SamFromTX

I have always wondered if the Trofeo Rs are indeed any faster than the PSC2. Many have raved about the PSC2 vs PSC but since I never tried the PSC, I had no idea what to compare the 2s to. I recently put my first set of Trofeo-Rs on. Before I list the differences, I will share a couple of observations I noticed:

1-The tires handle quite differently at the limit, the PSC2 grip loss is noticeably more gradual. Much less with the Trofeo-R, smaller window. It appears the Trofeo-R prefers (or can handle) less slip angle than the PSC2.

2-Understeer significantly decreased with the Trofeo Rs (kinda expected). However, unexpectedly, I had a lot more oversteer with them, no idea why (? more front grip). The difference is so significant, I had to change the rear sway bar setting from the stiffest to the middle position.

3-I can't comment on wear difference yet as I only have 1 1/4 track day on them (the 1/4 was one 30 min session at the local track, where I went to test and get used to them before COTA, which I just did today).

Numbers:

1-Local track (MSR). I have thousands of laps here and my times are very consistent so differences are real. On the 1.7 mile loop, I gained about 0.9 seconds (similar ambient temps) with the Trofeos, for a 1:18:89 lap time. I am certain I will get a small fraction of a second faster with the new rear sway bar setup.

2-COTA. Today was my second day ever at COTA so I am not as consistent (still within 0.5 secs lap to lap) but I also drove a bit better today (you tube, talking to drivers the past few weeks). I figure better driving gave me 1 second +/-. Total time gained today, compared to my previous best? THREE full seconds, at 2:26:20. So if I take away one for better driving, I gained at least 2 seconds by swapping tires alone, about double the gain at the 1.7 mile so it makes sense. I still have at least one more second on the table at COTA. The car and tires are fast.

Conclusion: I love the Trofeo R and if the wear is not much worse than the PSC2 and if they handle Texas summers OK, I will convert forever.

NateOZ

Thanks for sharing Sam - I've been a big fan of Trofeos since I tried them.

I can't compare them to the MPSC2 as I've not driven them on the track yet, given my car just arrived in December.

You might need to adjust camber slightly again given the different tread pattern, this may explain some of the oversteer.

I think they'll probably wear a little worse, but imo still worth the money.

ATXGT3

Interesting.

kosmo

Raven 666

Thanks for sharing ,,great to hear real world information about these ...........

Manifold

I haven't tracked the SC2 yet, and tracked the Trofeo R briefly at the end of last season (on the Cayman, not GT3).

I was impressed with the Trofeo R, liked them better than the NT01, R888, and Sport Maxx Race (haven't used SC). I didn't get data, but they seemed fast and precise - smaller optimal slip angle and narrower range than other tires, as you noted, but still predictable and controllable.

I've heard that the Trofeo R are rather sensitive to camber, and also like lower hot pressures than other R-comps.

orthojoe

Thanks for the info, Sam. I'm not surprised that the trofeo R are faster than the mpsc2. Would be interested to know how long they last compared to the cup2 and if you find them more 'finicky' than the cup2s.

Drifting

Thanks Sam. I'm thinking about running the trofeos once I burn through the dunlops Porsche stuck me with.

Couple questions.

1- are 19s the biggest size you can get in a trofeo R?
2- if so I assume you're using another set of wheels with your trofeos? Could that not also affect your times?

Conekilr

Thanks for the feedback. You're off to a good start. It will be interesting to see the results once you've optimized the car's set up for the tire. Keep us posted on the changes you make along the way.

008

Did you play with the pressures? All else being equal (suspension geometry, tire size, asb settings) I would suspect the front rear balance is most likely up to different operating pressure ranges between the brands and front to back.

ChrisF

I'll go out on a limb to say the Trofeo R's will wear a decent amount faster than the PSC2's. That was my experience on my .2 at least. I also found the R's to have a noticeable amount more grip. Both are great tires.

sebearstian

Thank you for the great post. I will like to hear from anyone how the dunlops come into the picture.

autoxerGT3RS

Just mounted the Trofeo Rs (20 inch) on the car for an autocross next weekend. Have some seat time with both the Hoosier A6s and stock Michelins and curious how the Rs will stack up in an Autocross environment with the other tires. (esp the A6s)

Conekilr

Will be very interested to hear your comparisons on all of these tires

allans

Sam, I'm sure you know but, 2:26 at COTA in basically a stock production car is fast. Thanks for the info. Allan