Goodyear, Hoosiers & the SCCA runoffs!

[RalphieViper]

It seems that Goodyear was the tire to be on in the Runoffs this year. My track tire (Open track,not wheel to wheel) is the Hoosier, but after seeing a few of the races (GT1 for example),it seems that the Goodyear is tire for 2004.

Anyone have the Goodyears and love them?

 

[pdmracing]

I have experiance with both, the goodyears are ok, but the new hoosier was a cause for concern with the teams getting used to them, I ran 3 races on the s04's & went fast but didnt last.

 

[RalphieViper]

PDMRacing,

For a track tire, not racing, would you reccomend the goodyear slicks, or stick to the hoosiers?

 

[pdmracing]

hoosier

 

[Janni]

The increased grip of the full race slick wil put undue stress on your entire suspension - so unless you are ready to upgrade your hubs, ball joints, etc., etc the you really ought to stick to the Hoosiers. Also, most folks run them and it's the only way to accurately compare times.

 

[Sonny 00 GTS ACR]

Quite frankly, the increased grip available even with Hoosiers will cause the same concern that Janni just mentioned.

I did a back to back test at Watkins Glen and found a 3 second difference, but the Goodyears are more expensive and more difficult to mount due to a stiffer sidewall. I really like the Hoosiers.

 

[RalphieViper]

Thanks for the help

Ralph

 

[VIPORXXX]

I understand that the new Hoosier so4 that becoming available is grippier and lasts longer. This is the tire I planned on using for my Track Day events (Like Viper Days). Are you saying this tire may/will cause some problems if I don't upgrade my Hubs, ball joints etc.

I am concerned since I run 335's on all 4 corners and I know this can stress the stock setup. I just had my 4 hubs replaced last week under warranty. I think the passenger front hub just came apart after it was removed! What recommendations might you suggest?

BTW-Any comments or experience with the sport cup tire?

Thanks,
Fast Eddie

 

[Bugeater]

PDM racing tried out the new s04 and said basically, it sucked (ran outta grip fast).

 

[Janni]

If you are going to run 335's in the front, then I would recommend getting the rebuildable hubs from Archer Aracing Accessories - they were designed by Whelen Engineering. Of course, if you are still under warranty, that may be a different issue. You may also want to torque your hub bolts to 300 Ft Lbs - that's the spec for the Comp Coupes and make a note if the hub nut backs off any.

Religiously check your hubs and ball joints for any signs of wiggle. As you get faster and use stickier tires, you stress things MUCH more than street tires. Also pay close attention to the upper control arm mounts to the frame.

I am not sure folks all realize that not EVERYTHING on the Viper was made to stand the stress of a DOT slick or a slick. The more you stress your car, the more important it is to step up the maintenance level and clean, inspect, torque and replace components before they fail.

If I had my way, everyone would stay on street tires for 2 years and if they were running as fast as the Super Stock guys like Hoosier Daddy and Tom Atherton and Chris Adam were at same tracks, then they could step up to Hoosiers. Otherwise, it'd be back for more seat time and try to get 95% out of the car before adding mods or grippy tires.

Also, as you go faster with Hoosiers, etc, you need to step up the level of safety equipment - roll bar, neck restraint, fire suit, etc., etc. You are loading the car with more energy and when the tires let loose, there's just more energy to dissipate and the incidents can be worse.

Take a look at the safety equipment in a T1 car - full cage, often fire suppression, and lots of driver safety gear. It's not car to car contact usually - it's car to immovable object contact......

Have fun and be safe.

 

[pdmracing]

I understand that the new Hoosier so4 that becoming available is grippier and lasts longer. This is the tire I planned on using for my Track Day events (Like Viper Days). Are you saying this tire may/will cause some problems if I don't upgrade my Hubs, ball joints etc.

I

I have to disagree with the last longer claim. I have run them in 3 races so far & I prefer the S03 & all I can say is buy them now befor they stop making them.

 

[Mike 99ACR]

The increased grip of the full race slick wil put undue stress on your entire suspension - so unless you are ready to upgrade your hubs, ball joints, etc., etc the you really ought to stick to the Hoosiers. Also, most folks run them and it's the only way to accurately compare times.

Janni I run the Hoosiers on 18" BBS LM wheels. I noticed accelerating in the turns that the car feels like I'm going over rumble strips and get very bad wheel hop or vibration until I lift off the throttle. Feels like it would be tear the suspension up. Is this what your talking about? If not, any idea's what might be causing this. Could it be the BBS LM wheel? I don't remember having this problem with the standard ACR BBS wheels. The tire does not seem to seat on the outside wheel edge with the LM wheels like it does on the factory ACR wheels. Anyone?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Sonny 00 GTS ACR]

The rebuildable hubs sold through Archer Racing that Janni mentioned are only available currently for front - non ABS applications. They were actually commissioned by Marsh racing from Coleman Engineering - a manufacturer of hubs and bearings used in the NASCAR Busch and Winston Cup Series. They are a superior design and completely serviceable which the stock parts are not.

I lost a stock wheel bearing two years ago at Mid-Ohio and was lucky to only lose the race. We're working on rear hubs and ABS applications but they both present some challenging problems for the design. Hopefully we can offer them this year.