Challenge Stradale Tyre Pressures

[roygarth]

Just had set of Pilot Sport 4S fitted.

Should I stick with the recommended pressures of F32 and R29?

Thanks!

[AmoCS]

Yes, that is what Ferrari recommend, trust the sizes are same as Pirelli (OEM), tyres?

[BlueIn2Red]

Remember Ferrari recommend understeer settings for "safety" reasons - run equal pressures for a more even balance if you prefer.

[roygarth]

AmoCS said:

Yes, that is what Ferrari recommend, trust the sizes are same as Pirelli (OEM), tyres?

Yes, sizes are the same as Pirelli.

First thing I noticed is how much less rigid the Michelin sidewall is compared with the Pirelli (P Zero Corsa) To the extent I checked the pressures - they were correct.

[roygarth]

BlueIn2Red said:

Remember Ferrari recommend understeer settings for "safety" reasons - run equal pressures for a more even balance if you prefer.

Recommended settings are F2.2 and R2.0 . Would you go 2.2 or 2.0 all round?

[AmoCS]

I run the standard pressures on my Cup2's, no issues and much better grip than the Pirelli's.

[BlueIn2Red]

roygarth said:

Recommended settings are F2.2 and R2.0 . Would you go 2.2 or 2.0 all round?

Personally 2.2, for the stiffer sidewall feel. Slightly less overall grip though of course.

[anonymous-user]

roygarth said:

Yes, sizes are the same as Pirelli.

First thing I noticed is how much less rigid the Michelin sidewall is compared with the Pirelli (P Zero Corsa) To the extent I checked the pressures - they were correct.

I recently switched to the Michelin 4S on my F430. Had it out at Silverstone recently and I also noticed the softer sidewalls compared to the previous OEM Bridgestones. I took pressures up a tad to compensate but times dropped off (in my head of course) and so went back down to my normal hot pressures of 2.1F/2.3R (On a warm dry Silverstone - will vary by track and conditions). They have a very different feel and require a slightly different driving style - at least IMO. With the Bridgestones the grip is all there from the moment you initiate the turn in but falls away rapidly once you reach their limits. So it's hard in and then progressive throttle coming out. The Michelins work better if you load them up first (get the car in a set - hint at the corner before actual turn-in) and then mash it from even before the apex. Once set for the corner they have loads of grip and are very progressive on the limit. I fully expected to see increased shoulder wear on the fronts but they are fine. They do like to be loaded up though - not tyre pressure but cornering loads - and perform brilliantly when used right.

[roygarth]

thecook101 said:

roygarth said:

Yes, sizes are the same as Pirelli.

First thing I noticed is how much less rigid the Michelin sidewall is compared with the Pirelli (P Zero Corsa) To the extent I checked the pressures - they were correct.

I recently switched to the Michelin 4S on my F430. Had it out at Silverstone recently and I also noticed the softer sidewalls compared to the previous OEM Bridgestones. I took pressures up a tad to compensate but times dropped off (in my head of course) and so went back down to my normal hot pressures of 2.1F/2.3R (On a warm dry Silverstone - will vary by track and conditions). They have a very different feel and require a slightly different driving style - at least IMO. With the Bridgestones the grip is all there from the moment you initiate the turn in but falls away rapidly once you reach their limits. So it's hard in and then progressive throttle coming out. The Michelins work better if you load them up first (get the car in a set - hint at the corner before actual turn-in) and then mash it from even before the apex. Once set for the corner they have loads of grip and are very progressive on the limit. I fully expected to see increased shoulder wear on the fronts but they are fine. They do like to be loaded up though - not tyre pressure but cornering loads - and perform brilliantly when used right.

Thanks for this. Glad to have read it as I thought there was something wrong with the tyres, as they are very different from the Pirellis. Will need to get some road time in to get used to them before I leave for a 10 day Alps/Pyrenees tour - or I might end up doing an impersonation of the coach at the end of The Italian Job! .....on days like these!

[anonymous-user]

roygarth said:

Thanks for this. Glad to have read it as I thought there was something wrong with the tyres, as they are very different from the Pirellis. Will need to get some road time in to get used to them before I leave for a 10 day Alps/Pyrenees tour - or I might end up doing an impersonation of the coach at the end of The Italian Job! .....on days like these!

Good stuff. 10 days in the Alps/Pyrenees in a CS sounds wonderful - enjoy. Best keep the gold bars in the front of the car then!

[roygarth]

thecook101 said:

roygarth said:

Thanks for this. Glad to have read it as I thought there was something wrong with the tyres, as they are very different from the Pirellis. Will need to get some road time in to get used to them before I leave for a 10 day Alps/Pyrenees tour - or I might end up doing an impersonation of the coach at the end of The Italian Job! .....on days like these!

Good stuff. 10 days in the Alps/Pyrenees in a CS sounds wonderful - enjoy. Best keep the gold bars in the front of the car then!