Running staggered tyre types on track (slicks/semi-slicks)

[6MPS]

I can get hold of a new pair of Toyo RS1 slicks (GG compound) cheap and was wondering if anyone has ran slicks up front and semi-slicks (R-compound) at the rear? The rears will be Pirelli Trofeo R's which are pretty much a cut slick anyway, all 4 tyres are 205/50/15 and the car is a Clio 182 with track spec coilovers, top mounts, poly bushed, DS1.11 pads, caged, track alignment etc. I would purchase a full set of slicks but he only has the 2 available and don't want to miss a bargain.

I have ran semi-slicks up front and road tyres at the rear without issue but know slicks are a different kettle of fish.

Thoughts?

[Steve H]

I've seen similar done before.

All the hard work is done at the front so more grip there is good, it may understeer more on warmup and when up to temp might be a bit more loose at the rear if you're leaning on the slicks but there's only one way to find out!

Main thing is don't just go out and rag it round - make sure you understand how it changes the handling first

[6MPS]

Thanks Steve H, I can adjust my damping and RARB if it's getting a bit wayward at the rear. May even unhook the RARB and stiffen the front damping at first to lean it towards understeer and adjust throughout the day to find the balance.

[Steve H]

Personally I'd tend to start with what you've got but be cautious while you find how it actually feels, then make any adjustments.

[Wh00sher]

So long as you don`t go straight out of the pits and nail it you`ll be fine. As Steve said, take time to build up and feel what the tyres are doing.

I`ve run slicks on the front and R tyres on the rear on cooler days when I just can`t get the rears warm if I have slicks fitted, I switch to Direzzas and they heat up a bit sooner whilst leaving the slicks on the front.

I`ve also run A048`s on the front and R1R`s on the rear for similar reasons in the damp.

[6MPS]

Bought them now so we'll see how it goes at Oulton in early February.

Thanks for the advice.

Phil

[radical78]

touring cars do it when its damp then spin the fronts to get heat