Shaved RA1 Recommendation

[bball7754]

After 5 years, I think it's time to replace my Toyo RA1 track tires.

 

The set I have started out as full depth (one of the reasons they are still alive - and let's not talk about other possible reasons having to do with my track speed ).

 

I thought I'd go with having the new set shaved to either 6/32" or 4/32". Any recommendations or experience with dealers regarding the quality of their shaving?

 

Thanks.

 

Steve

[Kitcat]

Steve-your existing tires are just broken in:)! How much naturally shaved tread do they have left? I'd start there and maybe go down to 'slick' level. Tread is the enemy of speed. It's only function is to maintain traction in the rain (How much rain driving do you really do now that you have your trailer?). If your existing tire is slick, keep the unshaved tires for the rain as even shaved, I dont think they will be as grippy as the 'seasoned' RA1's on the car.

 

Dealers don't like to shave used tires as the embeded rock kills their blades, so hopefully these are brand new RA1's (my all-time fav tire, BTW).

Edited May 17, 2013 by Kitcat

[bball7754]

These would be brand new. My current RA1's are pretty much down to the "slick" level.

 

Maybe it was the track surface, but at COTA in Austin my tires were squealing more than usual, and didn't seem to have much grip. I'd read somewhere that tires should be replaced after 5 years, so I'm thinking maybe it's time.

[Mondo]

I've read some good things on the new BF Goodrich G-Force Rival (doesn't come in 13in). I think I'm going to give them a shot in a couple months... house remodel is taking it's toll.

[Kitcat]

Steve:

 

Everything I have read (and experienced) says that RA1's get better with time, unlike other tires. My anicdote, previously posted, is: I had the same set for years on my track Miata. Then, like you, I upgraded and left them in my basement. Five years later I had fresh new Kumos installed and one was bad. Since I had a track day coming up, I put the 8-10 y/o RA1s on the front and new Kumos on the back. Result: massive oversteer (the RA1s had more grip). So I swapped them to the back: massive push.

 

I dont think you will lose performance by going new, but I wldnt toss the old RA1s. And if you have enough wheels, try the comparo I just mentioned and report results?

 

Anyhow, as mentioned, the less tread the better the on-track result.