Kiko

I'm instructing on Estoril on the 17th of June but this time I'm taking my car for some Hot Laps but I was offered a used set of Pilot Sport Cups (30% tread left) to save my brand new PS2's, the question is what pressure do you guys use on your way to the track? This will be a 250mile trip with 90ºF...

JP Schnitzer

I would just go with 42-44 rear...and 36 front (cold temps). Run them at the track 34-38 hot....depends on track temps though...They need heat to stick.

tkerrmd

I agree, but doesnt sound like you have much left on those, they may not be at their best for your track event, be careful!!

TT Surgeon

Agree with Tom, at 70% gone I wouldn't drive to the track( that far). They won't get hot enough on the highway, but there ain't much left, and that'll be gone in ten laps. The trip there will be ok, back home will be a nailbiter.

Kiko

I'll be taking my PS2's on a truck and I'll use them for my way back... But I won't have the time to drive the PS2's and fit the PSC's there... The question is: Is the trip (one way) going to shave much out of them? And should I use the 36/44 pressure combo for the trip?

Pierre

Not sure about the Michelin, but always drive to the N'ring with the Corsas on. 550km (mostly Autobahn) and they're like new when I'm there.

TT Surgeon

The cups need to heat to about 160 degrees before any significant wear will occur, not likely on the highway. But I'm a little confused, why not just have your track tires trucked in and change them that morning, takes 15min, worst case scenario you are crunched for time and run street tires the first heat, then change them. Never been to a DE yet that I didn't have PLENTY of down time.

Kiko

C4S, When I say "I'll be taking the PS2's.." I literally mean it because I don't have a spare set of wheels and I'd have fit the MPSC's on the wheels and balance... but on the way back (Sunday)I have pleanty of time to go to a tire fitting shop.

TT Surgeon

Wow, you really need a set of extra rims.

Kiko

I know, I know... I've been looking around on the british and german Ebay but they seem to be reaching abnormally high prices here in Europe (around $1800)...

tkerrmd

Kiko, used TT twists are around 1K here in US and you could even get a set of used GT2 wheels for less than you mention, I did so I know.
So agree with Chris, get another set of wheels and life will be much easier.

TT Surgeon

Hell I just sold a set of '01 TT solids with cups mounted for about 800.

Kiko

I'm aware of the prices over there but the difference in price would be offset buy the shipping and taxes and the truth is I the TT on the track very ramdomly as I usually take the race car...

tkerrmd

Chris, that is interesting about the temps and wear with the cup tires. Is there anywhere I can get more info on that. What is the normal temp of the tire when say driving on the highway to an event?
If they are less than 160 does that mean they wear as a normal tire. And what is the deal with the heat cycle thing? Every time you do a track session that counts as one cycle? And are there only a certain number of times the tire will tolerate that? Do the MPSC's tolerate more cycles than other R compound tires?
Where I'm going with this is I live 100 miles from Sebring. Should i just start driving the cups down do the event and drive back? Good info Chris thanks!!! tom

TT Surgeon

100 miles ain't nothing Tom, I've driven my cups 200+ miles to the glen and back, the closest track I frequent is a good 120 each way.Honestly, I check them when I leave and never think about it again. If you check them with a pyrometer, at the track mid session, you'll be up to temp(>160). At normal cruising/highway you'll run 90-140 at the most. The problem isn't the first time or two, it's after that when the tires are on their second half of life. You drive them there with no problem, but after a wknd of track the drive back is the problem, might find yourself on the cords. Just go slow, that's what a spare is for I guess.