Toyo R888 track pressure

[neo871]

I'm about to use this tire for the track and was wondering what would be a good pressure to set.

Toyo Tires recommends the following general setup guidelines for the Proxes R888:
Operating Temperature: 160°F to 220°F
Hot Inflation Pressures: 32 to 38 (psi)
Camber: -1° to -3°
Caster: As much positive as possible

Does anyone have any experience with this tire?

[MaynardZed]

Yes, I have about 8 track days on this tire with the M4. What I've found is a hot tire pressure of about 33-34psi works best for me. Equates to about 25psi cold for me. Check your temps each time you come off, you'll need to gradually let pressure out as the day goes on.

I'm on stock suspension so only -1.4 camber. Luckily the sidewall on the R888 is pretty stiff. There's an little arrow on the sidewall, you should be getting wear just into the tip of it.

They do actually cycle out at some point, probably somewhere around 20-25 cycles. You can continue running them, but keep in mind there is less sticky rubber below and you'll start sliding more.

[PrimeBMW]

Ah the age old question. The R888 is one of the most difficult tires to get the pressures right. Some have found high pressure to work and some low. Very few people actually like this tire. I would highly recommend returning them even if you take a hit. There are much better options out there. If you can't return them it is likely the last set you will ever buy.....

[Mandi90TT]

I had a good experience with R888 back in my G35 on track days. What do you recommend for a better track tire?

[DaBean]

I like the R888 quite a bit on my E46. I usually run ~38-40 hot.

[MaynardZed]

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

Ah the age old question. The R888 is one of the most difficult tires to get the pressures right. Some have found high pressure to work and some low. Very few people actually like this tire. I would highly recommend returning them even if you take a hit. There are much better options out there. If you can't return them it is likely the last set you will ever buy.....

That's a bit extreme. Are there better options out there, maybe not if you're running 19" wheels. Yes Nitto NT-01 would be preferred but no sizes in 19" for the F8X.

The Formula Ford group that my father races in uses R888 almost exclusively (Nitto NT01 not available in 13" size). Helps to reduce cost vs. slicks. In fact they traveled to Montreal this summer and one of our guys won the senior division in the FF race (warm up event for F1) on R888, beating many guys on slicks.

[Gearhead999s]

Not a big fan of the 888 at all.Here is a photo of a 888 after 3.5 hours of use.They also lost a lot of grip after about 5 heat cycles on my 08 E92 M3.



At least I had help for tire changing that day

[neo871]

There are many reasons why the R888 is a very viable option for a track tire, in Europe. I can't say it's the best option because I don't have enough experience, but it's definitely a top track tire.

[neo871]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

Not a big fan of the 888 at all.Here is a photo of a 888 after 3.5 hours of use.They also lost a lot of grip after about 5 heat cycles on my 08 E92 M3.



At least I had help for tire changing that day

Wow...I wouldn't have expected that!

[PrimeBMW]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

Not a big fan of the 888 at all.Here is a photo of a 888 after 3.5 hours of use.They also lost a lot of grip after about 5 heat cycles on my 08 E92 M3.



At least I had help for tire changing that day

I was hoping you would post this up.

[PrimeBMW]

Originally Posted by MaynardZed

That's a bit extreme. Are there better options out there, maybe not if you're running 19" wheels. Yes Nitto NT-01 would be preferred but no sizes in 19" for the F8X.

The Formula Ford group that my father races in uses R888 almost exclusively (Nitto NT01 not available in 13" size). Helps to reduce cost vs. slicks. In fact they traveled to Montreal this summer and one of our guys won the senior division in the FF race (warm up event for F1) on R888, beating many guys on slicks.

I don't think I am being extreme at all. The R888 didn't work on the E92 M3. The new car is only ~150 lbs. less so it is hard to believe it would be the best choice. Depending on your experience/wants/needs I would recommend AD08, NT01 and then BFG R1 for DE days. Each one seems to deal with the weight of the car and heat cycle quite well.......at least better than other tire options. Therefore they will save money in the long run. Your in a tough spot if you are limited to 19".

[PrimeBMW]

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

I don't think I am being extreme at all. The R888 didn't work on the E92 M3. The new car is only ~150 lbs. less so it is hard to believe it would be the best choice. Depending on your experience/wants/needs I would recommend AD08, NT01 and then BFG R1 for DE days. Each one seems to deal with the weight of the car and heat cycle quite well.......at least better than other tire options. Therefore they will save money in the long run. Your in a tough spot if you are limited to 19".

Oh, you can't compare a 3500lb. street car to a light weight open wheel dedicated race car.

[MaynardZed]

Never said R888 was the best choice. OP already has a set and was asking for help on how to best set them up.

You tell him to return them and proceed with a dissertation on how bad of a tire they are. No need to repeat all that here, since there are thousands of pages R888 good vs. bad discussions on basically every track car forum on the internet.

[neo871]

Originally Posted by MaynardZed

Never said R888 was the best choice. OP already has a set and was asking for help on how to best set them up.

You tell him to return them and proceed with a dissertation on how bad of a tire they are. No need to repeat all that here, since there are thousands of pages R888 good vs. bad discussions on basically every track car forum on the internet.

Exactly

[babyboss]

Mickey Thomson tires ..