The quest for grip......
The quest for grip......
Author
Discussion

luckyp

Original Poster:

6,243 posts

254 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
Seeing my mate running his Dalara on the track using race slicks made me think. What semi slick tyres have people used - like Pirelli Corse tyres that get on Maser Assetto Corse and the tyres on M3 CSLs???

A bloke yeaterday at brands was telling me that if normal road tyres were a 1 and full slicks a 10, then the level of grip of a semi (still road legal)slick could be as high as 8!!

I just need more grip!

Pete

gtr-tt

442 posts

287 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
luckyp said:
Seeing my mate running his Dalara on the track using race slicks made me think. What semi slick tyres have people used - like Pirelli Corse tyres that get on Maser Assetto Corse and the tyres on M3 CSLs???

A bloke yeaterday at brands was telling me that if normal road tyres were a 1 and full slicks a 10, then the level of grip of a semi (still road legal)slick could be as high as 8!!

I just need more grip!

Pete


I tried more grip, resulted in broken stup axles

stig

11,823 posts

313 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
The other trouble is getting them in a size that fits the wheels.

I've run AO32R's in the past and they were very sticky, however, it tends to be grip-grip-grip-spin-OhmyGodIcan'tcatchthis

Grip won't make you quick - being smooth will.

I suppose the questions is 'why' do you need more grip?

GTWayne

4,595 posts

246 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
Khumo make a tyre fit for the purpose but beware, they don't last to long if used in anger!. In some respects it is safer NOT to use a grippier tyre and to make use of the built in safety factor of less grip but more feedback as has been rightly said, once you feel it slide it's normally to late (especially with a mid engine car as a apposed to a front engine). That is the trouble with a lot of power, getting a usable balance around the twisties whilst going quick down the straights and not losing it into the next turn, often attributed to poor mechanical grip when really you need to ask yourself 'if I had more grip would it stop me from being a little over zealous and self confident and so make me drive the car more efficiently or will I tend to rely on the tyres to keep me from coming off of the track?'. But back to the point, I have a set of Avon slicks that you are welcome to borrow if you like (just for evaluation), let me know, W.

luckyp

Original Poster:

6,243 posts

254 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
Stig said:
Grip won't make you quick - being smooth will.

I suppose the questions is 'why' do you need more grip?


Granted - smooth=fast. But when was that last time Jenson rushed back to the pits on a nice hot sunny day and asked to change his slicks for a set of rain tyres?????

That is why......

So like for like sizes? Kumo, Avon, Yokos....

Lucky.

GTWayne

4,595 posts

246 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
I see, so shall we call you PButton or LuckyJenson now since your track experience?

luckyp

Original Poster:

6,243 posts

254 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
Just wait for the clip.........then you can decide!!!

P-ness probably more like it. But the main thing (and let's not forget the reason behind all this) is that I had a right good hoot!!

Wayne - how come you have Avons in the right size?

stig

11,823 posts

313 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
Having had a few high-speed 'offs' on track, as Wayne said, I prefer having a margin of tolerance in the tyres.

The basic rule of thumb is that this higher the corner speed, the more costly the inevitable 'off' will be

By the time you've factored in the wear and tear on the drivetrain, it's probably cheaper to just to go and buy a Caterfield and bung slicks on it!

Besides, how are you going to get two sets of wheels to the circuit?

luckyp

Original Poster:

6,243 posts

254 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
Was going to get tyres that were road legal - so I look out the window and decide which wheel/tyre combo to take. If it rains whilst there then I pack up and come home - (or I just take the Cruiser as a support vehicle).

One thing I did notice was the amout of body roll that I had on the car. I had the shooks at 25 clicks front and rear, factory told me to try 30 (wish I had now). It was the 'bus stop' complex at Llandow that unsettled the car, the transision between L,R,R and L corners.

Those M3 CSLs go a bit don't they....sub £30K now....Hmmmmmmm

steve_d

13,802 posts

287 months

Friday 18th August 2006
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Should have a set of early factory wheels for sale in a few weeks if someone needs to set up some track wheels.

Steve

luckyp

Original Poster:

6,243 posts

254 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
Someone just might take you up on that. yes

gt_bambi

13 posts

241 months

Friday 18th August 2006
quotequote all
How about trying to get hold of some 2nd hand slicks?
They are going to be better than any semi, and if it rains use the road tyres.
Granted you need a spare set of wheels.

m3desmo

582 posts

242 months

Monday 21st August 2006
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luckyp said:
Just wait for the clip.........then you can decide!!!


The video is now live on PH TV www.pistonheads.tv/clip987 thumbup

Edited by m3desmo on Monday 21st August 16:03

luckyp

Original Poster:

6,243 posts

254 months

Monday 21st August 2006
quotequote all
Are the flames....err.....normal???

GTWayne

4,595 posts

246 months

Monday 21st August 2006
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Don't panic P, flames are caused by over fuelling on the overrun and the exhaust causing the unburnt fuel to ignite, a side effect often experienced with ancient carburetion.

luckyp

Original Poster:

6,243 posts

254 months

Monday 21st August 2006
quotequote all
You mean you are opting for the dumbed down nancy version??? Where's your spirit of adventure?? He-he!!

GTWayne

4,595 posts

246 months

Monday 21st August 2006
quotequote all
I don't consider myself to be an old man P, far from it, but I like to think I have reached an age where I can bitch and moan about not being able to shift that heavy rock whilst I am in the presence of a younger, and shall we say, less wise man, and have him leap to my aid, nearly bust a blood vessel trying to move said rock and then stand back and say; 'It wasn't heavy, if ever you have trouble again, just let me know'. Maybe still a bit to early in the day I know, but I have been there, done that.

luckyp

Original Poster:

6,243 posts

254 months

Monday 21st August 2006
quotequote all
You what???? confused

m3desmo

582 posts

242 months

Monday 21st August 2006
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Yep, He's rambling again!! Been sniffing too many petrol fumes me thinks!! biglaugh

GTWayne

4,595 posts

246 months

Monday 21st August 2006
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Don't go getting all 'Shakespear' on my arse!