Track capable road tyres at an affordable price: Interested?
Discussion
I have today been in negotiations with a tyre supplier that may soon be in a position to offer Ultima owners a suitably sized semi sticky/track carcass-ed/road tread pattern tyre at approx. half of what you might expect to pay for a set of Goodyears. The sizes are marginally different to standard but well within the realms of usability and I will be evaluating them very soon.
I have been asked to enquire whether or not this is something that might appeal across the board and this situation could well be the answer we have been looking for.
I have been asked to enquire whether or not this is something that might appeal across the board and this situation could well be the answer we have been looking for.
GTWayne said:
These tyres are fully road legal Tim and regards the email, I have told you many times already, I no longer where skirts as they make my legs itch.
But seriously, no email received yet old boy but I will keep a look out
Do you know what make an model, young fella? I'd like to look 'em up.But seriously, no email received yet old boy but I will keep a look out
If I were to put a new set of tires on an Ultima I would purchase the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (Rear 335/30/ZR/18 at $421 US each and Front 245/35/ZR/18 at $293 US each. Read the reviews at www.tirerack.com for these tires
dfpat10 said:
If I were to put a new set of tires on an Ultima I would purchase the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (Rear 335/30/ZR/18 at $421 US each and Front 245/35/ZR/18 at $293 US each. Read the reviews at www.tirerack.com for these tires
They've yet to touch the road, but they are on my rims.I have looked at price and availability on the PS2's and I can only find fronts at the moment but judging by the price ( double what the are advertised for in the States! ) they are going to be too expensive. Remember the thread title? This means they will be getting a beating and will not last as long so cost effective replacement as well as track biased performance levels are the name of the game here 
Oh you want more of a track tire than road tire! So many threads and so little time to read them all thoroughly I’ll pay more attention in the future. Thought I’m still interested in what tires Ultima owners prefer for road or track on the Ultima’s.
So given you have access to Kumho tires I’ve always wondered how well the Kumho Ecsta V700 worked on the Ultima. Do you have lap times to compare tire changes to the car? I’ve also had a desire to find out if the Kumho Ecsta V710 (345/35 ZR18 & 245/35 ZR18) would fit an Ultima. Keep us posted on the results even if the results are by the seat of your skirts I would like to know. About the tires!
And you wouldn’t happen to have access to Hoosier Tires do you? Hoosier has the A6s and new R6s sized to fit. Let me start by say everyone hypes new racing equipment and I haven’t seen results that make me want to run out and buy R6s but if you’re shopping and can pay to play then Hoosier are a contender if you have access. I wonder if I can get a job at Tire Rack or Hoosier exporting tyres to England?
David
So given you have access to Kumho tires I’ve always wondered how well the Kumho Ecsta V700 worked on the Ultima. Do you have lap times to compare tire changes to the car? I’ve also had a desire to find out if the Kumho Ecsta V710 (345/35 ZR18 & 245/35 ZR18) would fit an Ultima. Keep us posted on the results even if the results are by the seat of your skirts I would like to know. About the tires!
And you wouldn’t happen to have access to Hoosier Tires do you? Hoosier has the A6s and new R6s sized to fit. Let me start by say everyone hypes new racing equipment and I haven’t seen results that make me want to run out and buy R6s but if you’re shopping and can pay to play then Hoosier are a contender if you have access. I wonder if I can get a job at Tire Rack or Hoosier exporting tyres to England?
David
Edited by dfpat10 on Sunday 17th June 17:13
Edited by dfpat10 on Sunday 17th June 17:14
Lucky if your tires have 700 on the side I’d be sure to get Kumho’s recommendations ASAP. I’ve been observing the racers here in the states and noticed the guys at track that have Kumho’s follow their recommendations below.
Important Notice: Kumho Ecsta V700 tires must be shaved to 3/32 inch to 4/32 inch tread depth for any autocross or track use in the dry.
Kumho advises that the Ecsta V700 DOT-legal competition radial must be shaved prior to use in dry conditions. If this tire is not shaved, excessive wear may occur causing the tire to wear to the cords prematurely in a localized area.
Tire heat cycling will not prevent the excessive localized wear of full tread depth tires but will continue to enhance tire consistency and wear on shaved tires.
The Ecsta V700 should only be used at full tread depth 6/32 inch for wet track and wet autocross use.
If I were running these tires I would be absolutely sure you understand the following:
Tire Break-In Procedure
Proper break-in will not affect initial performance but will increase the competitive life of the tire. The procedure can be broken down into phases.
1st phase: The initial run heat cycle
2nd phase: The length of the time the tire is allowed to "cure"
The Initial Run Heat Cycle
Generally the first laps for a racing tire are critical for setting up the durability and competitive life. The first session should consist of no more than 10 to 15 minutes of running. The early part of the session should be run at an easy pace, with the speed gradually increased until the end of the session. The final lap should be run at the fastest possible speed. The intent is to achieve maximum tire temperature on the last lap. At this point the car should be brought in and the tires allowed to cool down at a normal rate.
Generally during the initial run-in process, the inflation pressure should be 3 to 5 psi higher than you would normally use. The best progression would have the driver taking 4 to 7 laps to accomplish this break-in. Each lap should be approximately 7 to 10 seconds per lap faster than the previous lap depending on the track. The goal is to have the tire temperature as high as possible on the last lap without "shocking" the tire during the warm-up laps. In essence, no wheelspin, late braking, or sliding. The last lap should be at, or very close, to the maximum possible.
After completing the initial heat cycle detailed above, the length of time the tire is allowed to rest out of service is possibly most important. The barest minimum for this process to be beneficial is 24 hours ( not "the next day" ) . Any less than this is a waste of time. The best situation would allow a week before using the tire again. The tires should be removed from the vehicle while they cure, or the vehicle lifted to remove its weight from resting on the tires.
Proper tire management is a difficult process. The payoff is greatly increased competitive tire life.
Kumho may recommend a minimal scuff-in session before the first autocross run if shaved and heat cycled. This "session" can comprise of simply driving around the event site at minimal speeds on your tires. By scrubbing off the newness of the tread (only minimal or no shine remaining) prior to your first competitive run, the tires will be more consistent in handling, grip and responsiveness on the first run. If this is not completed, running on un-scuffed tires on your first run may result in the tires not gripping properly, or feeling like they "skate" over the course surface. Generally it’s acceptable to run 3 to 5 psi higher when scuffing in a new set of tires, but be sure to reset them to the correct operating pressures before your first autocross run. As you compile autocross runs on your new tires, they should become more consistent in run times.
Tire Pressure Recommendations for Competition
Traditionally, vehicles 1800 to 2200 lbs run about 26 to 31 psi cold and 34 to 37 psi hot. Temperatures across the tires will tell you more.
Keep me posted on what you learn about Kumho's specially formulated, high grip Silica competition tread compound and their directional design that features wide tread ribs in the shoulders and intermediate tread blocks to maximize dry cornering grip while enhancing handling and tread life!
David (I think I need a skirt to keep all those wonky eyes distracted)
Important Notice: Kumho Ecsta V700 tires must be shaved to 3/32 inch to 4/32 inch tread depth for any autocross or track use in the dry.
Kumho advises that the Ecsta V700 DOT-legal competition radial must be shaved prior to use in dry conditions. If this tire is not shaved, excessive wear may occur causing the tire to wear to the cords prematurely in a localized area.
Tire heat cycling will not prevent the excessive localized wear of full tread depth tires but will continue to enhance tire consistency and wear on shaved tires.
The Ecsta V700 should only be used at full tread depth 6/32 inch for wet track and wet autocross use.
If I were running these tires I would be absolutely sure you understand the following:
Tire Break-In Procedure
Proper break-in will not affect initial performance but will increase the competitive life of the tire. The procedure can be broken down into phases.
1st phase: The initial run heat cycle
2nd phase: The length of the time the tire is allowed to "cure"
The Initial Run Heat Cycle
Generally the first laps for a racing tire are critical for setting up the durability and competitive life. The first session should consist of no more than 10 to 15 minutes of running. The early part of the session should be run at an easy pace, with the speed gradually increased until the end of the session. The final lap should be run at the fastest possible speed. The intent is to achieve maximum tire temperature on the last lap. At this point the car should be brought in and the tires allowed to cool down at a normal rate.
Generally during the initial run-in process, the inflation pressure should be 3 to 5 psi higher than you would normally use. The best progression would have the driver taking 4 to 7 laps to accomplish this break-in. Each lap should be approximately 7 to 10 seconds per lap faster than the previous lap depending on the track. The goal is to have the tire temperature as high as possible on the last lap without "shocking" the tire during the warm-up laps. In essence, no wheelspin, late braking, or sliding. The last lap should be at, or very close, to the maximum possible.
After completing the initial heat cycle detailed above, the length of time the tire is allowed to rest out of service is possibly most important. The barest minimum for this process to be beneficial is 24 hours ( not "the next day" ) . Any less than this is a waste of time. The best situation would allow a week before using the tire again. The tires should be removed from the vehicle while they cure, or the vehicle lifted to remove its weight from resting on the tires.
Proper tire management is a difficult process. The payoff is greatly increased competitive tire life.
Kumho may recommend a minimal scuff-in session before the first autocross run if shaved and heat cycled. This "session" can comprise of simply driving around the event site at minimal speeds on your tires. By scrubbing off the newness of the tread (only minimal or no shine remaining) prior to your first competitive run, the tires will be more consistent in handling, grip and responsiveness on the first run. If this is not completed, running on un-scuffed tires on your first run may result in the tires not gripping properly, or feeling like they "skate" over the course surface. Generally it’s acceptable to run 3 to 5 psi higher when scuffing in a new set of tires, but be sure to reset them to the correct operating pressures before your first autocross run. As you compile autocross runs on your new tires, they should become more consistent in run times.
Tire Pressure Recommendations for Competition
Traditionally, vehicles 1800 to 2200 lbs run about 26 to 31 psi cold and 34 to 37 psi hot. Temperatures across the tires will tell you more.
Keep me posted on what you learn about Kumho's specially formulated, high grip Silica competition tread compound and their directional design that features wide tread ribs in the shoulders and intermediate tread blocks to maximize dry cornering grip while enhancing handling and tread life!
David (I think I need a skirt to keep all those wonky eyes distracted)
Edited by dfpat10 on Monday 18th June 02:49
Blimey!I'd also get a set of Forgeline rims http://www.forgeline.com/ to put those Kumhos on since racing rims designed for racing tires is the smart way to go. And finally I'd recommend a set of Tire Pressure Relief Valves from Racers Parts Wholesale http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/index.html so your contact patch is more consistent since temperatures are beyond our control. Then all you have to do is remember to just air them.
David
David
Edited by dfpat10 on Monday 18th June 23:26
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