72 replies to this topic

[granracing]

I'm working with Hoosier to assemble a Q&A section about using the tires. Questions you ask can be basic or more extensive, it doesn't matter. Of if you even are hearing about questions from other participants, let us know what they are.

Is there anything you'd like to know more about related to the tires? We're hoping this will assist many SM drivers who might be new to the tire and make the transition easier.

[William Bonsell]

In another Hoosier thread the question is asked about camber setting front and rear between the SM6 and the RA-1....I have read the Hoosiers do not require the radical slip angle that RA-1's need for optimum performance. Would this mean less or comparable camber settings? I doubt it would require more.

Bill-

[Johnny D]

I suppose it would be too difficult to just go to the Hoosiers site, click road racing, click Spec miata and click (down below) Set-Up Information, Spring Rate, Distribution, Tire Care tips, Event Support.
http://www.hoosiertire.com/rrtire.htm
J~

[Keith Novak]

3* of camber means more longevity for ever so slightly bent LCAs

[granracing]

One would think Johnny but that's simply not the case. Lots of questions starting with basic stuff such as if the Hoosier drys should be shaved or not have come up. Plenty of advanced questions as well.

Maybe there are very few questions on here, but thought we'd at least ask.

[Johnny D]

Ok, there's also the search tab on the upper right as well.
I know shaved hoosiers has been mentioned in some of the past thread when they went national tire.
J~

[Alberto]

I wouldn't know what questions to ask, so any more detailed info Hoosier can provide is welcome.

That stated, some things I have been wondering about are as follows:

• Most people that I have spoken with regarding curing say that they have not noticed a difference in performance or longevity with cured vs. non-cured tires. Why is that?
• Those same people state that there is a big (1-2 seconds) drop off in performance after the first few heat cycles. What are the realities in performance drop off over heat cycles?
• What changes to driving style are we expected to make going from RA1 to SM6?
• What are the breakaway characteristics like? Most slicks are rather abrupt.
• How does ambient and track temps affect pressures?
• What are the desired cross carcass hot temps?
  
  http://www.hoosierti...m/specmiata.htm
• From Hoosier's web site, what does the "Spring Rate Information" diagram mean with regards to "Vertical Spring Rate vs. Load" at different temps?
• Does 0 toe refer to front AND rear?

Thanks.

[Johnny D]

Do we need a Monday night Live Chat with the expert? Whoever that is.
J~

[Johnny D]

I wouldn't know what questions to ask, so any more detailed info Hoosier can provide is welcome.

That stated, some things I have been wondering about are as follows:

• Most people that I have spoken with regarding curing say that they have not noticed a difference in performance or longevity with cured vs. non-cured tires. Why is that?
• Those same people state that there is a big (1-2 seconds) drop off in performance after the first few heat cycles. What are the realities in performance drop off over heat cycles?
• What changes to driving style are we expected to make going from RA1 to SM6?
• What are the breakaway characteristics like? Most slicks are rather abrupt.
• How does ambient and track temps affect pressures?
• What are the desired cross carcass hot temps?
  
  http://www.hoosierti...m/specmiata.htm
• From Hoosier's web site, what does the "Spring Rate Information" diagram mean with regards to "Vertical Spring Rate vs. Load" at different temps?
• Does 0 toe refer to front AND rear?

Thanks.

You wouldn't know what questions to ask but state 8, nice
J~

[granracing]

Johnny, I guess I'm not sure what you're point is here. Might it be that that the Hoosier site is already great? Fine, awesome. Done. You made their job easy and you can put this thread on ignore. Happy? For the rest of us, there are still questions to be answered. I know that I have questions about some of their spring rate and deflection data. For that matter, there are plenty of questions on temps, pressures, and how tuning should be handled. Hell, I'm happy to no longer have the choice of running R compounds, A compounds, H20 Wets and Dirt Stockers.

Alberto, they'll be happy to answer your questions. Thanks for posting them.

[38bfast]

The best expert for SM is going to be SM drivers. The Hoosiers react different on each different car they get mounted on. Their chariteristics will not be the same on a BMW as a SM. Each type car has its own unique influence on how the tire will perform. Hoosier will give general statements as what the tire likes but it will not be specific to what a SM likes. We are going to have to do our own testing to figure out what is the best for performance / longevity. Whoever spends the time/money testing will have an advantage.

A few things that I am willing to share
They will flat spot easier than the RA1
They do not talk to you as much as the RA1
Stickers are fast.
They are much harder to mount.
They tend to leak more on the rim than a RA1
They suck when it rains.

[FTodaro]

I will add one more, belive it or not they will rotate on the rims, it depends on the rim you are using but I have had them move on the rim likly under braking. So mark the tire at the valve stem and see. I was using the Team Dynamic pro 1.2 at the time. When I used to drive High HP car, I could turn them all the way around.

[John Costello]

Hey Dave does this mean you are in an SM this year too?

[William Bonsell]

I will add one more, belive it or not they will rotate on the rims, it depends on the rim you are using but I have had them move on the rim likly under braking. So mark the tire at the valve stem and see. I was using the Team Dynamic pro 1.2 at the time. When I used to drive High HP car, I could turn them all the way around.

Ditto that...had one move significantly early into a 8 hour endurance race in November. Caused incredible vibration especially under braking. Took two stints to figure out which wheel - RR. I understand you can't leave a lot of that slippery goop they use for mounting.

Bill-

[philstireservice]

I will add one more, belive it or not they will rotate on the rims, it depends on the rim you are using but I have had them move on the rim likly under braking. So mark the tire at the valve stem and see. I was using the Team Dynamic pro 1.2 at the time. When I used to drive High HP car, I could turn them all the way around.

Don't over lubricate the wheel when they are mounted. You'd be surprised how little lubrication you really need.

[granracing]

Cage tubing is at Kessler Enginering's shop and the build will begin soon. You're in SM now John? Very cool. Looking forward to getting my butt handed to me.

[Johnny D]

Johnny, I guess I'm not sure what you're point is here. Might it be that that the Hoosier site is already great? Fine, awesome. Done. You made their job easy and you can put this thread on ignore. Happy? For the rest of us, there are still questions to be answered. I know that I have questions about some of their spring rate and deflection data. For that matter, there are plenty of questions on temps, pressures, and how tuning should be handled. Hell, I'm happy to no longer have the choice of running R compounds, A compounds, H20 Wets and Dirt Stockers.

Alberto, they'll be happy to answer your questions. Thanks for posting them.

I was in a bad mood yesterday.
The Monday Night Chat was a real suggestion.
Can't handle the truth about Aberto's comments? He's my friend, just ribbing.
I can find the other posts about Hoosiers if you'd like and post here if you haven't read them already.

IMO, Hoosies gives you a setup for you to start at and up to you to test to your level and style of driving.
Spring rate?, it's spec, temps and presuure on the Hoosies site, How to tune, download JD's Setup guide under downloads up top.
If your here to chat, fine.
Carry on.
J~

[John Costello]

Yes sir Dave! I drove a couple races last year and had more fun than I have had in a race car in a long time! I am going to dabble in a couple Grand Am races(I HAVE TO drive at Indy and will probably do the Glen and/or NJ) and have a lot of fun in SM! Looking forward to some FUN behind the wheel!

[Jim Drago]

One would think Johnny but that's simply not the case. Lots of questions starting with basic stuff such as if the Hoosier drys should be shaved or not have come up. Plenty of advanced questions as well.

Maybe there are very few questions on here, but thought we'd at least ask.

Some such as myself would think asking if the Hoosier drys needed to be shaved was actually an advanced question. Less weight.. if you are only using the tires for 4-6 sessions and start with a lighter tire... Don't think that is a concern? Well, I have already seen them. I don't blame the competitor, it makes sense, just hoped we wouldn't end up there.
Jim

[Alex Bolanos]

Some such as myself would think asking if the Hoosier drys needed to be shaved was actually an advanced question. Less weight.. if you are only using the tires for 4-6 sessions and start with a lighter tire... Don't think that is a concern? Well, I have already seen them. I don't blame the competitor, it makes sense, just hoped we wouldn't end up there.
Jim

Well, we're there because the tires are heat cycled out after 8 sessions.... This is pretty much what the old SM6/R6 was like so I'm not really surprised. I also noticed the dreaded R888 dip 2" in from the outside of the tire, did you?