Which set up is more aggressive?

[Craig 930 RS]

Ah I see now. Skip the suspension settings I recommended then.
Use the SO3s for the track.

[Wil Ferch]

I'm going to say something that won't be very popular....and I've hinted at this point before in other threads....

As long as we're talking "for the street" , almost any high-end performance tire and mildly aggressive suspension settings will work, and differences will be hard ( impossible ?) to see at street speeds, even illegal street speeds. The primary place you'll notice any difference is in high-g cornering, almost at the limit...which you'd be crazy to do on the street. The car can "unzipper" at a moment's notice and you've killed someone or wrapped yourself around a telephone poll.

Even if you (realistically) say 5-10% track time....as to actual "hours" on the track relative to street, most people who do 1-2 DE's a year will actually see this percentage be closer to 1%.

I think the core of most of these questions is that people want a sharp response tire at reasonably aggressive street speeds, something that won't feel like it's "folding over" in the turns, and gives good steering and braking response. Any one of the top 10 tires in a given performance category will likely be able to fill the bill. The same goes for these small-increments of suspension setting changes.....

IMHO.....

Wil

[RSBob]

Thanks for the responses Wil, Jim, and Craig. I have 6's in front and 7's in back shod with SO3s, 205/55/15s. The Dunlops were 206/60/15s. I expected a more confident feel with the Bridgestone's due to the lower sidewall and more advanced tread pattern. The real test would be to interchange the SRDs, but they are gone. I may just have to cinch-down the shoulder harness, for a more accurate comparison, but feel rather idiotic wearing a full harness (boy racer) when driving the streets as well as being a flag to coppers. A black harness would definitely be less noticable. Just rambling.

Any final thoughts? If not, thanks again guys. Rick

[Craig 930 RS]

Wil hit it right on the nose.

I alluded to the same thing; therefore ignore the settings I sent.

Your driving is mostly street - a midlly neg camber setup, say 1.2 front and 1.5 rear will serve you well for mostly street and beginning/easy to moderate track use.

Take it easy on the street...I've seen a lot of local P-car guys hauing arse on the street at track speeds. Hate to read about ya in the obits.

[Randy W]

Rick, your SO3s with their higher grip level should feel more planted. That said, the breakaway characteristics of Dunlops is more progressive, even if the grip level is much lower. The alignment settings are not that different, so I doubt if that's the main contributor. Seats are important but more for keeping you from holding on by the steering wheel - your seat of the pants feel should still come thru pretty well. It may be that the SO3s are exposing something in your suspension that is slightly amiss. I know you have double adjustable Konis so I would play with those and tire pressures first - try 33/36. BTW, I wouldn't use the shoulder straps of your 5pts on the track or street without additional roll over protection (autocross is OK). If you use your SO3s on a warm track day, you will wear them out quickly. Contact me - I have something you can borrow in the summer. Happy holidays!

[RSBob]

Thanks Randy for the reply. I am running much less air per Monty's recommedation (22/26). Maybe they are just too soft. I will try your inflation recommendation first. I had the suspension completely gone through the summer before last and only have 1200 miles on it so after adjusting tires pressures, the Konis would be next area to check.

Thank you for the offer of the summer-wear!

Happy holidays!

Rick

[Wil Ferch]

32/34 psi (cold) is a good starting point for inflation pressures for street tires...hot, they will likely increase 6 psi on a track.

If..OTOH..your'e doing autocross where the tires don't heat up as much...try inching upward near the hot pressure setting...

Wil

[RSBob]

Thanks Randy, Wil, Craig and a Merry Christmas to all respondants and those following along!

[Craig 930 RS]

Glad we could help a little.
See you at Pacific Raceways in early January?
http://www.proformanceraceschool.com/schedule.html