Pirelli or Michelin Race Slicks

[WCRookie99]

What compound are the quickest?

Or are there sneaky quicker road race slicks?

I tried the Pirelli’s years ago DH3?? They were super quick probably 2sec faster per lap then A7 Hoosier (depending on the track)

Anyone with current data?

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[TeeLew]

If you can get the tire size you need, the Michelin N3 is faster than DHF Pirellis. I'm not sure about the exact compound you mentioned, but I generally see better speed and longevity out of the Michelin. Having said that, you pay for it.

 

[Flyhalf]

Really depends on setup.
Michelin has 3 compounds.
The soft medium and hard
The soft is ~.8sec faster than hoosier A7
However
It can be more
The car optimized for A7 will not be at full
Potential for Michelin.

Same for pirelli.
What is your setup?

 

[WCRookie99]

Really depends on setup.
Michelin has 3 compounds.
The soft medium and hard
The soft is ~.8sec faster than hoosier A7
However
It can be more
The car optimized for A7 will not be at full
Potential for Michelin.

Same for pirelli.
What is your setup?

100% race car, full roll cage, 2000+ seam welds on unibody, Race seat, metal interior. Dynamic Suspension coil overs with 3-way adjustable dampers. 22gal Fuel cell, Brembo’s, AIM, urethane bushings, staight exhaust, headers, fire system, weights 3166lbs empty with no driver. 5.0L Cammer.

10x18 wheels square.

 

[Flyhalf]

What Aero. And what spring rate? What camber?
U run 10 so size of the tire is more limited. What size u run?

 

[WCRookie99]

If you can get the tire size you need, the Michelin N3 is faster than DHF Pirellis. I'm not sure about the exact compound you mentioned, but I generally see better speed and longevity out of the Michelin. Having said that, you pay for it.

I’m seeing S8M or S8L Michelin, unless I’m looking at an old website.

 

[WCRookie99]

What Aero. And what spring rate? What camber?
U run 10 so size of the tire is more limited. What size u run?

Zero aero, 3deg in front, solid axle in rear, spring rates, 750/450

 

[WCRookie99]

If you can get the tire size you need, the Michelin N3 is faster than DHF Pirellis. I'm not sure about the exact compound you mentioned, but I generally see better speed and longevity out of the Michelin. Having said that, you pay for it.

Pirelli I’m seeing DHF and DHB?

 

[Flyhalf]

Michelin are S7M S8M. S9M

M or L are the update of the compound.
M is more recent than L
S7 is soft
S8 medium
S9 hard

S7 last about 6 HC pretty consistent. and then fell dramatically
S8 takes more to warm up but then is super consistent.
S9 is for long race stints.

U need to Increase a lot the camber. To around 4 to see real potential.

Report the results please !

 

[TeeLew]

Michelin are S7M S8M. S9M

M or L are the update of the compound.
M is more recent than L
S7 is soft
S8 medium
S9 hard

S7 last about 6 HC pretty consistent. and then fell dramatically
S8 takes more to warm up but then is super consistent.
S9 is for long race stints.

U need to Increase a lot the camber. To around 4 to see real potential.

Report the results please !

The Pirelli sportscar tires are all a DH evolution construction. I think they're up to DHG or H at this point. I think these changes correspond to minor compound differences, but they all act similarly.

I haven't ran the S7, but have ran S8 and S9 on other stuff. Camber is very car dependent, but with the strut, I'm sure it will take all it can get. The rear will be what it will be. It's better to think about the Michelin compounds in terms of track temperature and energy inputs. If it's a high energy track, say Watkins Glen, and it's summer, then you want to be on the 9. If you're at Mid-O in spring, then the S8. To make a Mich work, you have to 'turn it on', which means you have to give it a certain amount of energy before it really wants to work right. They're more sensitive to this than other brands. Above or below and you won't have the expected grip. Hit the window and you're smiling.

The N-tires are some of the newer constructions and they seem to be making them somewhat less camber sensitive. It's nice to be able to stand the fronts up and reduce locking/ABS intervention.

Pirelli's generally have a soft sidewall and need a bit more pressure and camber than the Michelins. If your size is available, you might check out what Yokohama has to offer. I think they're pretty sporty compared to the Pirelli for similar money.

 

[tosha]

Somewhat related question to those who have experience with https://usedracingtires.com/ or potentially other similar vendors - is this a good option to use? What is the typical expected wear % on those tires and how long do they last? Any feeback would be appreciated.

Apologies for highjacking the thread, but I thought that it is better than create a new one about slicks.

 

[TeeLew]

You're better off finding a reasonably close Pro or good Am race team that uses your size and buy tires directly from them. It cuts out the middle man and probably gets you better rubber in the long run. Even if they're a couple hours away, take a U-haul van and get 3 or 4 sets in one shot and you'll save yourself. If all they have to do is bring a couple sets back from the track for a month's worth of beer money, you're probably in good shape. If they have to package and ship and everything, it won't happen.

 

[WCRookie99]

All good info, thanks guys!

Perfect.

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