Koni & Steeda vs Track pack at local track (NHMS)

[kcbrown]

Primary, no.

BUT...

When we are working with a novice, or mid-level driver, confidence, or easy of driving to the limit of the car is certainly in our minds when we make recommendations for parts, or setup the car.

Makes plenty of sense, and I imagine you guys also account for the driving style of the customer as well (when known, at least). The parts and setup you'd recommend for someone like me would, I expect, be quite different from what you'd recommend for, say, Terry.

 

[sheizasosay]

Look here instead (technical data tab).

http://www.pirelli.com/tire/us/en/c...TORSPORT&categoryUS=TRACK+DAYS&application=MS

TECHNICAL DATA
SIZE DIAMETER
(mm) ø
(mm) D ROLLING CIRCUMF
(mm) RIM MIN/MAX
235/40 ZR18 (95 Y) 247 215 2023 8J - 8.5 - 9J
245/40 ZR18 (97 Y) 259 220 2049 8.5J - 9J - 9.5J
265/40 ZR18 (101 Y) 276 252 2119 9J - 9.5J - 10J
235/35 ZR19 (91 Y) 245 215 2025 8J - 8.5 - 9J
245/35 ZR19 (93 Y) 257 220 2050 8.5J - 9J - 9.5J
265/35 ZR19 (98 Y) 275 252 2110 9J - 9.5J - 10J
305/30 ZR19 (102 Y) 320 286 2085 10.5J - 11J - 11.5J
325/30 ZR19 (101 Y) 335 307 2135 11J - 11.5J - 12J
235/35 ZR20 (88 Y)
245/35 ZR20 (95 Y) 257 220 2150 8.5J - 9J - 9.5J
295/35 ZR20 (105 Y)
305/30 ZR20 (103 Y) 320 286 2162 10.5J - 11J - 11.5J
295/30 ZR19 (100 Y) 299 275 2098 10J - 10.5J - 11J


and here (size range tab)

http://www.pirelli.com/tire/us/en/c...TORSPORT&categoryUS=TRACK+DAYS&application=MS

Several other sizes apparently exist, just that Tire Rack either doesn't carry them all or they're a rather special order.

18'' 235/40zr18 (95y)
245/40zr18 (97y)
265/35zr18 (93y)
265/40zr18 (101y)
295/30zr18 (98y)

19'' 235/35zr19 (91y)
245/35zr19 (93y)
265/30zr19 (93y)
265/35zr19 (98y)
285/35zr19 (103y)
295/30zr19 (100y)
305/30zr19 (102y)
325/30zr19 (101y)

20'' 235/35zr20 (88y)
245/35zr20 (95y)
295/30zr20 (101y)
295/35zr20 (105y)
305/30zr20 (103y)
305/30zr20 (99y)


Norm​

Thanks Norm. Rookie move on my part not referencing the manufacturer. Actually I think it's more of "conspiracy theory" on my behalf....atleast in part.

 

[csamsh]

Pirelli Y U NO 305/35/18???

Purrellie pls

 

[sheizasosay]

Pirelli Y U NO 305/35/18???

Purrellie pls

Haha!

 

[Kobie]

$575 for one tire? OUCH!

 

[claudermilk]

I probably need to hit the books more, but isn't the theory on modifying the suspension to improve available grip? Thus we lower the car to reduce weight transfer which increases available grip, thus reducing lap times?

I am still trying to get a good handle on setting the Konis, but in general it sure seems to have worked that way to me with my changes. I have only been able to dodge cones since the update so far, but the car seems to be able to make those transitions quicker and more confidently now. Part of it is certainly from the CC plates giving me -2.75 deg camber now, but that is only part of the equation. I am still on the same tires, so that has been a constant.

For certain steering feel was quite different after the parts were swapped out. Much quicker and more direct. The car no longer pauses for a beat before responding; that in itself lifts the confidence level that the car is going to do what I ask right now.

 

[Norm Peterson]

Don't sell autocross short as a serious test of damper settings just because of its relatively low speed. When you're running through the cones, the car is in one significant transient or another more than during any other driver-intended on-pavement driving I can think of. Meaning that the dampers are more involved during an autocross run, more of the time, than under other types of driving.

That said, track and street shock settings may well differ from your best autocross settings (where somewhat looser behavior is largely beneficial and without significant downsides).


"Improving grip" is only part of the story. Keeping things like slip angles in balance is pretty important, too, and I guess you've already noticed that your car takes a set somewhat more quickly than it did before.


Norm

 

[Arustik]

$575 for one tire? OUCH!

That'll buy 2 sets for a MYATTA

 

[Sam Strano]

Tires are a limiting factor. If you made Michael Jordan play ball in dress shoes he'd have been a lot more limited in his abilities to get things done and when it comes to cutting and driving the lane (if you are basketball person, if not bear with me) when the interface to the ground isn't as good as it could be.

Basically if you drive your tires to the limit and have decent camber and all then you might not see a big difference in times, particularly in a situation that's a lot more steady state when you rely hugely on the tire grip.

Meanwhile it's reported the car drives better. That's part of setup, making the car comfortable to drive. If you aren't faster with the car lower and a bit stiffer, and with way better dampers then I'd say you are being limited by something else.