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Old 07-07-2001, 06:29 PM
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ben in lj
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Post tire pressure?

Just checked the tire pressure (car has 18"s) and it's pretty darn low 29ft/35rr vs. 36/44 factory rec. However, the car really seems to be handling
well right now. Should it be handling better with this lower pressure, and should I continue to run them this low? TIA
Old 07-08-2001, 09:20 PM
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Jean-Marc
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We've had extensive discussions about this on the "old" 993-996 board. The consensus was that for the US, a great compromise was 32 FR and 36 RR. If you're driving at real high speeds, the factory pressures HOT (not cold) are probably very good. Again, this only works for the US where speeds are real low, in Europe where you'll hit 100MPH every day, this is probably a tad low
JM
Old 07-09-2001, 03:09 PM
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Mike in Chi

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Jean-Marc

was the "compromise" temperature 32F/36R a hot or cold temp?

thanks

Mike in Chi
Old 07-09-2001, 05:21 PM
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ben in lj
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Also, any significance to the fact that factory recs (36/44 on 18") have an 8 lb variance between f and r vs. 4 lb for the compromise?
Old 07-09-2001, 11:06 PM
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Jean-Marc
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Cold, street pressures are given cold, track pressures are given hot
JM
Old 07-09-2001, 11:52 PM
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Mike in Chi

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Thanks JM

I appreciate the info.

Mike
Old 07-10-2001, 12:41 PM
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ben in lj
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What's the typical diff between hot and cold - 4 lb?
Old 07-10-2001, 03:03 PM
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Viken
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Originally posted by ben in lj:
<STRONG>What's the typical diff between hot and cold - 4 lb?</STRONG>
It depends on where and how hard you drive. On the track it could be as much as 8-10 pounds.
Old 07-10-2001, 08:42 PM
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ben in lj
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"It depends on where and how hard you drive"

Then how do we apply that to Jean-Marc's:

"the factory pressures HOT (not cold) are probably very good."

It seems a cold number would be better. What is your rec on cold numbers for 18"s? TIA
Old 07-10-2001, 09:16 PM
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Viken
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I always run 32/35 cold on the streets and as low as 28/31 on the track during very hot days. For those who have a 2WD car, a 2 psi differential is even better. Bear in mind that these are for street tires.
Old 07-11-2001, 12:43 AM
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ben in lj
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Thanks Viken. So your saying you run 32/35 on 18"s on the street? What about the 2 psi diff? Does that mean 33/35?
Old 07-11-2001, 08:56 PM
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brobbinson
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I know I'm late in the game in this thread, but isn't the factory recommended PSI for "cold" rather than "hot" tires? I've been driving my c4 inflated at the factory 36/44 cold pressure levels - should I really be driving with significantly lower inflation levels than the factory recommendation? I've always driven all my cars (I've had many) at factory recommended inflation levels - is there a reason why the 996 is different (well - I know it has no peer among cars under $100k - and few above that, but I mean re: inflation levels).
Old 07-12-2001, 11:55 AM
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Viken
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Originally posted by ben in lj:
<STRONG>Thanks Viken. So your saying you run 32/35 on 18"s on the street? What about the 2 psi diff? Does that mean 33/35?</STRONG>
I think most 2WD people have been happy with 32/34. I suggest that you experiment with your pressures by starting at 36/38 and working your way down. I am only suggesting the higher psi's because I don't know how hard you drive your car on the streets. The harder you drive, the hotter they get. Shoot for a hot pressure of 40 to 42 psi's.

Also, the actual tire you are running can and will react slightly differently to the same pressures.
Old 07-12-2001, 12:00 PM
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Viken
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Originally posted by Brian Robbins:
<STRONG>I know I'm late in the game in this thread, but isn't the factory recommended PSI for "cold" rather than "hot" tires? I've been driving my c4 inflated at the factory 36/44 cold pressure levels - should I really be driving with significantly lower inflation levels than the factory recommendation? I've always driven all my cars (I've had many) at factory recommended inflation levels - is there a reason why the 996 is different (well - I know it has no peer among cars under $100k - and few above that, but I mean re: inflation levels).</STRONG>
The factory recommended "cold" 36/44 is the least understood set of pressures. This contributes to a load of understeer, harsh ride and premature rear tread (center) wear. Some say that these pressures are a must for very high sustained speeds (Autobahn) but this only means that the 44 will soon reach and exceed 50 which is too hot for the tire.

So, I really don't know why the factory recommends 36/44 but whoever tries lower pressures, finds better grip, better handling, more even wear and a better ride.
Old 07-12-2001, 11:44 PM
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ben in lj
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"I think most 2WD people have been happy with 32/34. I suggest that you experiment with your pressures by starting at 36/38 and working your way down. I am only suggesting the higher psi's because I don't know how hard you drive your car on the streets."

Thanks for taking the time to help out. I drive it VERY spirited ALWAYS.


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