I just picked up a set of used Khumo Voctoracers for autocrossing and am all excited to use them. I've been told they have about another 2 to 3 events left in them. I am autocrossing this weekend and the weather report calls for rain. The question is...Do I use these tires in the rain (will they work) or stick to my Yokohama Es100s?

Thanks

 

It depends on how much tread is left on the tires. If there isn't much tread left, you're better of with steet tires.

-Z.

 

Don't think there is much tread (maybe i'll post a pic) There is some tread on the inside I think but not much.

 

Dan, you may consider bringing both sets of wheels with you. You can probably stuff them into the 944. Hell the guy with the GT3 stuffed an extra set of wheels (295's at that) into the back of his car. The weather looks like its going to be on an off rain. Who knows it may dry up enough to run them.

 

ask the guys on the "racing/DE" forum. they're the experts. from what i've read, any R compounds in rain is dangerous.

 

Not true. It depends on the tire and the tread that's left.

I have first hand experience with the Pirelli P-Zero C's and and the Toyo Proxes RA-1's in the rain - excellent tire. (Some pro racers use either tire as their 'rain' tire.). I've also hear that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup isn't too shabby in the wet. The Hoosier Rain racing tire is superb as well.

As for the Kumho Victoracers, like I said, if there's enough tread left on them, they should be ok. Anything marginal, and you'll be skating through the cones. If it's really going to rain, I'd stick with street tires, provided you have enough tread on them.

-Z-man.

 

Yeah, it also depends on how much rain. The Victoracers should be stickier than the streets even on damp pavement. They'll only get TOO slippery when the water/pavement ratio starts to go south.

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ictoRacer+V700

If you only have about 2 - 3 track events left with these tires, they sound kind of worn so if it rains, you shouldn't use them. Check on the link above. Only full tread should be used in the rain.

 

i have victoracers...if it rains stick w/ the es100's.

 

Dan is right on this one.

It really depends on the depth of water. If you have any standing water then the street tires are better since worn Victoracers will hydroplane on anystanding water. If however it just damp then the victoracers will be better than street tires since their compound is much softer.

In the damp for autocross you probaly need to run the victoracers at 28 psi. On my spec car I'd normaly run them at 30 psi for dry autocross, but in the damp the lower pressure should help flex and grip. I did one autocross on victoracers in the damp and they get rather difficult to handle, but ARE faster than street tires if there is no standing water. You will have tough time getting heat into them.

 

By standing water do you mean puddles or just wet ground?
I have been running my es100s at about 38-40psi. Are the Victoracers using less pressure because they are a race tire?

 

Yes don't run victoracers at 38 PSI. Way too high for that tire.

Race track pressures need to be 33 or 34 psi. Dry autocross in the 30-31 psi range, and wet autocross I 2-3 psi lower than dry.

Standing water = puddles or a thin sheet of water.
wet ground = dark pavement and wet, but no depth of water.

 

Bring both sets, puddles = standing water and a set of victoracers with just a couple events left will be pretty bald and a lot harder than new tires from numerous heat cycles.
I'll be driving in on my street tires and will swap to my V710s if the weather permits. If I can bring a set of tires, tools and enough extra **** for the weekend in the back of a 944, so can you. See you there, looks like I'm car #9 in I02m class.

 

Dave, Dan,
I have a small sears hydraulic jack. want me to bring it? that is probably the most common tool but i will bring it if you guys want. that much less for you to pack Dave, and i am 17 miles from home.

Im using the 205/245 set of dunlop 8000s. gonna drop the rear 3lbs and thats it.

 

Yikes! What, you like UNDERSTEER or something?!?

Have fun this weekend, guys, I won't be making this one...
-Z-man.