gerry100

I'm going to my first DE in two weeks and in the middle of prep, short on time and money.

My '86 currently have Dunlop Sport SP8000 all around (205/55ZR16 front,225/50ZR16 rear). Tires put on by PO and have about 15,000 miles wear.

Fronts look fine, rears look like they are on there last 5,000.

I'll be in the novice class ( 2 days,2hrs/day?.)

Will this tire condition effect my enjoyment of the event. Should I spring for a new set of Dunlops for the rear before the event?

As always,inputs from the track experienced appreciated.

Jim Michaels

My guess is that your present tires will be ok for your first DE. Check the tread depth on the rears just to be sure. Some regions have a tread depth minimum for street tires, so check with the tech guru. I'd feel more comfortable with 3/32", but 2/32" may be sufficient. Then check tread depth across the tire after each run.

I'd try to avoid mounting brand new tires and tracking them so soon. First, street tires come with about 9/32" tread depth, so the tread blocks will bend over with hard cornering forces (and you can feel it); some may even chunk or break off. On the other hand, if it rains all weekend, you'd have the hot set up with deep treads. Second, new tires come with some residual tire mold releasing agent on the outer rubber. It usually takes 150-250 miles to scrub this down.

Hope you have a great time.

J-RAD

Well, did the tires pass tech inspection? That is the real deciding factor. If so, you should be fine. My preference is to use tires that have been "broken in" a little. New tires can be a little slick. Replace the tires after the DE if you get the OK to use the current ones during your tech inspection.

Bill Gregory

Sounds like you'll be fine. Frankly, as your first DE, you're not going to torture your tires badly. However, you may find yourself wanting to get those new rears sooner than you had previously planned....Have a blast and enjoy the DE! If you really enjoy it, do another, and if you really enjoy that one, lock up your bank book!

nate

I have the SP8000s on my rear and I would recommend not going with them again. At the last HPDC I ran at, it rained and the back end was all over the place. FWIW, I plan on replacing the Dunlops with Toyo T1-S. Have fun at the DE!

JackOlsen

I ran my first couple of DE's on SP8000's, and was fine. Street tires will 'goop up' on the track, meaning you'll get ***** of tire material building up on them. But the SP8000 is a fine starting point.

A more important factor will be your tire pressures. I'd start with 31F/33R, and then check them after each session and bleed off anything higher than 39-40 psi.

You're going to have a blast.

gerry100

Thanks for the responses, I'll probably wait for the tech inspection and if needed buy new rears.

No worry about break in - it's 225 miles of beautiful UpstateNY rods between here and " the Glen".

Will I have time to see if "the Bog" still exists?

8 Canary

I have used Dunlop tires for my '85 coupe for the last 5 years in the standard sizes for 16" Fuchs (2 sets D40/M2, 3 sets SP8000). I have used these in over 8 track events and a great deal of sport road fun too. These tires are very good. This past weekend I drove about 250 miles on the Streets of Willow track (1.8 mi. config.) That equates to a tremendous amount of turns (12 per lap) and harsh braking zones. I was very pleased with the tires. They were quite worn, as any tire would be on my car due to how hard I push to and past the limits of adhesion, but no problems.

Two points: First- as it is your first event, your lap times/performance will be primarily determined by your skills. The contribution of the tires is way up on the performance chain. You have to be quite an experienced driver to exploit the last 3-tenths out of a tire. Second- the behavior of any 911 in the wet, through the turns, is so dominantly "tail happy" that the ability of ANY type or brand of tire to control this, during spirited driving, is near immeasurable.

The type of tires you have are fine. Make sure the condition of them is safe. Then focus on car control.

Tom

Remember that 225/50-16 SP8000's may not be instantly available (I know I have to have them ordered though it doesn't take too long to get them).

Ed Bighi

They should be more then fine if you have visible tread on them. As long as you don't see the belts showing, you should be good to go. They are pretty good tires, not the best, but pretty good. Just last month I put a 930 turbo through hell on a set of those doing some amazing slides on full boost. I actually though the car was pretty forgiving if you get it to start sliding instead of waiting for it to slide. The beauty of the SP 8000's is the cheap price. At that price, there is no problem driving sideways all day long. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Biotron

Does anyone have any experience with the BF Goodrich G-Force KDW's ??

nplenzick

The bog is gone! If you havn't been there since then your in for suprise. Have a good time and belive me( I have instructed there for the past ten years or so) LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR !!!!!!!! <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />