Who Is The SC2 Tire Guy?

[kilobravo]

Tire question, specifically referring to the Sport Cup 2's...

According to Michelin, the tire comes with an 8/32" tread depth. Obviously as far as "average" tires go, that isn't a lot of tread despite a lot of rubber.

I just checked mine after 1090 miles and the fronts are right at 8 and the rears are maybe 1/64th less, kinda surprised me.

Does anyone with SC2 street experience have an estimate on the mileage that can be expected and, down to what safe tread depth.

Having grown up in Akron, the original Tire Capital, I've worked at various tire-related jobs and have some experience with tread compounds and such but nothing like these and they can obviously go below the tread depth of your average radial and still be safe, at least that's my thought.

So, I'm wondering if anyone has some data on this.

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[Tomster]

How you drive them is going to dictate how many miles you get out of them. I've seen as low as 5,000 street only miles and as many as 10,000. They are essentially street legal slicks, so I have no problem going inside of the wear bar. You really have no business using these tires in the rain anyway.

After a 3 day track weekend, the track tire set is retired for street use.

So it really depends on how you use them. If you want longer lasting more suitable street tire, may I suggest the pilot sport 4S. However my logic in using sport cup 2s on the street are that you get maximum grip. With 526 HP on the Rs, the Conti's on one of my Rs will let go in comparison with the Cup 2s on the other R that hold tight. I imagine that the effect would be much more pronounced with 760 HP on the 500.

Today I purchased a brand new set of cup 2s for the street wheels I plan to buy. The set normally goes for $2100 at tire rack, but I got them off ebay for $1,000. They are late '18 model year tires. They still have the sticker marks on them (never used).

 

[kilobravo]

As always, thanks for all that, Tom. I'm sure I'm harder on them than the average Joe but probably not as hard as many of our forum members. <smile> 2-10k, I can live with that.

As for grip, they're pretty darn sticky and I've taken the same curves at a much higher speed in the new car than I would even consider in the '14 with PS4's. It's kinda spooky (for a track rookie) how they stick and, how the car demonstrates no noticeable body roll.

But, the car will light them up in first and second, no problemo. I wonder how Mark's 345's are going to grab? Three centimeters is a whole lot more "stick." Still can't believe Terrance pulled that off...amazing (but not surprising.)

Most of all though is the PRICE you paid for a SET! HS squared! I'll have to remember that little tidbit.

 

[BillyJRacing]

The compound is pretty sticky in the wet. The main thing to watch for is as the tread wears down, the hydroplane resistance in standing water will not be as good.

Don't be scared when the outer 'features' wear away. With them gone, there is still plenty of tread left. Michelin installed little rectangular wear holes in the outer shoulder (~3mm x 6mm) that you should use to determine how much tread you actually have left and when you need to replace them.

If you drive in deep standing water a lot, then consider a more wet-focused tire like the base car's PS4S.

 

[Tomster]

As always, thanks for all that, Tom. I'm sure I'm harder on them than the average Joe but probably not as hard as many of our forum members. <smile> 2-10k, I can live with that.

As for grip, they're pretty darn sticky and I've taken the same curves at a much higher speed in the new car than I would even consider in the '14 with PS4's. It's kinda spooky (for a track rookie) how they stick and, how the car demonstrates no noticeable body roll.

But, the car will light them up in first and second, no problemo. I wonder how Mark's 345's are going to grab? Three centimeters is a whole lot more "stick." Still can't believe Terrance pulled that off...amazing (but not surprising.)

Most of all though is the PRICE you paid for a SET! HS squared! I'll have to remember that little tidbit.

@kilobravo , @BillyJRacing is your expert. I would address any specific questions to him. He was the development driver for the GT500 (and the GT350, and the Ford GT, and took a place position at Le Mans)

 

[kilobravo]

Thanks, Tom but I think I have the info I needed from you.

 

[16Kobra]

The compound is pretty sticky in the wet. The main thing to watch for is as the tread wears down, the hydroplane resistance in standing water will not be as good.

Don't be scared when the outer 'features' wear away. With them gone, there is still plenty of tread left. Michelin installed little rectangular wear holes in the outer shoulder (~3mm x 6mm) that you should use to determine how much tread you actually have left and when you need to replace them.

If you drive in deep standing water a lot, then consider a more wet-focused tire like the base car's PS4S.

Thanks for the tip of the outer rectangular wear holes. I did not know about that.

 

[kilobravo]

Didn't know about the wear holes either 16, excellent tip from the penultimate expert.

 

[Tomster]

Thanks, Tom but I think I have the info I needed from you.

I know what I know from an occasional track weekend. And yes, on a wet track from time to time. Go across a wet painted surface, and the traction is minimal.

Billy developed the car you are driving. Out of all the people in the world, Ford chose him to be the development driver. Let's put it this way since we are professional aviators with military backgrounds.... he would be the test pilot equivalent.

I appreciate the vote of confidence though, lol.

 

[Twisted O CFTP]

Tire question, specifically referring to the Sport Cup 2's...

According to Michelin, the tire comes with an 8/32" tread depth. Obviously as far as "average" tires go, that isn't a lot of tread despite a lot of rubber.

I just checked mine after 1090 miles and the fronts are right at 8 and the rears are maybe 1/64th less, kinda surprised me.

Does anyone with SC2 street experience have an estimate on the mileage that can be expected and, down to what safe tread depth.

Having grown up in Akron, the original Tire Capital, I've worked at various tire-related jobs and have some experience with tread compounds and such but nothing like these and they can obviously go below the tread depth of your average radial and still be safe, at least that's my thought.

So, I'm wondering if anyone has some data on this.

I worked in Akron and there are the biggest pot holes I have ever seen around there lol

As far as mileage normal street driving occasionally hard braking and medium speed cornering you could get 10000 or more or a full year of use the rear is going to wear first due to the torque

 

[kilobravo]

I worked in Akron and there are the biggest pot holes I have ever seen around there

It's bad up that way for sure TO, but you should come on down to South Texas if you REALLY wanna see some potholes! :-)

Thanks for the tire life estimate. I doubt I'll get 10k but I feel better about the softer tire now in terms of lifetime.

 

[Snoopy49]

Do the SC2's pick up rocks and road debris like the old Goodyear tire on the previous GT500's?

 

[kilobravo]

Like glue, they do. :-)

 

[16Kobra]

I think they pick them up better than the Goodyears....

 

[MNShelby]

The compound is pretty sticky in the wet. The main thing to watch for is as the tread wears down, the hydroplane resistance in standing water will not be as good.

Don't be scared when the outer 'features' wear away. With them gone, there is still plenty of tread left. Michelin installed little rectangular wear holes in the outer shoulder (~3mm x 6mm) that you should use to determine how much tread you actually have left and when you need to replace them.

If you drive in deep standing water a lot, then consider a more wet-focused tire like the base car's PS4S.

This is really good info. Does someone have a picture of what these wear holes look like? Trying to find them and I'm not sure I know what to look for. I see some markings here but can't make them out. Thanks!

Rick

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