Can too much grip hurt track times?

[robispec]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

You're alone in testing your FR-S locally, for the most part. Between Robi and I, we've probably driven a few hundred different setups (thanks to people who ask us to drive their respective cars).

It's REALLY REALLY easy to test straightline speed...

My tire bill is KILLING me..
since I bought the car
R1R's
Hoosiers 225 a6, 205, R6 (two sets)
Rs 3's 245
Nitto 225 (fastest consistant time tire soo far)
ALL now dead
Winningest car in the usa (maybe the world lol) six "86 Challenges/cup series" starts six WINS....

Street tire sponsor ?? Any one ??

[CSG Mike]

I (personally) need a tire sponsor too. I promise to share with CSG and Robi (but not Austin).

Hankook, where are you?

[CSG Mike]

I wonder how a 215/45/17 TD would do...

[Huehuecoyotl]

sharing is caring....

[D1cker]

215/45/17 TD would be pretty sweet.

I'm trying the switch from 245/40 to 225/45 out this weekend. Car feels lighter on it's feet already but no data yet.

[ayau]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

I wonder how a 215/45/17 TD would do...

I thought this size was already tested.

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

forget him, anyone that needs to have science explained to them isn't worth the effort.

Tell me about... I'm from Utah.

[Wonderbar]

Any experience with the new direzza z2's? I'm looking at a set for novice AutoX and road course.

[Shankenstein]

Originally Posted by Wonderbar

Any experience with the new direzza z2's? I'm looking at a set for novice AutoX and road course.

Can't offer much comparative experience, but they're alot like previous Direzzas. ZI's were known for being all-purpose performers and having plenty of sidewall. I've got 2 days of playing with them.

They're quiet at the limit, with a little chirp when you're correcting a drift. Excellent braking performance. They broke loose gradually in skidpad testing. Sidewalls are nice and stiff, so you can run very low pressures in the rear. Temperatures stayed cool until I really used them... and even then, I won't be needing a water sprayer until summer.

My setup is 215/45-17 on Enkei 17x7. Great RTR combo, but there's no reason not to run wider rubber in STX.

[Wonderbar]

Originally Posted by Shankenstein

Can't offer much comparative experience, but they're alot like previous Direzzas. ZI's were known for being all-purpose performers and having plenty of sidewall. I've got 2 days of playing with them.

They're quiet at the limit, with a little chirp when you're correcting a drift. Excellent braking performance. They broke loose gradually in skidpad testing. Sidewalls are nice and stiff, so you can run very low pressures in the rear. Temperatures stayed cool until I really used them... and even then, I won't be needing a water sprayer until summer.

My setup is 215/45-17 on Enkei 17x7. Great RTR combo, but there's no reason not to run wider rubber in STX.

I was thinking 225-45 or 235-40 on the stock rim until I can figure out wheels I actually want to buy.

Thanks for the insight. The z2's seem to be the hot ticket for AutoX here in the PacNW this year.

[naikaidriver]

Originally Posted by Wonderbar

I was thinking 225-45 or 235-40 on the stock rim until I can figure out wheels I actually want to buy.

Thanks for the insight. The z2's seem to be the hot ticket for AutoX here in the PacNW this year.

I'm looking to do the same thing for my STX setup until I can figure out what my car, (and I) like the best.

I've been going for as light as possible setup within the rules but I won't be completely ready until mid-summer since this will be my first, full season with the car. After the way I got my butt handed to me in CS, I'm sticking with STX!

Scott

[icemang17]

couple thoughts that others have mentioned as well

bigger is NOT always better.....in lower powered cars like ours you will reach a point when you have too much tire.....larger tires are heavier (never good) and can have much taller diameter (also bad for lower power)....

Another huge downside is just because a monster tire will fit, doesn't mean you will gain grip...it can be the opposite....if you run too large of a tire it never will get to its peak operating temps....and never make peak grip...so a smaller (narrower) tire will get into its ideal range and perform better...not to mention being lighter as well....

spec miata is the perfect example......unless the engine is pumped up quite a bit, running wider tires makes the car SLOWER

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Wonderbar

Any experience with the new direzza z2's? I'm looking at a set for novice AutoX and road course.

They're much peakier than the Z1. Less sidewall feedback, but more progressive breakaway. They don't hum like the old Z1 did either, but they make less noise under cornering as well; if they're screaming, youre WAY past the limit.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by icemang17

couple thoughts that others have mentioned as well

bigger is NOT always better.....in lower powered cars like ours you will reach a point when you have too much tire.....larger tires are heavier (never good) and can have much taller diameter (also bad for lower power)....

Another huge downside is just because a monster tire will fit, doesn't mean you will gain grip...it can be the opposite....if you run too large of a tire it never will get to its peak operating temps....and never make peak grip...so a smaller (narrower) tire will get into its ideal range and perform better...not to mention being lighter as well....

spec miata is the perfect example......unless the engine is pumped up quite a bit, running wider tires makes the car SLOWER

I actually prefer it at certain tracks cuz it eliminates shifts... but that's just coincidence