triumphs
[Top] [All Lists]

RE: Tire Pressure

To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: Tire Pressure
From: Randall Young <ryoung@NAVCOMTECH.COM>
Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 09:17:06 -0700 . cpqcorp.net>
> My stock TR6 has Falken 205 / 65R15 tires.  What should be the
> front / rear tire pressure for normal street use?
>
> Bentley says 20 front / 24 rear, but that was based on tire
> technology almost 30 years ago.

Bill :

Other's opinions will vary, here's mine :

Tire pressure is by no means an exact science, it's a tradeoff between many
factors.  Car makers almost always like to go for the low end of the range,
it makes the ride more 'comfortable' and they consider it makes the handling
'safer' in that the tires will generally develop huge slip angles and mush
about before losing traction.

Personally, I much prefer the high end of the range, at or just a few psi
below the maximum rated pressure.  It can make the ride a bit harsher, but
ultimate traction is usually much better and the steering is more
responsive.  Also improves tire wear and gas mileage a bit.

My suggestion is to go to the max pressure shown on the sidewall, and try
driving the car.  If it feels too harsh or jittery, try backing off a few
psi and try again.  Be aware that you will probably get less 'notice' when
approaching the limits of adhesion in a corner, the steering will feel just
fine until all of a sudden it doesn't.  If you like to push the limits, a
little practice in a safe area might be a good idea.  You could even visit a
SCCA SOLO-II practice autocross event and take a few runs with varying
pressures, if you want.

YMMV
Randall

///  triumphs@autox.team.net mailing list
///  To unsubscribe send a plain text message to majordomo@autox.team.net
///  with nothing in it but
///
///     unsubscribe triumphs
///
///  or try  http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>