First time with non-run flats for HPDE what will be different on track
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
First time with non-run flats for HPDE what will be different on track
I've been running Firestone wide ovals FRT on a 2007 base coupe for MY HPDE's. I just put on a set of non-run flats (Cooper Zeon RS3-S) and this will be my first time doing a HPDE with non-run flats. Both tires are classed as UHP tires and the tread wear rating is almost the same 320 vs 300.
My question is how or will the car handle different with the non-run flats vs run flats?
Running Summit Point this weekend.
My question is how or will the car handle different with the non-run flats vs run flats?
Running Summit Point this weekend.
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
This is my first year doing HPDE so I'm still learning how to be a smooth driver and getting a feel for how a car reacts to my inputs. I'm not ready for R spec tires yet and the car is a DD.
#4
Tech Contributor
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My experience with the Firestone run flats from a long time ago showed they were softer than the EMTs and not all that different than a non run flat tire. Compared to the original EMTs delivered on the C5s the Firestones were 4 seconds quicker in the wet on the same car running an autocross on a Go Kart track than those original EMTs were on a dry track. If Bridgestone/Firestone kept up the performance in the WO RFT then you may not notice much difference.
Bill
Bill
#5
Track Junky
You will definitely feel the sidewall flex. Feels almost as if the car takes a split seconds to "set" into the corner. At first it feels a bit sloppy (almost like the car floats for a second before firming up) but you will get used to it after a session or two. I went from Wide Ovals to PS2's and could even feel the difference on the street.
#6
Burning Brakes
My experience with the Firestone run flats from a long time ago showed they were softer than the EMTs and not all that different than a non run flat tire. Compared to the original EMTs delivered on the C5s the Firestones were 4 seconds quicker in the wet on the same car running an autocross on a Go Kart track than those original EMTs were on a dry track. If Bridgestone/Firestone kept up the performance in the WO RFT then you may not notice much difference.
Bill
Bill
#7
Racer
Thread Starter
My experience with the Firestone run flats from a long time ago showed they were softer than the EMTs and not all that different than a non run flat tire. Compared to the original EMTs delivered on the C5s the Firestones were 4 seconds quicker in the wet on the same car running an autocross on a Go Kart track than those original EMTs were on a dry track. If Bridgestone/Firestone kept up the performance in the WO RFT then you may not notice much difference.
Bill
Bill
#8
Racer
Thread Starter
You will definitely feel the sidewall flex. Feels almost as if the car takes a split seconds to "set" into the corner. At first it feels a bit sloppy (almost like the car floats for a second before firming up) but you will get used to it after a session or two. I went from Wide Ovals to PS2's and could even feel the difference on the street.
Thanks
#9
Track Junky
Good luck! I will be at the track tomorrow as well...
#11
Racer
Thread Starter
Taken19 the first day I wish I had my FS wide ovals back on the car but I worked thur it. I went 2 tires off 4 times I think in the first session. I think my instructor had a little to do with that. He had me brake early and get on the gas early going into turn 1 so I was carrying more speed than I'm use too. The tire pressure went up 10 psig the first session 29 to 39. Tires felt greasey above 37psig. I liked Sunday's session 2 and 3 to be the best with 34 to 36psig and overcast sky.
Go to my thread on half track drill and check out my youtube clip. I got the tires talking that weekend.
The low point of the weekend was having to check my ego and let a miata pass me on the track. Better than letting the miata pass me while I'm in the tire wall.
Overall not a bad tire for its 300 ware rating but I'm no tire expert.
Go to my thread on half track drill and check out my youtube clip. I got the tires talking that weekend.
The low point of the weekend was having to check my ego and let a miata pass me on the track. Better than letting the miata pass me while I'm in the tire wall.
Overall not a bad tire for its 300 ware rating but I'm no tire expert.