Thoughts on the GT PP tire size

[valentinoamoro]

I was chatting with a few buddies who were talking about increasing the rear tire width on their cars (M3, FR-S). I also just noticed a thread here about the largest width possible on the S550.

Having messed around with larger configurations and driven cars with wide/ultrawides, I find myself these days preferring reasonable sized tires (for a given car/weight/power). I feel the 275 rear sections on the GT PP might just be the sweet spot for the output and wt distribution on the GT/PP - of course, I haven't driven it so cant say for sure.

A proper sized tire, all things equal for me would allow the rear to come loose progressively and have medium-high grip. Too much grip can take away from some of the low speed hooning I enjoy (esp in tight corners) by making the car more unpredictable and harder to control once you overcome the coefficient of limiting friction (the Viper comes to mind). Other issues are hydroplaning, tram lining (for the fronts), less steering feel (fronts), higher cost etc...

Thoughts?

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[OppoLock]

Regarding progressive breakaway when you go beyond the friction limit, that has less to do with the size of the contact patch and more to do with the compound, suspension tuning/geometry, diff setup, and other various chassis factors.

I do think that the GT PP has done Goldilocks-sized kicks running on all four corners... just wondering why they picked P Zeros over some other extreme performance summer tire. They're pricey and objective third party comparison tests have shown them to be outclassed by other brands in its class.

Edit: found the comparison test. http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/pirelli-p-zero-page-2

 

[Swoope]

here is my observation on tires.

not a very good selection of tires that are good, and reasonable for track days in the ~27" diameter. very disapointing. it would be a shame if this is the deal breaker for the car..

hate to have to pay for a tune and the hassles that go with it just to get reasonable track tires. now if you guys have seen something i havent link please.

beers

 

[valentinoamoro]

Regarding progressive breakaway when you go beyond the friction limit, that has less to do with the size of the contact patch and more to do with the compound, suspension tuning/geometry, diff setup, and other various chassis factors.

I do think that the GT PP has done Goldilocks-sized kicks running on all four corners... just wondering why they picked P Zeros over some other extreme performance summer tire. They're pricey and objective third party comparison tests have shown them to be outclassed by other brands in its class.

Edit: found the comparison test. http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/pirelli-p-zero-page-2

Yes, I do realize it has less to do with contact patch, hence my 'all things else equal' statement.

Awesome link, looks like a good reason to eat through the stock Pirelli's ASAP using line lock and autocross. i have PSS on my M6 and love 'em - that said, these Pirelli's maybe different/OEM spec than the ones reviewed.

 

[Grimace427]

here is my observation on tires.

not a very good selection of tires that are good, and reasonable for track days in the ~27" diameter. very disapointing. it would be a shame if this is the deal breaker for the car..

hate to have to pay for a tune and the hassles that go with it just to get reasonable track tires. now if you guys have seen something i havent link please.

beers

For track days just run a shorter tire. Selection in the 26" range is excellent, from Hoosier to BFG Rivals, Hankook RS3, Toyo R888, so on. No tune necessary.

 

[Swoope]

For track days just run a shorter tire. Selection in the 26" range is excellent, from Hoosier to BFG Rivals, Hankook RS3, Toyo R888, so on. No tune necessary.

will try to avoid that, due to gearing. i find it odd that they have chosen such a tall tire. has this been a choice for the last several years?

beers

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