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Topic: Tire Pressure

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/9/07 7:32pm Message 11 of 22
sundew
Former Member
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Eagan, MN - USA
Joined: 6/18/2007
Posts: 427
Vette(s): Gone, but not forgotten: 1974 Coupe Red, matching numbers, Black Interior, L-48 w/ 4 speed; The “Admiral”, also gone and never to be forgotten. 1994 Admiral Blue LT-1 coupe, Black Interior Automatic

Remember what happened with the Ford Explorer, Firestone tires and low pressure recommendations to improve the ride. 




There is no substitute for low end torque!


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Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/9/07 7:34pm Message 12 of 22
ranger3
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North Charleston, SC - USA
Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176
Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top
I am on the same program as Joel. If I am at max gross weight I will inflate up to 32psi. But for my weekend driving I run 22-24 psi. If this were a daily driver and I were concerned about tire longevity I might run  higher pressure. But I like the softer ride and the improved cornering that comes with the factory recommended pressure.

Scott


Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/9/07 8:12pm Message 13 of 22
BKVETTE
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Calhoun City, MS - USA
Joined: 9/24/2005
Posts: 121
Vette(s): 1977 Black T-Top

Maximum air pressure and hard ride just seems to me like its shaking the car up and might find a weak spot in the fiberglass on the rougher roads.




Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/10/07 9:52am Message 14 of 22
sundew
Former Member
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Eagan, MN - USA
Joined: 6/18/2007
Posts: 427
Vette(s): Gone, but not forgotten: 1974 Coupe Red, matching numbers, Black Interior, L-48 w/ 4 speed; The “Admiral”, also gone and never to be forgotten. 1994 Admiral Blue LT-1 coupe, Black Interior Automatic

[quote=ranger3]I am on the same program as Joel. If I am at max gross weight I will inflate up to 32psi. But for my weekend driving I run 22-24 psi. If this were a daily driver and I were concerned about tire longevity I might run  higher pressure. But I like the softer ride and the improved cornering that comes with the factory recommended pressure.

Scott[/quote]

Are you sure your handling improves with lower tire pressures?

(fixed the quote box - Norsky)
Norsky2007-10-10 10:21:31


There is no substitute for low end torque!


Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/10/07 3:55pm Message 15 of 22
ranger3
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North Charleston, SC - USA
Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176
Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top
Yes sundew, I am absolutely positive. With rockhard tires the first thing noticed is axle tramp mode or wheel hop during hard braking or cornering hard on less than smooth surfaces. Without the ability to tune the suspension for various road conditions, the alternative is to play with tire pressure. No doubt the lower pressure will reduce the useful life of the tires but I said that in my previous post.  Back in the day when average guys raced stock cars most of the handling characteristics were modified using tire pressure.
 
Scott ranger32007-10-10 15:55:59


Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/11/07 7:41am Message 16 of 22
sundew
Former Member
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Eagan, MN - USA
Joined: 6/18/2007
Posts: 427
Vette(s): Gone, but not forgotten: 1974 Coupe Red, matching numbers, Black Interior, L-48 w/ 4 speed; The “Admiral”, also gone and never to be forgotten. 1994 Admiral Blue LT-1 coupe, Black Interior Automatic
Scott:
 
At one time in my life I was one of those average guys who could afford to race a sports car and you are absolutely correct, we did a lot of suspension tuning with tire pressure. So, how does reducing the pressure effect understeer? On a smooth surface at 32-34 psi, my car is pretty neutral on trailing throttle entry. You have me thinking that I might want to try 22-24 versus 32-34 psi to see if I like it.
  
Wally   
sundew2007-10-11 07:41:41


There is no substitute for low end torque!


Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/11/07 4:08pm Message 17 of 22
ranger3
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North Charleston, SC - USA
Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176
Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top
Wally,
Thanks for the reply. I am not implying that 22-24psi is a fix all for all driving conditions...it just seems to capture the feel I am looking for in most road conditions.  As far as understeer, or tight, I guess one theory is that you may actually get a little more contact patch on the right side,particularly on the RF in a left hander, with lower air pressure.  Sidewall flexing will be adverse if the pressure is too low. On my 75 I experimented from 35psi down to 20psi in 2psi increments. 22-24 seem to get me the balanced feel that I like. But some folks like a loose feel...loose is fast if you can control it!. Anyway, that's just the way it works for me. I love to hear what works for others.
Thanks Wally,
Scott ranger32007-10-11 16:11:55


Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/11/07 6:31pm Message 18 of 22
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sfindlan
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Badin Lake, NC - USA
Joined: 4/21/2004
Posts: 101
Vette(s): 1979 Red L-48 Corvette with Doeskin interior, 3-speed automatic, 3.55 rear; 1986 L-98 Coupe, 4+3 Manual - Satin Black and Purple (SCCA TT/Hillclimb Car); 1993 White LT-1 Coupe, Black Interior, 6-speed

I autocross mine and  have 255/60-15 Uniroyal GTS tires.  For AX purposes I use 35# all around and it seems to work quite well. Street use I will drop it to about 30. The comment above about the lower pressures for bias ply tires is correct. My 79 sticker recommends 24# min/30#max Front and 26#min/32# rear. The higher numbers were recommended for "economy".  The idea behind the lower front pressures (vs. rear) is to promote some understeer (intended to be safer).  On the street I run mine at 30 all around and it feels great.  Lower pressures will provide a softer ride and for street use the differences in handling wouldnt be noticeable.  But, I live in an area with lots of curves and hills, so I like the firmer feel and the way the car will handle transitions with those pressures.




C3: 1979 Corvette Coupe, Auto, L-48, Red/Doeskin (my wife's fave);
C4s: 1986 C4 coupe (SCCA road race car), satin black, 4+3, Z51 package, L-98;  & 1993 C4 coupe, white, 6-speed, LT-1.

Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/12/07 11:55am Message 19 of 22
Lynne73
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Easton, PA - USA
Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.
 In my P255/60/15 on my 73 the BFG techs told me to run 26lbs. on all 4 corners. It rides and handles great.
 
  Dave



Tire Pressure

Posted: 10/16/07 10:06am Message 20 of 22
sundew
Former Member
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Eagan, MN - USA
Joined: 6/18/2007
Posts: 427
Vette(s): Gone, but not forgotten: 1974 Coupe Red, matching numbers, Black Interior, L-48 w/ 4 speed; The “Admiral”, also gone and never to be forgotten. 1994 Admiral Blue LT-1 coupe, Black Interior Automatic
Scott and Shane:
 
Meant to add another comment, but time has once again gotten away from me. We could debate tire pressures and their effects on the car's handling for hours. The truth is there really is no right or wrong tire pressure. On the street, it can be pretty subjective. We tend to set our cars up to suit our own preferences and skill levels. So, for the rest of you, experiment with tire pressues until you find settings that you are happy with.
 
One last comment, Scott and Shane. I really envy you guys, living a warmer climate. My car is about to go into winter hibernation for about 6 months... Won't drive a Corvette again until next May..Cry



There is no substitute for low end torque!


in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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