If the sidewall rolls enough, the inner shoulder of the tire will come up,
reducing the contact
patch. Yes, the main effect of higher pressure is quicker response to input due
to the stiffer
sidewall. But it's hard to overinflate a radial enough to get it to bulge in
the center and really
reduce the contact patch. When I was autocrossing the SE-R on street tires, I
kept bumping the tire
pressures and it kept sticking better and better. I finally stopped at 50psi.
The BFG R1's, which
were autocross tires, were happiest at 34psi.
andycost@att.net wrote:
> There have been several comments on air pressure. A
> lower air pressure will give a softer ride while
> increasing contact patch and adhesion. A higher air
> pressure will give a harsher ride, lower temperatures,
> and increase slip. The sidewall rolling under does not
> effect the adhesion of the tire much. It does effect
> the feel and responsiveness as the tire squirms in
> relation to the rim.
--
Gordon Glasgow
http://www.gordon-glasgow.org
|