Tire Pressures

Pete McCluskey.

Lifetime Supporter
Hi all, I'm wondering as a rule of thumb what tire pressures you start with on a track day? I'm talking road tires not slicks. In my case Pirrelli PZero's.
 
Hi Pete - when are you going to the track, so as I can come and have a look.

On the tires you will pick up approx 4-5 psi depending on how hard you drive from cold start temp to hot. I run P Zero's on my 993 about the same width as you car and similar weight distribution. I would think you would want to end up with 38 to 42 psi all round when hot - assuming you car weighs about 1200kg. I would start high and let them down gradually as you go through the day, it's a lot less work to let them down than mess around adding air. You can gauge the difference in the feel of the car and document where you like it. Check your pressure as soon as you pit after a run, as they will drop pressure as they cool fairly quickly. When you have it right for the track - drive home on same pressure and check the next day - that is the starting point for the next time you go out. The Pirellis will go off atfer 2 - 3 hard laps, so you will need to keep that in mind also - they are only a good road tire and average at best on a track when pushed.

You may also want to check Pirelli's web site for guidance.

Regards
Jason
 

Pete McCluskey.

Lifetime Supporter
Hi Jason, thanks for the reply, how are you? Gear have a day on Thursday at QR and Mick and I were planning to go. But Mick can't get off work and I have a horse running at Ipswich. Also rain is forecast so we have pulled the pin. Next Gear day is October 30Th.
I'll catch up with you Sunday.
 
Hi Pete

I am well, and have now sorted out most of the bits and peices on my car - air cond gassed up ready for the trip. Look forward to catching up Sunday - 7am at Mick's place.
Regards
Jason
 

Howard Jones

Supporter
I start mine out in the morning at 25-27F and 26-28R depending on how hot the air temp is going to get to that day. I usually see a 3-6 psi increase. Target pressures(hot). 28-32F and 29-34R. I am running Sumitomos (HTR-Z) now and have run Dunlops (SP8000's). Both are Z rated summer only max performance street tires.

Sizes are 245-40-17F on 8" wheels 1/2 degree - camber and 315-35-17R on 10" wheels and 3/4 degree - camber.

This setup has resulted in good performance, even tire wear, and no strange issues like blisters or dammaged sidewalls. Just let the tires warmup a couple of laps before you go for it.
 
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