I have a set of VictoRacers that are worn much more on the left side set than the right (clockwise only track). Two of the instructors (1 PCA, 1 BMW) at my last DE swore that you can run the V700 the opposite direction (from what is indicated on the side of the tire) without any problems.

Anybody done this or know what the truth is?


Thanks,

Tye
89 944S2

 

Yes, this is true. The first release of these tires were labeled "L" and "R", but later releases were not directional, according to TireRack.

 

Chuck is absolutely correct. I do it all the time and never a problem.

Hank

 

Thanks for the info!

Tye

 

yep quite correct, dine it many times, with out ill effects.

 

Correct.

I was told so by a Kumho engineer

 

Hi guys,
what's the concensus on shaving the tires for track use Vs. leaving them at full tread?

Thanks,
Dylan.

 

Dylan:

I do most of my driving in the Southeast. When I use Kumhos, I order them shaved in the summer months. When the temperature is below 80, I save the $60 and order them at full depth. I think it depends on you skill level and the type of driving you are doing. If you are just starting out, full tread depth is probably fine. If you are very experienced and can push your tires to their limits, then you probably want them shaved to keep them from over temping and chunking as a result.

Not a consensus, but a sample,

Hank

 

Thanks Hank.

I think with the last track day being about 95 here in Cali and having had the build up problem on street tires previously (S02's), I guess I'll get them shaved. I guess the next step/question, the heat cycling. If I'm going to put at least 150 miles on them before hitting the track, is it necessary?

Thanks,
Dylan.

 

Dylan:

A lot of people are going to disagree with what I am about to write, but here goes. I use Kumhos as a practice tire on my 993 street/track car. I only have one set of track wheels, so it is difficult for me to heat cycle them in strictest sense. Usually, I order them heat cycled from the tire rack, but if I am in a hurry, I just have them mounted and don’t worry about the heat cycling. Here comes the part where others will disagree: The Kumhos don’t seem to be adversely affected by omitting the heat cycle.

Regarding your specific question, heat cycling should gradually take the tire up to its normal operating temperature without exceeding its max recommended temperature. It should then gradually be brought down to a lower temperature. This process takes about 7 laps on a track. The tire should sit for a minimum of 24 hours before use to gain the benefits of heat cycling.

I don’t think you can get the tires hot enough on the road (safely ) to effectively heat cycle them. Perhaps you have a stretch of road in mind where you can. The good news is that I haven’t seen much difference, if any at all, between a properly heat cycled set of V700s and a brand new set in either longevity or grip. In short, I don’t think your 150 street miles is going to make any difference at all.

Hank

 

Regarding Hank's comment. >> Here comes the part where others will disagree: The Kumhos don’t seem to be adversely affected by omitting the heat cycle.>>

Not everyone disagrees. I've been using Kuhmo's for about 3 years, both heat cycled and not heat cycled. I've experienced no difference in wear,track performance, or street driving between the two. Now I save my $$ and oder them without heat cycling.

 

I have not experienced a measurable difference with Hooisers either. I think you need to scrub them in in a reasonable manner the first session out, but whether they sit for 2 hours or 24 hours hasn't made a noticable difference for me.

 

I'll jump in on this one to ask a newbie question...

I bought a 1990 S2 this past December, and with the purchase I got six phone dials, four of which have the Kumho V700s on them. They have been heat-cycled by the Tire Rack.

I may only do one track event this year (DE event), later on in the season (possibly October). In the meantime, these tires are sitting in my garage, mounted on the rims.

Will they be okay just sitting there, or should I mount them on the car at least once or twice and drive them on the street, say to work and back a couple of times? Also, are these really street legal tires? It sounds like some folks have driven these on the street without a problem, but I want to make sure. (Of course, if the weather forecast calls for heavy rain, I won't drive them that day!! )

Thanks.

Jim

 

Jim, they are street legal, provided there is enough tread depth left on them to pass state requirements. They are among the more "streetable" of the track tires, and plenty of folks drive to the track with them on the car.

The rubber in tires hardens with age, making them stick less well, the more so with track tires. If you're just getting into DE driving, though, it's unlikely to be of concern, those tires should be just fine. I don't see any advantage to driving on them periodically, in fact the "heat cycling" may have some detrimental effect (less so with Kumhos than some others).

Make sure you store them away from sunlight and ozone sources, and it wouldn't hurt to put them into sealed trash bags for the several-month storage.

Matt

 

Jim:

I was just about to reply when I read Matt’s response with which I agree completely.

Hank