bball7754 Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Any suggestions on how far down you can safely run Toyo RA1's? At this point the only tread I have left are the groves that run around the circumference of the tire. Also, has anyone reversed the direction? The outside shoulder of the left side tires are the most worn areas of the tires, as I've mostly been on tracks that run clock wise. Pictures would obviously help, but woke up this morning wondering if I should change back to my street tires for a trackday tomorrow, and had to get to work before I could take any. Thanks. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 (edited) Steve: There is a lot of rubber below the grooves. You have "naturally shaved" yours. When I was auto-x'ing my Miata I'd have the vendor shave the Toyos down to those 2 grooves. It was worth about 2 seconds a lap on the auto-x course. I now run these tires on my Caterham and, like yours, mine are now naturally shaved also. So, I'd say your tires are just now getting properly broken in. My experience has been, and others have confirmed, that this particular tire seems to get better w/age and seems impervious to "heat cycling" (wherein even tires with tread are prematurely worn out and lose their grip after a few competitions). Given how light our cars are, we get an amazing amount of use out of our race rubber (and brake pads/discs). So I wld predict a lot more use is available from these tires (assuming driving is done in the dry-they will be useless in the wet). I have "flipped" my Toyos to extend their life. Tread direction is irrelevant on a bald tire. What track day event?(I am jealous). Mike Edited July 31, 2009 by Kitcat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bball7754 Posted July 31, 2009 Author Share Posted July 31, 2009 Mike - Appreciate the info. It's Putnam Park with 100-Speed. Haven't run with them before, but it's another 2 group trackday with the possiblity of the afternoon being just an open session for everyone. Weather looks good - high around 85. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shiva Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 If I remember correctly, the RA-1 has "wear dots" around the rubber. You can use those too as wear indicator. As Mike said, they are just starting to get good. On my miata I normally use them until there is no more line left. Great tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 I knew when I "corded" my prior set that it was time to replace them:). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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