R Specs - How Old Is Too Old

[MrStabby]

At what age do unused r specs become not worth buying? Just for track days - nothing compeditive.

[scotty nm35]

It would depend how they are stored, cool dry and wrapped would be best.

I would be looking to import some newies or speak to Traction, they did me a great deal on a set of AO48's...

[MattR]

i had some 06 tyres that i bought some Tyre rejuvinator and brushed on and they were as good as new. the stuff softened up the old rubber

[Duncan]

For general track days, I'd be ok with up to 5 years.

But a much bigger issue is how many heat cycles they have had, and you can't tell that by looking at them or their age

[No Crust Racing]

I'm no pro but I'll wade in on this having had some limited experience with used tyres vs new.

In my example I'm comparing VERY old RE55s 235 R17s that only had a few mm above the tread indicators left and had been heat cycled MANY times to brand new RS-Rs, which aren't an R-Comp.

The RS-Rs have gone a touch faster, despite not being a proper R-Comp but that could also be down to improvements in the car and driving, the improvement is less than 1sec.

That said, the second hand, used up, never ever use these (I was told) RE55s that cost me $200 were awesome to learn on and had a ton of grip and having been heat cycled a few times which hardens the compound, lasted better than I thought they would, I did 5 or so events on those.

I've read heaps about the tyre rejuvenator stuff as well which seems to help to some extent to if outright grip is the goal.

As Duncan said, for general track days, testing the car, bedding in parts, etc I think you'll be fine (so long as the price reflects the age, no point paying brand new prices for old stock just as a matter of principle).

[PHaT MR30]

Just hope they haven't sat on a trailer in the sun for a few months, major fail...

[No Crust Racing]

lol who would store tyres that way