BostonDMD

I have been busy with DE events (15 days so far, 16 more to go) and getting used to my track car at 4 different tracks....

I am a White run group driver (but that doesn't matter), and I have been told by very esteemed instructors such as Bob Rouleau and Ron S. aka "roketman" that I should move up to R-compound tires because:

1. I have "excellent car control skills" (They said it not me)

2. I could then keep up with the faster and more powerful cars on R-compound tires.

Hence, I have been "obedient" to their advice and moved up to shaved Toyos RA-1 which will be installed for my next event at the Glen.

My question is ( I always have a question) should I have the suspension and camber be set to up more aggressively to maximize the potential of the tires, or should I just leave it alone and just drive them with the current set up for a while?

All advices welcome.....

P.S. Bobt993 and Larry, take it easy on me, you can "chastise" me in person at the Glen event next month with Riesentoter.....

M758

Leave it alone and drive it as is for a bit. Don't make two changes at once. It will just make it harder to learn.

cooleyjb

So what do you see as the benefit of going to R-compound tires?

You mention going faster, but what else do you, not some instructor see as the benefit of going to an r-compound.

TD in DC

Oh you newbie Joes . . .

Boston isn't "asking" whether he should move to RA1s.

He is announcing his intention to do so in the most humble and unassuming way, which he will do regardless of what people say here.

Just get them shaved. Skip the whole "whole" thread experience. It sucks.

With respect to the suspension, my understanding is that you should adapt your suspension to your driving style and equipment. How can you do that before you try out the new "shoes" and measure temps using a probe pyrometer? Temps will tell you whether you need more, or less, camber.

cooleyjb

Hey, I'm all for him going to the RA-1's. He's getting a lot of seat time and thinking about this all the time. I'm just curious as to what his reasoning is. He seems to have things pretty well thought out.

TD in DC

pssssst. I was just tryin' to give Boston a hard time.

cooleyjb

Well if anyone other than GR deserves it...

doc2s

boston,

last time we met at the glen you were running on cup tires. don't think you need to change car setup but it's a good idea to check alignment if you haven't done one recently.

smlporsche

Boston-
You may want to leave your setup alone for the first event but be prepared for alot of outside tire wear. RA-1's like alot (>-3 degrees) of camber, especially in the front.

You'll see after the first day...

BostonDMD

Doc, you are correct my friend, since then I have gone back to street tires," kuhmos". I have had the car alligned, corner balanced and also had the suspension "softned up" a bit and the camber reduced.....

I went back to the basics to really understand the car.......

Now I am ready to move up a notch..... see you at LCMT in august....

Joe, I deduce that sticky tires allow you to turn at a higher velocity thus make you quicker overall, but what do I know I am just a dentist....

Todd, they are shaved, and you are correct, I wasn't asking about the tires, just the car set up.....

doc2s

boston, my advice is to get the car setup/aligned for the ra-1 this way you will not cord them after one event. on your first event with the ra-1 dial it back a notch and give yourself time to relearn the car with the new setup/tires.

see you at tremblant.

cooleyjb

I'd say the addition of the RA-1s and the alignment that they desire are considered a single step not two. Don't keep the same alignment if all you are going to do is destroy the tires faster and not get the most out of them.

Bull

Agreed with what's his name above....get the car properly set-up for the tires.

CWay27

I would stick with the Cumhoes if I were you because your friend in the white RSA was going to stretch his old set of hankooks. Now if you switch to RA1s, I'll have to put the new set (crap! I was saving it for 3 day event at Calabogie).

In all seriousness, I would bump negative camber like others have said.

BostonDMD

Carl, don't worry, your white RSA still has more HP than my little 911.....
See you at Tremblant....