Toyo R888R

[Canadian818]

I just heard back from KXwheels.com where I'm ordering my wheels and tires. They could only get one of my 295 rear R888's because they're being discontinued. IMO this can only mean that the R888R, its replacement that's been available in Europe, Australia, Japan, etc, for the past year is finally coming to North America. A quick Google search didn't reveal anything, did anyone at sema notice them at the toyo booth? I'm not sure now if I want to wait for the new ones, or go with the 305 which is a bit big for a 10.25 rim although within limits.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I just heard back from KXwheels.com where I'm ordering my wheels and tires. They could only get one of my 295 rear R888's because they're being discontinued. IMO this can only mean that the R888R, its replacement that's been available in Europe, Australia, Japan, etc, for the past year is finally coming to North America. A quick Google search didn't reveal anything, did anyone at sema notice them at the toyo booth? I'm not sure now if I want to wait for the new ones, or go with the 305 which is a bit big for a 10.25 rim although within limits.

On Tire Rack they are offering a $75 USD debit card with purchase of 4 R888. On in-stock inventory only.
It does sound like something is in the works.

Because of the temperature restriction on these tires you can't use them until spring. I would wait until spring before I would pull the trigger on any race compound tires. Unless I lived in Florida or some other warm place.
Bob

[nkw8181]

I got mine from Wayne at VCP. 265's not 295's though

[FFRSpec72]

I find 888 tires not as good as RA1 or RR, so far RRs perform the best for me

[Canadian818]

I find 888 tires not as good as RA1 or RR, so far RRs perform the best for me

The RA1 doesn't have many choices for sizing, and I will drive these on the street so the RR's are not a "practical" option.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

The RA1 doesn't have many choices for sizing, and I will drive these on the street so the RR's are not a "practical" option.
Same reasoning for me. Street, autocross, track day. our 07 impreza wagon was faster in the rain than dry with these tires.
On the 818 I'm running 235/40-17 font and 255/40-17 in the rear. It was the biggest I could fit with out body work or limiting my steering.
Bob

47987

[Jeff Kleiner]

I'm not really a fan of the 888. I began using Nitto NT-01 a couple of years ago and really like them. Spec wise they are much like the 888 being DOT compliant with a 100 treadwear. Lots of sizes available; take a look:

http://www.nittotire.com/race-tires/nt01-dot-compliant-competition-road-course-tire/

Jeff

[Canadian818]

I'm not really a fan of the 888. I began using Nitto NT-01 a couple of years ago and really like them. Spec wise they are much like the 888 being DOT compliant with a 100 treadwear. Lots of sizes available; take a look:

http://www.nittotire.com/race-tires/nt01-dot-compliant-competition-road-course-tire/

Jeff

I've often seem them compared, they're on my radar. The reason I went for the R888 because it was preferred on some lotus forums. I figured that was the closest OEM to compare. However since I'm going with 911 turbo sizing, maybe I'm in my own category. I will inquire about they're availability.

[Tamra]

The Bridgestone RE71R, Rival S, and Z2 Starspec are also great options for you guys to consider... All are summer tires, 200tw. The RE71R is good in the rain and in the dry. Autocross tire of choice for street classes because they warm up quickly and have insane grip for a street tire. BFG Rival S is also fantastic but not as good in the rain, which is probably fine for an 818 :) Z2 Starspec is a little off the pace for autocross performance, but still a great option for the street, autocross, and track days.

[philly15]

I agree with Tamra, we ran the 71's all year on the Miata, but they wear pretty fast compared to the rival and Z2. Grip is pretty insane though for the 71. We tested them out in the rain the day before an event and they stuck like crazy.

[Hindsight]

What are people doing for the front 215/40/17 tires? None of the tires mentioned in this thread aside from the Z2 come in that size. I have had a tough time finding tires available in the size needed for front and rear. It's always either but not both. Would also like trying the 265/35/18 size out back.

[STiPWRD]

What are people doing for the front 215/40/17 tires? None of the tires mentioned in this thread aside from the Z2 come in that size. I have had a tough time finding tires available in the size needed for front and rear. It's always either but not both. Would also like trying the 265/35/18 size out back.
I bought a set of BFG g-force KDWs in 215/40/17 in the front and 255/35/18 in the rear back in 2014 from tire rack but I just checked and they're no longer available. I hope they didn't discontinue these.

[Tamra]

What are people doing for the front 215/40/17 tires? None of the tires mentioned in this thread aside from the Z2 come in that size. I have had a tough time finding tires available in the size needed for front and rear. It's always either but not both. Would also like trying the 265/35/18 size out back.

Since we are not autocrossing our 818 on street tires (using Hoosiers instead), we went with the Z2's. They are plenty sticky and high performance for street driving, and competitive enough for someone wanting to try autocrossing their 818 that isn't ready to invest in hoosiers or non-dot race tires.

[Hindsight]

Thanks Tamra. I think I'll stick with the Z2 for now. Nice that they have both a 255/40/17 and a 265/35/18.