73-84 IMSA Widebody

Looking for input/experiences on two issues. Running an "older" car, these items sound like good upgrades.

1) tire pressure relief valves that keep tire preesure down as tires heat up.
2)tire pressure monitors that attach to the valve stem and provide an in cabin reading of each tires pressure as you are running.

Thanks

Last C5

#1 Sounds like a bad deal. You would have to refill the air before each run.

#2 Sounds fine

Short-Throw

Stay away from the relief valves. They can heat up and stay open.

Bill Dearborn

I agree with the others. Stay away from the pressure relief valves.

Bill

davidfarmer

A lot of good racers over the years have stood behind the release valves, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

1. You need the right wheels, as they need to mount so that they are parallel to the ground when mounted....if not, the centrifugal acceleration can cause them to open.

2. If you have to slow down mid session, ie a yellow flag, you will need to heat them back up just like with non-bleeder setups.



I bought a couple of sets, but never had rims that would work well with them. Again, they require drilling holes in just the right stops to work properly.

73-84 IMSA Widebody

Thanks for the advise. As my wheels are all vintage I really do not wish to drill them and it appears the problems outway the solutions, I will nix the relief valves.

Bill Hetzel

What David said about the valves is correct, especially about the mounting. I've tried them and didn't feel they were worth the effort.
The onboard system is OK if it's accurate but I think it's better to have a crew guy check pressure and temps at the end of practice do it again with adjustments in the middle of qualifing.

Run nitrogen and keep a tire log.

73-84 IMSA Widebody

As if I had a crew guy....lol. Thanks Bill, I do check temps and run nitrogen. The Idea came from my new tow vehichle which has the real time pressure monitors. The instruction manual states that you should still take manual pressures but I assume after comparisons for awhile you should be able to get relatively accurate interpretations. After a few weeks getting comfortable with the system on the tow I'll reevaluate it's worth. Just more info....as if I'm not in overload already.

Next question, what are you torqueing the lugs to?

Bill Hetzel

I torque my lugs to 30 -35. Oops, that's on my formula ford.

I feel for you, most of my driving is crewless too.
Most of the tire pressure checks I do are when I'm hired as the crew.