10 replies to this topic

[Zauskycop]

So, those of us who are about to begin racing "up north" need answers! After all the conjecture over the winter, has an agreed tire pressure for the SM6's been found? I know some people said lower (34-36) and some said go with Hoosier recommendations...

Any insight?

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

I am far from an expert on these tires, but I have run two race weekends on them so far this year. I have found that running hot pressures less than 38 causes a nasty groove about 1/3 of the way across. On Toyo's I need to start around 30psi to get 38 hot, on the Hoosiers I needed to start a bit higher, around 32 or so. I have not yet experimented with pressures higher than 40 so not sure about the high side, but I feel comfortable that lower than 38 is not good for me.

[Cnj]

Well my perspective (contrarary to Brian) is that when he is racing me, he should run lower than 38lbs, preferably much lower. On the other hand I am inclined to try running a little higher based on the advice of the Hoosier rep who was at the recent race. I will say that again, the Hoosier rep who was at the recent race. How strange to see someone from the tire manufacturer at the race track walking around giving skilled advice.

Cnj

[Zauskycop]

Obviously, you were mistaken....We all know tire manufacturers stay away from the race track! (Good to see Hoosier on board). Thanks for the input guys. Good luck this year!

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Well my perspective (contrarary to Brian) is that when he is racing me, he should run lower than 38lbs, preferably much lower. On the other hand I am inclined to try running a little higher based on the advice of the Hoosier rep who was at the recent race. I will say that again, the Hoosier rep who was at the recent race. How strange to see someone from the tire manufacturer at the race track walking around giving skilled advice.

Cnj

Craig anything for you.

[tLinder]

Craig anything for you.

Brian, should we let Craig know we paid the Hoosier rep $20 to give Craig the "wrong" tire pressure info?

[philstireservice]

I am far from an expert on these tires, but I have run two race weekends on them so far this year. I have found that running hot pressures less than 38 causes a nasty groove about 1/3 of the way across. On Toyo's I need to start around 30psi to get 38 hot, on the Hoosiers I needed to start a bit higher, around 32 or so. I have not yet experimented with pressures higher than 40 so not sure about the high side, but I feel comfortable that lower than 38 is not good for me.

38-40 psi hot is what you are looking for. The groove is more of a result of a lack of negative camber.

[Jim Drago]

Everyone has their own opinion..

I suggest you use the stop watch and the seat of your pants, especially after the first half of the stint. ANY pressure works for first half of a stint. Run as much pressure as you can stand without losing the handling.
For the record, I am not running 38-40 psi

Jim

[philstireservice]

Everyone has their own opinion..

I suggest you use the stop watch and the seat of your pants, especially after the first half of the stint. ANY pressure works for first half of a stint. Run as much pressure as you can stand without losing the handling.
For the record, I am not running 38-40 psi

Jim

And Jim is correct. With that said - the highest pressure you can handle the faster you will be. Obviously that will be different for each individual driver. 38-40 psi is a rule of thumb, just like using the brakes is a rule of thumb or foot....

[Flyntgr]

34 Hot seems to be a good pressure for SMs on Hoosiers on our tracks in Louisiana.

[Zauskycop]

Hmmm...I think my pyrometer, and the stopwatch, will be my friend! Thanks for more input.