Running a modified 951. I've used R888s for almost all of my track time. Now I've got some Falken slicks and some R6s. I'm wondering how different these are to each other in terms of hot/cold pressures mainly. Do they react similarly from cold to hot pressure? Should I start one type lower than the other etc?
Car is approx 3000lbs. Our events are short flat out sprints, so getting up to temp and pressure has to happen a fast as possible.
thanks

 

They will drive vastly differently, and will also require somewhat different setups.

Most slicks operate at pressures lower than typical R compounds like the Hoosier or Toyos, so they need to start lower, too. Their compound and construction will often predicate how quickly they come up to temp. 888's and R6's are generally good to go on your out lap except in very low temperatures IMO.







Professional Racing and Driving Coach

 

Thanks for the reply.

By different setups you're referring to camber, toe etc or just cold pressure? Do they want more or less neg than 888s for example? Is this an across the board generalisation in that different slicks will also display quite varied characteristics?
I have to find out more about these particular slicks. I think they may have been used for a specific series down here but need more info. Being a taller tyre (285/35x650) I would think that could also require something different in the setup.

 

I started my R6's at 28 cold last weekend on an 80 degree day and came off with 36 degree hot temps. I am running -2.7 camber front and -2.3 R. Car weighs 3150lbs inc driver

 

So your car is fairly stock Dan in regards to weight? I can't remember, do you have a cage?
How long was your session to come up to 36 hot psi? What's your suspension setup, spring rates etc?

I guess this thread won't get much attention due to the 'other' one going currently.

 

Yes, that is what I meant. Generally, slicks prefer less negative camber than 888's or R6's, IIRC, but there may be exceptions. And yes, different slicks will behave differently.







Professional Racing and Driving Coach

 

Hi, the car i san 88 TS and has a stripped out interior with race seats, cage, plumbed extinguisher a/c delete etc etc running stock turbo / chips. Car weight 2932 plus driver and fuel. Suspension is coil overs all round with 600/800 f/r springs on 18" rims with 245 / 285 rubber F/R

the 36 hot was from cold after a 11 minute session on day 1. I do not know the temps exactly but after the first lap they feel pretty much up to temperature and you can push them.

 

are the slicks radial or bias ply. The radial slicks generally like lots of camber.
I am hoping to find out more on Friday weather permitting.

Regards
TSheehan

 

Equally important as tire pressures, are tire temperatures measured outside, middle and inside which tell you if your tires are over or under inflated.

 

They also tell you if you have too much or too little negative camber.







Professional Racing and Driving Coach

 

Look into the hankook Z214's. I just ran a set of 17"x9"x275's all around on my 3000lbs 968 and the grip was nothing short of epic in corners. They were 25 minute sessions, and the tires did not get greasy, only came up by 2-3 psi all around. 15deg ambient temps. I was pushing the car HARD, nearly 10/10ths. Very impressed with these inexpensive hoosier R6 alternatives.

Oh yah they are made in Korea which is pretty close to Oz, so it should be cheaper for u to get.

 

I love the 214's.






Professional Racing and Driving Coach

 

Sounds like these Hankooks are well worthwhile looking at. It would be nice to presume that they won't be expensive down here. Doesn't happen unfortunately. Our Govt. always get their slice. Don't start me on the price of cars down here. You guys would be shocked.

My main concern is now the actual setup differences with Slicks. I know our V8 series guys seem to run a lot of Neg on their cars, but again, this might be the nature of a control tyre or something like that. Seems that I'll have to run them at a lower cold psi though. I am also wondering on some A6s for our short sprint events?

 

What is the longevity of these vs. Hoosiers or lets say NT01's?

 

Not quite as sticky as hoosiers at first, but once the hoosiers start to get greasy or wear out, the Hankooks are still as they were when broken in. So, (very) slightly less overall grip but more longevity.

I can't comment on the Nitto's yet.

Patrick, I wouldn't worry about setup differences too much, bceause you are going to have to play with that anyways no matter what you get, it's a reality of racing. Our cars need a lot of camber to help dial out initial and mid-corner understeer. You can run a little less camber if you run a lot more tire.