[Z06] Rear tire traction
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Rear tire traction
I have been using Michelin PS2 tires on my 2004 Z06. The tires are great when new but seem to harden and lose traction long before the tread wears out. Example - I currently have 19,000 miles on the tires with 7/32's tread remaining but traction under acceleration is dramatically reduced. I can spin the tires virtually anywhere in first gear and up to about 50 MPH in second.
Does anyone have a suggestion of a better tire? Has anyone else noted this loss of traction?
Thanks
Does anyone have a suggestion of a better tire? Has anyone else noted this loss of traction?
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
Check your tire manufacture date and report back - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1551506034-post27.html
Amount of tread left is insignificant if the rubber is old and dry.
Amount of tread left is insignificant if the rubber is old and dry.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Rear tire traction
Check your tire manufacture date and report back - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1551506034-post27.html
Amount of tread left is insignificant if the rubber is old and dry.
Amount of tread left is insignificant if the rubber is old and dry.
Thanks
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: Woodstock Ga
I went from 315 PS2s back to stock size 295 BFG KDW IIs on mine and have noticed significantly better traction. I definitely was in danger of losing traction anywhere in first w/ the PS2s, usually would start to spin toward the top of first pretty consistently and at any slow roll in first for sure. No idea how old they were, as they came on the car when I purchased it. The BFGs will not break loose anywhere near as easily, no doubt about it. No danger of breaking traction at the top of first, can absolutely stand on it from like 15 mph roll and just fly.
Kinda thought I would be downgrading when I went w/ the KDWs after picking up a nail right at the sidewall in one of the rear PS2s. Couldn't afford to go w/ PS2s when I was spending my money, lol.
Anyway, they were probably old but the BFGs have been noticeably better. Very aggressive looking tread pattern too IMO.
Kinda thought I would be downgrading when I went w/ the KDWs after picking up a nail right at the sidewall in one of the rear PS2s. Couldn't afford to go w/ PS2s when I was spending my money, lol.
Anyway, they were probably old but the BFGs have been noticeably better. Very aggressive looking tread pattern too IMO.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
I went from 315 PS2s back to stock size 295 BFG KDW IIs on mine and have noticed significantly better traction. I definitely was in danger of losing traction anywhere in first w/ the PS2s, usually would start to spin toward the top of first pretty consistently and at any slow roll in first for sure. No idea how old they were, as they came on the car when I purchased it. The BFGs will not break loose anywhere near as easily, no doubt about it. No danger of breaking traction at the top of first, can absolutely stand on it from like 15 mph roll and just fly.
Kinda thought I would be downgrading when I went w/ the KDWs after picking up a nail right at the sidewall in one of the rear PS2s. Couldn't afford to go w/ PS2s when I was spending my money, lol.
Anyway, they were probably old but the BFGs have been noticeably better. Very aggressive looking tread pattern too IMO.
Kinda thought I would be downgrading when I went w/ the KDWs after picking up a nail right at the sidewall in one of the rear PS2s. Couldn't afford to go w/ PS2s when I was spending my money, lol.
Anyway, they were probably old but the BFGs have been noticeably better. Very aggressive looking tread pattern too IMO.
Those BFGs have a very cool tread pattern, and I've heard nothing but good about their traction. Too bad they don't go above 295s.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
19,000 miles on performance type tires is too many miles and too old of rubber.
Tread depth has nothing to do with traction. actually the less tread the better the traction. more rubber on the road is more traction.
Tread depth has nothing to do with traction. actually the less tread the better the traction. more rubber on the road is more traction.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Of course newer is better, but Sport Rider Mag (in 2005) said do not buy motorcycle tires older than 7 years. I think 18 month old car tires will be just fine.
When I started club racing bikes, my tires would "heat cycle" prior to wearing out ie there was tread left but the grip was gone. They say the catalyst comes out of the rubber every time you put tires through a heat cycle, which is why its always nice to use tire warmers before and after your stints (to slow the cool down cycle).
I assume tires for the street do not heat cycle as bad as race only tires, but should still heat cycle.
Some info:
http://insideracingtechnology.com/tirebkexerpt3.htm
When I started club racing bikes, my tires would "heat cycle" prior to wearing out ie there was tread left but the grip was gone. They say the catalyst comes out of the rubber every time you put tires through a heat cycle, which is why its always nice to use tire warmers before and after your stints (to slow the cool down cycle).
I assume tires for the street do not heat cycle as bad as race only tires, but should still heat cycle.
Some info:
http://insideracingtechnology.com/tirebkexerpt3.htm
Last edited by rayrevolver; May 23, 2011 at 08:15 PM.
