Originally Posted by jcp911s

Ok, I'm hijacking the thread, but I think I can get some suggestions.

I retired my 911 racer, and bought a 1016 Z51. I love the car, but find the MPSS tires to be too much a compromise for track.

I just want a predicable set-up that will allow consistent 9/10ths laps. I'm used to Hoosiers on the track.

At this point I'm looking at a second set of track wheels but still have a drive to the track and drive back option.

I think the Michelin Pilot Sport Cut 2 looks like the best tire option for me... I'm not price sensitive... but I do need predictability on track.

I'll need a second set of wheels for these tires. They must fit my stock brakes and fit the MPSC2. Cosmetics/technology not important.

I have until next season... suggestions?

Originally Posted by X25

In my experience, MPSC2 tires have been awful. They take time to warm up, at least 2-3 laps before decent traction, and then you have about 3 laps before they start getting greasy. I've also had similar, inconsistent experience with R888s.

In terms of consistency, the best tire I know is the NT01s. They wear like iron (when compared against its competition), yet provide decent traction even at lap 1, and do not overheat unless you're doing something very wrong with your setup. You can have it in 275 / 305 or 275 / 325 sizes at 18"/19".

Another very good tire is Trofeo R. I went through two sets of it on my Camaro, and they provided very consistent peformance until they corded. They have a much shorter life, though, and I needee decent camber to make most out of it. Hopefully they would need less camber on Corvettes due to different length control arms. Their traction is better than MPDC2 and NT01. You can have them in 295 / 325 size at 18"/19".

If you want to have only one set of wheels, RE71Rs are also great. They are quiet and work great in rain and for street use, yet transform into serious track tire when warm at at the track. They probably have better traction than NT01s, but also much shorter life, despite their 200tw rating (vs. 100 tw of Nittos) during track use.

Originally Posted by Koan

I'm in the same situation. I don't want the ceramic brakes, but do want the FE7 suspension. I also want to get 19" wheels all around so I have more choices with tires. What are the specs for 19" and what brands are made in those sizes?
Are people successfully tracking the C7 Z06 yet? I see a new cooling package from LG Motorsports.

Thanks,

soon to be newbie

Originally Posted by Jakeman11

Consider this - Spring Mountain Corvette Racing School uses Z51 Vettes and they have the Z51 stock breaks on those cars. You may consider calling them and see what they say about breaks and their experience.

Originally Posted by jcp911s

Thanks, as I just want a drive to the track and drive back option, the NTO1 sounds like a good option. My main objective is predicable breakaway... not max cornering.

I may go to the GM Factory "track" alignment, but I primarily use the car as a street/touring car, so I don't want to screw up drivability.

Also, if you have a suggestion on wheels... Tire Rack has an OZ wheel for about $450, which sounds reasonable.

Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn

There are plenty of people successfully tracking the C7Z. The overheating problems are not as bad as the publicity makes them out to be.

As for SM they also have ceramic brake Z06s for the Z06 owners to drive. They hold up just fine. The only complaint I have about the CCM brakes is the replacement cost and the fact for that cost they didn't last 20 to 25 track days Vs the 13 I got. One thing I think that reduced the rotor life is I tried one set of Carbotech XP10s which seemed to accelerate the rotor wear. Pads not specifically designed for CCM rotors may be best avoided. The XP10s performed about the same as the stock pads and the cost was $100 less but increased wear of the rotors may have cost me a lot more than the $100 I saved.

Bill

Originally Posted by NT4HIM

Just traded my C7 Z51 for a Z06/Z07. Assuming I decide to keep the ceramic rotors, is there a cost effective 18 inch front wheel that will clear, or am I looking at needing to special order a set for track use? I'd like to continue running race scrubs for the long term cost effectiveness, so I need to decide while I am in the break in period.

Originally Posted by NT4HIM

I was hoping there might be another (cheaper) option, but I'm afraid you are right. Did it take long to get yours? I'm in the break-in period, so I have a few weeks before I can go back to the track anyway.

Also, do you happen to have any more information on the narrow annulus rings?
Thanks!

Originally Posted by Koan

Calipers and pads are different as well. The rotors are larger, so the calipers must have a different offset to reach around the larger rotors. Also, CC pads are different than steel pads.

Originally Posted by copjsd

Thank you for your reply! So I'm still curious if the Grand Sport calipers are of the same track-worthy design as are the Grand Sport Z07 calipers., e.g. the Grand Sport Z07 calipers have ventilated pistons and no external dust seals to be crystalized by the searing heat...do the Grand Sport calipers?

Originally Posted by X25

Regular Grand Sport calipers are identical to the regular Z06 calipers (which I also installed on my Z51). They do have ventilated pistons, etc., but they are smaller than the Z07 calipers since the rotor size is 14.6" with the steel rotors.