Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan L
OK, I'm all ears. But why do people upsize tyres for more grip? On this basis, are you saying I could run less rubber and have same footprint.
Alan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cajundaddy
I gotta call BS on this one. Looking forward to the physics explaining this.
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While Richard is off doing something else, I have not contributed for awhile . . .
Before calling BS too loudly, Richard is having a little fun with you gentlemen. There are two hidden and critical pieces behind the physics.
Alan, you can achieve the same TOTAL AREA footprint with narrower tires AT THE SAME PRESSURES. The problem will be the SHAPE of that footprint (contact patch). The wider tire offers more lateral grip, where the contact patch is wider from side-to-side -- better for cornering, not as good for drag racing!
The other element is this: with a wider tire, one can generally run LOWER pressures, further adding to the area of the contact patch. Physics: The PSI can be slightly lower because the VOLUME of the air inside the tire is greater.
I know I should have let you gentlemen figure this out on your own, but I couldn't resist.
Ed