflated Dimension (Dia): 24.6”
Inflated Dimension (Width): 8.5”
Static Loaded Radius: 11.5”
Max Load: 1,356lbs
Max PSI: 50 PSI
Revs Per Mile: 846
Operating Temperature: 140°F to 220°F, optimum around 200°F
Recommended Hot Inflation Pressures: High 30s to Low 40s (psi)

Spec Focus Test Stats:

Size: 215/45-17
Circumference at 34psi: 78.50”
Diameter at 34psi: 24.64”
Tread Depth: Full @ 6/32”

[ckisner]

can't wait to run the new tires

[mpsii]

Spec Focus only runs 17s?

[ckisner]

Originally Posted by mpsii

Spec Focus only runs 17s?

yup. 17's were stock on the SVT. spec foci are required to run SVT wheels or Ford Racing wheels which are 17".

[MattMarks]

One of the problems with wheels/tires and the Spec suspension is interference between the tire and the spring - especially on the 2005 and later cars. Toyo makes a 225 R888, but it rubs. Going wider and taller with an 18 inch wheel is llikely to exacerbate this - and cause a lot of guys who are already running to have to dump 8-12 wheels each

PLus - the SVT wheels can be found from the sponsors on this board for as little as $104. That's basically free as far as racing goes.

[WeeAsp]

I ran the RA1 for 2 seasons and liked it. Hoosier is more better, but rules are rules.

Does anyone have any seat time with the new tire?

Just curious as to how it behaves.

[MattMarks]

I should be running it in February - will have RA1's with me for some back to back impressions.

Hoosiers, of course, are much faster, but they have nowhere near the wear characterics of the Toyo - plus Hoosiers heat cycle out in about a weekend (unfortunately).

The Toyos still maintain a reasonable level of wet grip - and as such won't require a dedicated rain tire in the way that the hoosiers/kumhos/hankook would. How much of a change in wet performance between the RA1 and R888 is still TBD.

[slo1]

Is everyone using the same vendor for rubber?

[MattMarks]

I see that you're in New York.

A couple of options. Phil's Tire Service (www.philstireservice.com) has trackside support for most of the NASA Northeast and Mid-Atlantic events as well as the NASA National Champtionships. They're in Craigsmore, NY (wherever that is?).

Radial Tire (Silver Spring, MD) also has great pricing. Website is www.radialtire.com - ask for Paul. Either company will be happy to ship to you.

No affiliations other than satisfied customer, yada yada...

I'm sure that there are other online vendors as well, but I've used both and have been quite happy.