gForce KD tires
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Southlake TX
gForce KD tires
I bought some gForce KD tires expecting much better traction. I find it still very easy to break loose giving the car gas after coming around a corner. Now a few questions.
Do the tires have to break-in first?
Is street temperature important. It was 20 degrees this weekend in Dallas. I tried heating them up a little, but I guess if the concrete is cold enough to freeze water, I may not be getting any benefit yet.
Just curious as I spent some $$$ for these tires and plan to use them during the summer months for autox and daily driving, then shelve them after last race.
Thanks
Do the tires have to break-in first?
Is street temperature important. It was 20 degrees this weekend in Dallas. I tried heating them up a little, but I guess if the concrete is cold enough to freeze water, I may not be getting any benefit yet.
Just curious as I spent some $$$ for these tires and plan to use them during the summer months for autox and daily driving, then shelve them after last race.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 0
From: NY
Re: gForce KD tires (bigDvette)
I had the same problem when I first bought those tires, You gotta give them some time to break in. About 500 miles or so, then you will notice a difference. Aslo when it's that cold out, lookout, it wont matter what tires you have you will break loose :eek: Just give them time. You will be happy with the results you'll get when it's warm enough, if not take them off and I'll buy them from you :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 0
From: Burlington ON
Cruise-In I, II, III, IV & V Veteran
CI-I & II Auto-X Champ
Re: gForce KD tires (bigDvette)
All utra-high performance tires like the KDs don't perform even close to their best at temperatures that low. The tires werent designed to be used in low temps because they are sold as a dry-traction only tire assuming they will be driven in warm weather only.
I hope you weren't expecting good handling tires with the straight line traction of slicks because it just isnt going to happen.
I assure you that you have the best handling street tire out there and they also have very good street drivability characteristics. I know when the weather warms up and you get a few miles on them, you will be much more impressed with their performance.
I hope you weren't expecting good handling tires with the straight line traction of slicks because it just isnt going to happen.
I assure you that you have the best handling street tire out there and they also have very good street drivability characteristics. I know when the weather warms up and you get a few miles on them, you will be much more impressed with their performance.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Southlake TX
Re: gForce KD tires (MattG)
Thanks MattG.
I figured I was being impatient. My purpose for buying these tires was really for AutoX and some track driving. I wanted a tire I could drive to the track that would give good handling. What I also hope is as the weather warms up, I will be able to get back on the gas after coming around a corner and not throw the rear-end out quite so easily. I didn't expect slick straight line performance.
I figured I was being impatient. My purpose for buying these tires was really for AutoX and some track driving. I wanted a tire I could drive to the track that would give good handling. What I also hope is as the weather warms up, I will be able to get back on the gas after coming around a corner and not throw the rear-end out quite so easily. I didn't expect slick straight line performance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,820
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From: Burlington ON
Cruise-In I, II, III, IV & V Veteran
CI-I & II Auto-X Champ
Re: gForce KD tires (bigDvette)
I have done a lot of AutoX'ing on my KD's and they work awesome. I used to wear the sides off of the Nittos and Runflats I used to run during AutoX. The BFG's hold up like a champ to great cornering abuse. I even got a couple hours of roadcourse lapping on my set. The fronts seem to last forever, but for some reason the rears wear out quicker?? I havent figured out why yet!! :D
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Re: gForce KD tires (MattG)
I had g-force on my SS, it was part of the SLP Package, and now with the new Vette, I got the tires everyone hates. Go figure! I'm not looking forward to replacing these Vette tires, but will definetly get the g-force when I do. I hope when the time comes, I'm not too disappointed. The Vette with running flats, compared to an SS w/Bilsteins, g-force, etc, better not be too comparatve!! Haven't really gotten 'on' my Vette yet, I'm taking baby steps. Jeannie :confused:
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
Re: gForce KD tires (jpniemi)
I have the KD's on my 98 and I really like them. I have not autox'd with them, but have been behind the run flat cars in some pretty wild street driving(it was really pretty safe where we were) and was just all over them in the turns. As everyone says once it warms up a bit, you will be happy.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,820
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From: Burlington ON
Cruise-In I, II, III, IV & V Veteran
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Re: gForce KD tires (Futch)
Do they break a way smooth or suddenly (rear) on hard cornering?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,221
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From: CA
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: gForce KD tires (bigDvette)
I have to agree with matt. I have had them on a roadcourse as well as spirited street driving and have been very impressed with their all around performance. Break them in alittle then make sure you warmed them up and its not too cold out, then let em rip!!! With proper throttle responce they do pretty well even at 649 FWHP. :D
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Southlake TX
Re: gForce KD tires (Jim Davis/Nasty1)
Thanks everyone! That's the assurance I needed. I concur they break away smooth and come back smooth. I can pretty much just ride the wave out and back and never feel like I'm out of control.
As a side note, I did buy the SSS versions (self supporting structure) I asked a lot of people and they said unless I was drag racing and wanting to underinflate, there really is not difference in traction.
I love the forum!
:chevy
As a side note, I did buy the SSS versions (self supporting structure) I asked a lot of people and they said unless I was drag racing and wanting to underinflate, there really is not difference in traction.
I love the forum!
:chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,820
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From: Burlington ON
Cruise-In I, II, III, IV & V Veteran
CI-I & II Auto-X Champ
Re: gForce KD tires (redcorvette1995)
Hey MattG
Was that your Vette that I saw up at ARE today?
I was admiring the wheels on it .
Nice Ride!
So what is it going to make at the rear wheels with the 427?
Was that your Vette that I saw up at ARE today?
I was admiring the wheels on it .
Nice Ride!
So what is it going to make at the rear wheels with the 427?
I am hoping for 480-500rwhp out of the 436ci being dropped in my car. I went with the larger stroke crank to get some killer midrange power to pull me out of the corners on some roadcourses and autocrosses. I am pretty mpumped.. Can't wait to get it back!!