2016 GT suspension recommendations

[HourlyB]

I HATE it when people start a new thread when an existing exists and esp. when it's just following up. So good job!
If advanced use is once-in-blue moon then I would just buy a good quality A/S (Conti) or the if summer, the Indy 500 or the S04.

I figured keep everything in one place for easy reference lol. I'm going for separate summer and winter tire sets, so might as well swing for the fences. I think the S04's offer the best value vs performance out there, so that's what I'm going to go with.

No secret, I'm the guy who would probably spend that "might be overkill" line item money on the Michelins, bring the wheels and tires in "loose" to my tire guy saying that they're for track duty, and ignore the light.

On brakes, pad and fluid upgrades will net you some improvement even with the base-level brakes, but the difficulty in keeping base brakes cool is what'll limit you on the big tracks. For street and autocross, base OE brakes will be fine.


Norm

Any brand or type of pad/fluid you would recommend? I was thinking of going to Motul DOT 4 fluid, but I'm still vexed by pads, tbh.

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[Norm Peterson]

Any brand or type of pad/fluid you would recommend? I was thinking of going to Motul DOT 4 fluid, but I'm still vexed by pads, tbh.

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I've been running Motul RBF600, which has proved satisfactory even while tracking on the 2008's tiny 2-piston 12.4" front brakes (that probably are getting cooled better than base S550 rotors).

On pads. I happen to like the Carbotechs and G-locs in the lower track-rated range (XP and R, respectively, with numbers 8, 10, and 12), as they are still reasonably streetable and don't eat rotors. You might need 12's where I might use 10's, or 14's/16's vs 12's, and possibly titanium shims to reduce heat transfer into the caliper pistons.


Norm

 

[HourlyB]

I'd disagree and say the Indy 500 is probably that tire. The S-04 is a good tire, no doubt, but is aging and on the way out. Another one that flies under the radar is the Bridgestone S007A, which slots in between the S-04 and RE71R for performance, and would be in the ballpark of the PS4S for grip and capability.

Interesting, didn't really know about the S007A since it is categorized as a Extreme Performance tire. I've also looked into the Continental ExtremeContact Sports, but if the Indy's are that good for their price point I'll go for them, plenty of sports car owners regard them well.

I've been running Motul RBF600, which has proved satisfactory even while tracking on the 2008's tiny 2-piston 12.4" front brakes (that probably are getting cooled better than base S550 rotors).

On pads. I happen to like the Carbotechs and G-locs in the lower track-rated range (XP and R, respectively, with numbers 8, 10, and 12), as they are still reasonably streetable and don't eat rotors. You might need 12's where I might use 10's, or 14's/16's vs 12's, and possibly titanium shims to reduce heat transfer into the caliper pistons.


Norm

I'll check out that fluid and look into Carbotechs, thanks!

 

[Nuked]

I really love them for the street. Good grip, good ride, good wet performance and wear. I'll buy another set in a heartbeat for DD summer tires.

Agreed. I put these on about a month or so ago and have been completely satisfied. Down in Florida for work and in a couple of those heavy downpours so far, tire has performed flawlessly.

 

[strengthrehab]

Had them on my street wheels for a while, even used them as my wet track day tires.

 

[HourlyB]

Just ordered the Indy 500's, now final question, are there any consumable stuff I should buy to make installation go smoothly?

 

[HourlyB]

Just ordered the Indy 500's, now final question, are there any consumable stuff I should buy to make installation go smoothly?

I should add that I'm doing this at a shop, and I'm helping with the installation. I'm mostly asking about greases or locktite, anything that should be on hand just in case.

 

[AirCooled222]

I've really enjoyed this discussion on suspension tuning and handling. You lost me on the Firestone tires, though. Tier 1 tires or nothing, imo.

 

[HourlyB]

I've really enjoyed this discussion on suspension tuning and handling. You lost me on the Firestone tires, though. Tier 1 tires or nothing, imo.

I would have gotten the Michelins if they were in stock around me, but they are sold out until July. Plus, they would've run about $400 more. For a primary DD not sure that is worth it.

Plus I'm staying in brand, given I use Bridgestone Blizzak's as my winter tire.

 

[AirCooled222]

That statement is rooted in ignorance. Normally I agree with you but they are a rebranded Bridgestone RE003 and are very good street tires outright, but especially for the price.

I can assure that the comment is not rooted in ignorance and I can promise that they are not a rebranded Bridgestone....These tire lines are owned by the same company. However, the tolerances and tire building processes are 100% different. Totally different compounds, bead design, sidewall packages, etc.
I work for a tire manufacturer. I would challenge my ignorance against what you think you know any day.

 

[AirCooled222]

I would have gotten the Michelins if they were in stock around me, but they are sold out until July. Plus, they would've run about $400 more. For a primary DD not sure that is worth it.

Plus I'm staying in brand, given I use Bridgestone Blizzak's as my winter tire.

I understand where you are coming from with the wait time. Because of Covid fill rate on tires (and everything else) will be slow. Would be worth the wait, imo. People spend tons of money on traction aftermarket parts to find an edge then buy cheap rubber. It boggles my mind... Firestone has history of quality issues... Just be careful.

 

[AirCooled222]

I'll challenge your knowledge of whether or not they're a high-quality, high-value tire any day.

I'll be waiting for the tear-down analysis between the two from you eagerly.

Oh and I'll just leave this here.

I just told you the differences... The picture you left does what for the topic?
If you could take an architectural cut of both tires, you could see the differences. Those differences are called tolerances. Those tolerances are what the customer pays the premium for...
I can promise you that what would be allowed to let go to the customer for a tier 2 tire would have have a knife put through the sidewall and trashed in a tier 1 facility. You don't have to believe any of it, though. Buy what you like.

 

[HourlyB]

I understand where you are coming from with the wait time. Because of Covid fill rate on tires (and everything else) will be slow. Would be worth the wait, imo. People spend tons of money on traction aftermarket parts to find an edge then buy cheap rubber. It boggles my mind... Firestone has history of quality issues... Just be careful.

I dunno it I would put the Indy's as "cheap". Granted they aren't Michelin, but it isn't like I put Sailuns on. Plus, people seem to like them, both here and on other sports car forums. (Beemer specifically)

 

[AirCooled222]

Pretty please!

I see that you are probably a teenager... The data can be found in any tire sellers reviews. I don't know what I'm talking about and a guy with memes does...

 

[AirCooled222]

I dunno it I would put the Indy's as "cheap". Granted they aren't Michelin, but it isn't like I put Sailuns on. Plus, people seem to like them, both here and on other sports car forums. (Beemer specifically)

Should've been clear, I wasn't specifically talking about you or those tires being cheap. Sorry about that. I see people all the time putting price over all else when it comes to tires.
The Stones you've purchased should be fine. My opinion is tier 1 is worth it because it is the only component of the car that touches the ground. The patch of rubber touching the ground at a single moment is the size of the palm of your hand and you're running how much horsepower? To me it is worth it. But, to each their own.

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