996FLT6

Just need some info if they are better for the track compared to street tires. Heard Dot R is good for both street/track but better then street tires on the track. Race slicks would be nice but don't want to switch back and forth. If they are good what's a good one. Regards. Mike

Viken

The <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=VictoRacer+V700" target="_blank">Kumho V700 Victoracer</a> is an all-time favorite of many Porsche track drivers. It is affordable but not available in 18" sizes. The <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Ecsta+V700" target="_blank">Kumho ECSTA V700</a> is available in 18" sizes and is supposed to be even better. Early batches seem to have had some problems but Kumho says they've all been worked-out.

The <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Sport+Cup" target="_blank">Michelin Pilot Sport Cup</a> is quickly becoming very popular as it proves to be excellent on the street and track. Some people have reported longer tread life and performance achieved without too much negative camber. This tire, however, is much more expensive. The new <a href="http://www.motorsporttyres.com.au/t-club.htm" target="_blank">Pirelli P-Zero Corsa</a> is said to be great too but it has yet to be reviewed by someone. It too is relatively <a href="http://64.35.111.106/cpx_p004.htm" target="_blank">expensive.</a>

996FLT6

Thanks for the info Viken as usual. I'll look into the Kuhmo's because in the near future I'm upgrading to new rims 10 rear and 8 front with 285/225 combo. I used your camber settings like you suggested for the ROW suspension and it has worked well both street/track wise. With the new combo that I'm planning to get- would you say the settings(camber,toe etc.) be changed?Thanks. Mike

Viken

Usually, R-compound tires like a bit more negative camber than we'd like to have for normal street driving. However, some of the newer tires such as the Pilot Sport Cup, the Corsa and the ECSTA V700 are designed to work good even with "street" camber. I know someone who ran the Michelin on his stock 996 very hard and was very satisfied with the results. I think it is a matter of trying them out.

996FLT6

Hi Viken. One more question. Checked out Kuhmo's ecsta on tirerack.com and saw 3 types one is regular/another is shaved/ and heat cycled. Which one to get and what does it all mean? Thanks. Mike

Viken

Shaving a tire will improve its dry traction and is only recommended for people who compete. It is the equivalent of 1/3 worn tread. Tire Rack explains the benefits of <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/competition/shaving.html" target="_blank">shaving</a>.

Heat cycling is a means to get more mileage out of an R-compound tire which helps in competition as well. This can also be accomplished by the driver when the tires are new. Driving as close as possible to 10/10th for at least an hour and letting the tires cool off for at least 24 hours will help the rubber molecules to bond properly. This is not very easy unless you are on a race track and that's why Tire Rack offers this service. Read all about heat cycling <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/competition/heatcycletech.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.

I would not recommend shaving unless you are using the tires exclusively on the track. Heat cycling, however, is another story. Depending on how sensitive you are to a tire's performance, you may find some benefits from it.