Virgin On Full Slicks

[S13Deviat]

Howdy All,

It seems the market is not wanting some 16" full slicks, so i cant sell em, so i might as well use em

Thus my dilehma...

I have never ever run full slicks and have NFI on setup to account for these. So, the tyres are:

205x50x16 Falken RS Full Racing Slicks, 99% tread.

So they will be going onto my R32 GTR rims under my S13 Silvia. The car is usual kerb weight, minus rear seats, so approx 1200kg?!!??

Okay so my questions are (considering will be doing Eastern Creek)

1. Do i need to scrub in slicks? If so, how?

2. What PSI do you run in slicks?

3. Should i adjust the coilovers to soften them up a bit (apparently you so this as there is no flex/give in the slicks tyre wall??)

4. What will be the difference in car attributes, going from an RE55 to these?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as i want to make the most out of these puppies

Thanks In Advance!

Ando

[Duncan]

1. Do i need to scrub in slicks? If so, how?

Absolutely, they will be terrible for the first lap or 2. just take it easy, don't overheat them.

2. What PSI do you run in slicks?

Check with falken, but on a medium weight car I would expect 28-30 hot.

3. Should i adjust the coilovers to soften them up a bit (apparently you so this as there is no flex/give in the slicks tyre wall??)

I would leave them, or go harder. You should get a little more grip so will roll a little more. But I guess you are only talking about shocks not spring rates so try them the same.

4. What will be the difference in car attributes, going from an RE55 to these?

not a lot actually, re55s are great tyres and I've never tried the falken slicks. I would expect a little more mid corner grip and that they would let go a little sooner.

[S13Deviat]

1. Do i need to scrub in slicks? If so, how?

Absolutely, they will be terrible for the first lap or 2. just take it easy, don't overheat them.

Dont over heat them? Since i am doing supersprints they will only see about 4-5 laps max at one time.... that what u mean by overheat, longevity? Or dont give em a thrashing?

2. What PSI do you run in slicks?

Check with falken, but on a medium weight car I would expect 28-30 hot.

Thanks, but what would that equate to on cold PSI? How much increase do you get out of a slick?

3. Should i adjust the coilovers to soften them up a bit (apparently you so this as there is no flex/give in the slicks tyre wall??)

I would leave them, or go harder. You should get a little more grip so will roll a little more. But I guess you are only talking about shocks not spring rates so try them the same.

Im talking about the adjustable dooby thingy (damper??) on the top of my Tein Superstreets.... lol... see told you i have NFI

4. What will be the difference in car attributes, going from an RE55 to these?

not a lot actually, re55s are great tyres and I've never tried the falken slicks. I would expect a little more mid corner grip and that they would let go a little sooner.

When you say let go a little sooner... are you stating they will loose traction before a RE55?? Or the tyres wont last as long as a semi slick? What i am personally hoping for is a little more grip coming out of a corner, reducing oversteer. I find i need precise throttle control and even then i am struggling to get ooppmh to the tarmac! Maybe it also has to do with the alignment being shot, ie. -2 camber on rears... OOPS

EDIT* Sorry my responses above in BOLD if not obvious

Thanks heaps Duncan

[Marlin]

I'm considering purchasing a set of slick my my sump-standard R32 GTSt. I would have bought yours Ando but they're a little small.

I have a question I've been wanting to ask, do you guys think the added grip of slicks will tip mine over the edge? Oil surge I'm talking about..... I run it about a litre over-full and have had no issues on treated r tyres (but having said that I don't have a "real" pressure gauge, and the factory one is as shit as can be as you know).

[S13Deviat]

Good point Ben, didnt think about that (oil surge). I am aware that by running a grippier tyre, it will put a little extra 'pressure' on components, potentially enlightning me to the next weakest point....

I always over fill by about 500ml - 1L, but have an aftermarket oil pressure guage. Track work sees it float betweem 1.2 - 4 bar. Sometimes it drops to about 1 bar which is still ok i think! But thats talkin about a tractor SR20 Not sure about your RB20 donk....

[Duncan]

sorry Iain I was typing before my first coffee. the slicks will hold on a little longer than re55 (not too much though, re55 are pretty good) but will let go suddenly.

re overheating when brand new....I mean don't go out and weave like an f1 driver for the first lap....let them come up to temp over 2 easy laps...then give it plenty.

slicks will increase by exactly the same amount as semis, its still air inside. so go with whatever you use for the re55s. For Oran Park I would start with RR -2psi, RF -4psi, LF -5psi, RR-3psi. But silvia may be different.

BTW when you talk about traction issues at the rear....that is the driver's job to control not they tyre's apex a little later, come out a little straighter, and apply throttle more gradually. Unlike mx5 where it would be earlier apex and on the gas before you get there probably.

[hrd-hr30]

Good point Ben, didnt think about that (oil surge). I am aware that by running a grippier tyre, it will put a little extra 'pressure' on components, potentially enlightning me to the next weakest point....

I always over fill by about 500ml - 1L, but have an aftermarket oil pressure guage. Track work sees it float betweem 1.2 - 4 bar. Sometimes it drops to about 1 bar which is still ok i think! But thats talkin about a tractor SR20 Not sure about your RB20 donk....

just buy one of those GReddy copy sumps, if you haven't already. cheap insurance. http://www.justjap.com/store/product.php?p...=317&page=1

[Noddy]

I have been running slicks for about a year running at Morgan, Lakeside and QR with a stock sump in my 33. I run it about 750ml over full and havent had a problem yet, maybe I dont push it hard enough on them. I think the oil surge problem is more prevalent in GTR's with their 4wd cheat systems.

Keep it real 2wd brethren!

[Marlin]

Ok great Noddy thanks mate, I know I do see the facory gauge move around a little on occasion, but they're so innaccurate and so slow to react that I mostly ignore it. Plus I oil change the thing often and always cut the filters, no metal as yet. *touch wood as it's a big $ race engine*

I just want to go slicks, not to actually go any quicker, but from the experience I've had with them (albeit minimal), they're a little cheaper to buy and should last longer. Would anyone agree? Would anyone be game to recommend a brand?

I've done over 800 track klm on these treaded Dunlop 03G's now, which I think is excellent value, but they're well past their best now.

I think alot of us operate in a bit of a "bubble" of sorts, go to a race meet and mention you run on treaded tyres because you're "just used to it", people look at you like you have a massive absys on your face.

[S13Deviat]

sorry Iain I was typing before my first coffee. the slicks will hold on a little longer than re55 (not too much though, re55 are pretty good) but will let go suddenly.

re overheating when brand new....I mean don't go out and weave like an f1 driver for the first lap....let them come up to temp over 2 easy laps...then give it plenty.

slicks will increase by exactly the same amount as semis, its still air inside. so go with whatever you use for the re55s. For Oran Park I would start with RR -2psi, RF -4psi, LF -5psi, RR-3psi. But silvia may be different.

BTW when you talk about traction issues at the rear....that is the driver's job to control not they tyre's apex a little later, come out a little straighter, and apply throttle more gradually. Unlike mx5 where it would be earlier apex and on the gas before you get there probably.

Thanks again Duncan! So in short, more grip but will really spit me around if they let go... FUN

Rest of the info makes sense, appreciate it champ!

As for driver input.. thats why i said i really have to concentrate on throttle input exiting the corners... which i am fine with, BUT hey, who doesnt want a little more grip on the cheat

I will try the "late apex" thought.... but for a novice driver like me, im sure i will quickly forget Oh and also work on my steering wheel technique LOL

just buy one of those GReddy copy sumps, if you haven't already. cheap insurance. http://www.justjap.com/store/product.php?p...=317&page=1

Yep on the shopping list when i can afford it My stock sump already has a custom 'ridge' thanks to the ripple strip (Suttons @ OP)

I have been running slicks for about a year running at Morgan, Lakeside and QR with a stock sump in my 33. I run it about 750ml over full and havent had a problem yet, maybe I dont push it hard enough on them. I think the oil surge problem is more prevalent in GTR's with their 4wd cheat systems.

Keep it real 2wd brethren!

Good to hear! Anyone suggest if 500ml is enough 'overfill' in an SR20? Or should it be 750ml - 1L?

One question too.... which Ben just breifly touched on .... whats the wear life on slicks like? Can i expect to get a couple of supersprint rounds out of em? Also how do i know they are shot (apart from feel)... ie semis you can tell by tread wear (camber) etc...

[hrd-hr30]

One question too.... which Ben just breifly touched on .... whats the wear life on slicks like? Can i expect to get a couple of supersprint rounds out of em? Also how do i know they are shot (apart from feel)... ie semis you can tell by tread wear (camber) etc...

slicks have wear indicators too. circular dimples in the 'tread' face

[S13Deviat]

slicks have wear indicators too. circular dimples in the 'tread' face

O'Rly........... ha shows how muh i know about em or even looked at em... thanks for the info thou harry!

[Beer Baron]

yeah they still have tread just the same as normal tires, just none of it has been cut away to make funny patterns.

I was seriously considering buying your slicks too mate, but at 205 they are pretty narrow for a silvia with 1200kg+ driver and 200+rwkw that's all that held me back. if they were 235 or so I'd have been in for sure. if your RE55s were 235s or something you may find yourself going backwards in going to a narrower slicks as 205 is quite a small tyre on a car with that much weight and power.

[S13Deviat]

Yeah i am too concerned about the skinny width.... I was trying to sell these to fund some more RE55's, but no bites I cant afford new ones outright so my only option is to run on these. My current RE55's i have had for 12 months, done about 12 events, so quite a few laps... I have flat spotted 3 of the 4 to the point where i am getting serious vibrations... so they have lasted a very long time, but are pretty much shagged. So, i am thinking they may still be slightly better than running the RE55's, although losing the tire width....

Thanks again to everyones replies! If anyone knows anyone who needs some 16" slicks for a smaller vehicle, Honda, MX5 etc etc let me know

Surely someone needs some cheapo 16's

[evil_weevil]

I'll see if any hairdressers need them

[benm]

What do you need slicks for Baron I havent seen you at any of our events for a couple of years

[evil_weevil]

What do you need slicks for Baron I havent seen you at any of our events for a couple of years

LOL!!!

Perhaps Rich should buy them and come out with us sometime!

[Duncan]

hard or medium slicks should last longer than a set of re55s, so 4-6 days of hard work. depends on how heavy the car is, how your camber is, how many heat cycles they go through etc.

like many tyres they will go "off" before they get down to the wear indicators....so get in there and use them hard.

I'm chucking a set of slicks onto the race car for the sau oran park day too, should be great fun

[benm]

Everytime i'm at Gordon Leven's he talks me out of full slicks (for my little car) because as duncan said they will go off and lose grip before you wear them out. The constant heat cycles of our trackday sessions is worse than just throwing them on and driving non stop till they are down to the wear markers.

Also, he has most sizes of semi + slicks for under $100 used (by used I mean 1 trackday or 1 supersprint event).

[msnismo]

Hey Virgin

Remember the fail boat photo of my car at Wakie??? That was the slicks letting go massively (dave was driving that one)... its all grip then its like ICE with no in between.... well that's how I find them anyways, but I kept pushing them as I couldn't believe how much faster we were getting through the corners compared to normal street tyres and the old hard semi's I had! (I do believe Cassbo reposted that photo up in the OP thread)

Oh and don't flat spot em like I did my first go out on them.... It will always find the same flatspot all day under braking

If you need some 265's ... there is a pile of em here