Tyres to mimic an historic

[SpartacusF]

I need seat time to learn to drive my historic single seater better, and figure a Caterham with a similar power to weight could be a good option. However the Toya Caterham tyres are way stickier than the Dunlop Historic type R spedc’d in the single seater. Is there a downgrade (in the stickiness stakes) option people would recommend?

[smokey mow]

Westfield used van tyres pumped up to 60psi on their drift cars so they would slide more easily.

Just look for a cheep tyre intended for a heavy family saloon and you’ll soon find the lack of grip you’re hoping for.

[WombleCate]

While the Toyos are less sticky than the Avon ZZS, if you want the historic feel would the Academy Control tyre work (if stocks still exist)?

https://www.avontyres.com/en-gb/tyres/caterham-aca...

[BertBert]

I've got academy tyres on my cross flow caterham which actually work well on the road.

[SpartacusF]

WombleCate said:

While the Toyos are less sticky than the Avon ZZS, if you want the historic feel would the Academy Control tyre work (if stocks still exist)?

https://www.avontyres.com/en-gb/tyres/caterham-aca...

Interesting - what are they designed for?

[BertBert]

SpartacusF said:

Interesting - what are they designed for?

They are designed for the Caterham Academy race series. Lowish grip and good handling characteristics. Probably similar in character to historic dunlops.

[SpartacusF]

They look ideal and not out of place, thanks

[WombleCate]

If you don't already have a Caterham then a recent Academy car may be a good thing to mimic a historic. They are setup to learn car control, with low grip tyres, no rear anti-roll bar, soft suspension and a narrow track. They are also road legal.

The usually retail at the lower end and keep their resale value, as, some future Academy drivers buy them the year before their first season to learn the circuits.

[sideways man]

Shame those academy tyres are only available in one size, as I’ve got 8x13 rims on the rear of my 7. Previous owner fitted them, not my choice. I’m looking for a more road oriented tyre that’s less sticky than the usual yokos /toyos etc.

[Hustle_]

Is the historic single seater rear-engined?

I have driven Caterhams on various tyres including the Avon Academy tyres, I've driven historic single seaters on the Dunlops and Avons... It depends on exactly what you want to learn but I don't really think a Caterham is an especially useful analogue for a rear-engined single seater if that's what you're going for.

I raced Caterhams and then changed to a historic single seater. They're quite different to drive. Sure you can learn which way the tracks go, you can learn the basic lines, braking points etc but beyond that the things you do behind the wheel to try and make the car go fast are really quite different.

I'd say save your money on the Caterham and spend it on more practice in the single seater. Or go down the simulator route.

[WombleCate]

+1 on the simulator for track familiarisation in a specific car.

I was very sceptical before I tried one. Then I tried DPR’s sim, they set it up to your Caterham’s spec (doesn’t help OP), and I found it money well spent.

That said, without jeopardy I could go 2 seconds quicker…

[j555]

sideways man said:

Shame those academy tyres are only available in one size, as I’ve got 8x13 rims on the rear of my 7. Previous owner fitted them, not my choice. I’m looking for a more road oriented tyre that’s less sticky than the usual yokos /toyos etc.

What BHP are you running. If not too high, could you consider putting 6" rears on?

I'm planning to up my power to about 160bhp but think 6" rears will still be fine for that.

[sideways man]

j555 said:

sideways man said:

Shame those academy tyres are only available in one size, as I’ve got 8x13 rims on the rear of my 7. Previous owner fitted them, not my choice. I’m looking for a more road oriented tyre that’s less sticky than the usual yokos /toyos etc.

What BHP are you running. If not too high, could you consider putting 6" rears on?

I'm planning to up my power to about 160bhp but think 6" rears will still be fine for that.

It’s a 190 bhp k series. Ok, the current yokos are quite old and new rubber will be much grippier. Plus I’m about to fit a tracsport lsd, so 6’’ rears could well be an option.

[j555]

sideways man said:

j555 said:

sideways man said:

Shame those academy tyres are only available in one size, as I’ve got 8x13 rims on the rear of my 7. Previous owner fitted them, not my choice. I’m looking for a more road oriented tyre that’s less sticky than the usual yokos /toyos etc.

What BHP are you running. If not too high, could you consider putting 6" rears on?

I'm planning to up my power to about 160bhp but think 6" rears will still be fine for that.

It’s a 190 bhp k series. Ok, the current yokos are quite old and new rubber will be much grippier. Plus I’m about to fit a tracsport lsd, so 6’’ rears could well be an option.

At 190bhp, you will have a bit more power to challenge the 6" rubber, especially in a less performance focused tyre! Could be fun though; please report back!

I have run Yokohama A539 on mine that seem a reasonable balance.