Would you rather? Toyo R888R vs. Falken RT660 content.

One of the series I'm racing this summer requires "treaded" tires. I don't have to run street tires: I am allowed to run DOT-R tires, as long as they have some sort of tread pattern (like the Toyo RA-1 or Yoko AO48). But I can't run DOT-R tires if all they have is circumferential grooves.

In the size I need, I'm basically looking at the Falken RT660, the older RT615K+, or the the Toyo R888R.

My personal experience with Falken "RT" tires is that they're quick and forgiving, but get really greasy after just a few laps. Not great for a 20-30 min race.

My personal experience with the R888R is that they're slow and have crappy steering feel, plus they seem to wear unevenly. But, they'll be pretty consistent over a 20 min session.

Your thoughts?

What specific size do you need?  Personally I'd want the fastest tire and just manage your driving so you don't overheat them.  I'd expect a greasy RT660 to be faster than a 888 anyway.

CR-1 or the new continental might be other options to consider. Of the pair you mentioned, RT660 if the vehicle is under 2600lb

A lot of folks like the Hankook R compounds for balance of performance/dollars/wear as apparently they last very well despite being loud.  They are next on my list of tires to try on the CTS V.

I need either 215/45/16 or 225/45/16 for my car (RWD; 2700 lbs). Not much of a selection in those sizes.

84FSP said:

A lot of folks like the Hankook R compounds for balance of performance/dollars/wear as apparently they last very well despite being loud.  They are next on my list of tires to try on the CTS V.

I've had very positive experiences with the Hankook Z214. But they're "circumferential groove" tires ... not "full tread" tires. Can't use them.

The Nankang AR-1 is available in that size and should have just enough tread to work for you for less than the Toyo but more than the Falken. We can get them up here in Canada, not sure what the availability is in the US - https://pmctire.com/en/tires/nankang/ar-1/nankang-ar-1-p225-45r16-xl-93w-bsw.tire

The Toyo’s were not well liked in SM.  They had a very stiff sidewall, which the fixed spring and shocks (Bilstein, before the Penske’s) did not like on a light car.  If you have a lot of adjustability in the suspension, you might be able to find the sweet spot.

I've never met an R888 I liked on any car I've had it on -- Elise, E36 M3, Miata.  Can you find RA1s?  I love that tire, even if it isn't the fastest.

RA1 or NT01 are what I prefer over the R888.  I'm just not a fan of those, NT01's going on the 996 track wheels tomorrow...

You mention the rt660...

Why not re71r, Cooper rs3r or rs3rs, or other fast 200 tw tires?

I think your analysis is pretty dead on in my experience with r888 and r888r - they're far from the fastest or the best feeling, but they kinda do the same thing all day long. I have 660's mounted on 15x10's for TTNats, but I haven't gotten out on them yet - so I'll have to let you know. If the internet is to be believed - you're pretty dead on there too.

While I've never tried R888R's, all my track buddies talk down on them and I expect an RT660 to be faster.

I do not think RT660's get greasy during a 20 minute session. My car/track combo for reference is an E36 @3000lbs and NJMP Lightning (turning 18's when traffic is clear, fast lap high 17's). I've tried Rivals and RE-71R's and would pick the RT660's every single time.

wvumtnbkr said:

Why not re71r, Cooper rs3r or rs3rs, or other fast 200 tw tires?

The RE71R has been out of production for a little while...and out of stock pretty much everywhere. The others you mentioned are not available in my size. 

MINIzguy said:

While I've never tried R888R's, all my track buddies talk down on them and I expect an RT660 to be faster.

I swear the R888r gets dunked on all the time, guilty of it too lol because it seems for non track, car people you always hear them talking about the the R888 and R888R as a "fast" the tire