1st Track Event- What Tire Pressure?

[rateike]

This is my first time on a track and I have no idea what tire pressure to start with.

I have autocross experience and would increase the pressure some. I normally run 26 psi all around on my 245/45ZR17 and 315/35ZR17 on the street, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS. I have a 4 bar and no sway bars, Levi Koni shocks and Eibach springs, set up for street use. I am not sure of the spring rate right now.

I am doing this for fun and I do not care if I get passed a lot. I will be with NASA group 1 of the HPDE at Road America this Sat.

I have talked to the chief instruction and he agrees to do the lead/follow techique for me since I only have one roll bar.

Also any general tips would be welcome.

Lee

[LKNSnake]

You'll have a blast! I did a lead - follow for my first track day. My advice is to speak with your instructor both before and after each session so you have a plan going in and provide feedback immediatley after. The communicators don't work so well car-to-car...especially in a C*bra (at least mine didn't).

I have no advice on the pressure but if it were me, I'd start with the same pressure you run on the street. First session will be cold tires and cold track. Everything needs to warm up (including you).

Have fun! Post some video if you can.

[trevor]

I would drop it down to 22 ft and 20 rr...maybe 19 rr.

Your car probably wont handle well with the large tire stagger and 4-link. Be careful getting on the gas at corner exit, nice and easy. Get all your braking done BEFORE you start to turn, NO trail braking. More than likely the car will push on corner exit under power (if it doesnt the earth must be rotating backwards). Modulate the throttle to bring the car to the outside. Youll have a blast!

[rateike]

Thanks. Gordon recommended 22 all around. I think I will start there and then adjust the rear down to 20 on the second time out.

Good point on the commication with the instructor, I hope the car to car works better, but in the Cobra that could still be an issue.

I have some autocross experience and yes the car can push on corner exit so I will be careful there.

Next year maybe new tires with less stagger and a Torsen diff. and front sway bar.

Thanks guys.

Lee

[rateike]

Thanks for the help. It was a good day, I had fun and kept the rubber side down. That was my major goal.

This was my first and I was slow in the curves and fast in the straights. Hit 120 in the straight and could have pushed it more, but the instructor was leading me and I did not have the room.

I do not want to make the Cobra into a track car, so I likely will do this once or twice a year.

Considering some upgrades, second roll bar so the instructor can ride with me. Front anti- roll bar, oil cooler (engine ran hot). Maybe some more but I must take it easy so I keep my wife from raising the $$$ issue.

Lee

[Angel smith]

actually track air pressure are confusing because on which, what track are using is important, its totally depends on ambient temperature, weather conditions.

[Doug R]

Originally Posted by rateike

Considering some upgrades, second roll bar so the instructor can ride with me. Front anti- roll bar, oil cooler (engine ran hot). Maybe some more but I must take it easy so I keep my wife from raising the $$$ issue.

Lee

I would definitely recommend a 3-link upgrade as you first mod. I think that would be the best bang for the buck. Just my 2 cents.