I got some prices today for a new set of semi slicks for the new season of track work for this year. I hope to do better this season at the QR Wednesday sprints.

I was quite surprised when they called out my name for second place in my division during the presentation dinner. They classed me in Road 6 which consists of turboed 4 cylinder cars and 6 cylinder cars. The quickest in the group was a 2 year old Porsche GT3 with $250k spent on mods

This year I want to start with minor mods and get better times.

Toyo R888 Medium compound
235/40/18 $480 each

Bridgestone RE 55 Medium to Hard compound
225/40/18 $436

They also had Yakohamas but it only came in a hard compound.

What experience have others had with semis for track use.

skc

 

were those prices for the tyres fitted?I an getting the exact same size semi slick re55's this week and have been quoted $475 fitted per tyre.

 

I'm running Toyo R888 245/40/18 and have done so for quite a few track days now and find them excellent. Then again I can only compare relative to road tyres as I haven't tried any other brand/model of R specs.

 

Yes, the price includes fitting and balancing.

skc

 

Does anyone know if the 17" wheels will fit our cars. I think a 17" may be lighter and the RE 55 tyres for the smaller rim is $395 fitted.

skc

 

Pretty sure Rotor Convert runs 17's on her car.Check with her.

 

Don't think there's a lot of difference time-wise between Toyos and Bridgies.Dunlops probably a little faster(Rod uses them)but somewhat dearer.
Yokos last chice of the four.
Guess it depends what you can get the best deal on.....

 

The dunlops are only available through the tyre dealership at Qld raceway. They start at around $500 per tyre and up to $600 depending on the type. The DZ03G is supposed to be at the top end of the scale for these types of tyres.

skc

 

Is that a special price for you or can I get that price too??? Are you in sydney?

 

That is a price the dealer gave me after an inquiry over the phone without any negotiation there may be room for negotiation.

He came recommended from one of the regular participants on our track days here in Brisbane.

The dealer is in Brisbane.

skc

 

Go for hard compound. Medium compound will not last very long if you run them on the road

The Yoko hard compound is not as good as the medium and soft compound of the same pattern. I will go back to Bridgestone after my set (I suppose I can tell again this weekend)

 

Correct - she does.

 

If you have to worry about wet weather then I would put a hand up for the R888 over the RE55.

That being said, having not driven on RE55's I would put the R888 in front of them anyway. From what I have heard from people who can compare, they are more predictable, have a longer heat cycle and can run right down to bald. And each of those points I can vouch for, ie very predictable, can run long sessions with good grip and are running great well past the wear indicators.

Cheers

Andrew

 

I too vouch for the R888's

Have friends who tested most makes of semi slicks to find the tyre they like best and each opted for the R888 for its overall versatility in the wet or dry.

 

i wish there are some kind of official review on semi slicks (something similar like say the wheels tyre test)

so toyo r888 are better than bridgestone re55 in the wet?

 

It looks like the R888 might be the way to go plus they are a bit cheaper. I will keep them for track use only. this means I will need a new set of rims for road use.

I might look around to see of there are some for sale on the forums. PM me if you have a set for sale.

skc

 

taka told me the other day that he got a good bit of advice from RotorConvert (or was it her hubby) that they wrap their Semi's in glad wrap to keep the air off the rubber. Stops oxidation and helps them last that little bit longer.

Cheers

Andrew

PS Enjoy the Toyo's

PPS check the manufacturing date on the tyres. They are a 4 digit (MMYY) date. Dont buy anything older than 6 months and obviously as new possible under 6 months.