What is the Optimal HOT tire pressure on a PS2?

Paul Hawker

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Depends on the track, track temp, wear on tires, modifications to car, alignment, driver style. Lots of variables.

Most tracksters keep a log of their cold and warm pressures for each run. Along with notes of how it worked out. Measurements are taken at multiple points across each tire. Variations in hot tire pressure after a session will often give clues as how alignment needs to be adjusted for that specific track and ambient/track temperatures.
 

Bill Pemberton Woodhouse

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Paul is right on, as the variables listed, even down to driver style, can affect the range.

I would start cold at around 30 in the rear and do about 3-4 lbs higher in the front --- easy way to get some of the push out with the 275s up front.

Alignment , track surface , ambient air temp, so many things affect the outcome , but check after the runs and also use the old fashioned method of seeing how far down the sidewall the tire is wearing.

No real easy answer as there will be many factors to consider. Use a comfortable starting point, and hopefully when you are at the track there will be a more experienced Viper driver there that can give you some advice or assistance ---- fun often to work with fellow Viper track guys as you may find different approaches and one may fit your experience/driving technique better than others.
 

JonB

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What is the Optimal HOT tire pressure on a PS2 for best handling and traction? thanks Steve A.

Roadcourse? Your PS2 goal should be to come off track HOT, no cooldown lap, in the high-30s PSI HOT, and uniform cross-face tire temps. ie 37-39 PSI HOT-HOT.

Bill's start PSI should help you end up there.... Steve, your AERO will build temps faster, I usually say start 32F30R on 275/345 PS2.
 
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Bill Pemberton Woodhouse

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Would say Jon is pretty close , but would never advise skipping a cool down lap on a Viper or any track car. There just is not that much variance after one lap to reduce tire pressure a ton, but it is worth the extra time to cool down everything else IMHO.
 

JonB

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Dont SKIP a cool-down lap..... I was not suggesting that! Come in HOT to check temps and pressures mid-session. The PSI wont drop much, but the target temps WILL. Chek temps FIRST.

Do the 'mandatory' cool-down at the end of sesssion as usual, and leave your hood open afterwards.
 

GTS Dean

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For stock sizes, I personally like about 41f/36r hot pressures. I then tune one end of the car at a time until the balance fits the track conditions.
 

Paul Hawker

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Some other suggestions.

If your tires begin to feel "greasy" a couple extra pounds can help out.

If your rear tires feel like they are sliding, a couple extra pounds in the front can help.

This is a feel that a driver begins to be able to determine as their time on the track adds up.

Bonus tip: When you come into the pits after hot lapping, be sure not to put on your parking brake. It will cook the pads, and make a hot spot on the rotor. Better to forget the parking brake and just leave your car in gear to prevent rolling.

Remember it is not only the tires that heat up, your brakes get quite a workout, as well as your rear diff. Brake lines get blasted by the brake heat, and can boil the fluids, or severly degrade it as it bakes in the pits after a run.

The engine will benefit from a cool down and expecially remember that the driver can easily be overheated, and also need a cool down : >)
 

Bill Pemberton Woodhouse

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GTS Dean is more where I run , but again, you really need to take all the comments as a whole and vary somewhat for track conditions, track surface, track/air temperature, etc. Like Dean, I prefer the stagger, front to back to help alleviate the push.

Good luck, and lots of good comments from all.
 

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