I was running 25 psi in my Goodyear's and it was pretty cold in the morning - ie high 30s. I don't have a tire temp gauge, but I did try to feel them after a couple of runs - they were warm and a bit soft, but I wouldn't say they were hot. Exactly how do you use a temp gauge to determine if you are cornering close to the limit? I think I understand how to use it for determining air pressure, but am not clear on using it to as an indicator for grip.
I certainly felt like I could have pushed it a bit more on some of the turns and never came close to feeling like it was slipping or going to spin. I've been really happy with the performance of the Goodyears from a traction perspective, but was getting a heck of a vibration through the wheel - like the tires were square - on the straights. I think they were probably completely out of balance as they'd been balanced the day before while cold and new. Any tips on best way to go about getting race tires balanced properly?
Another big issue this time out was that I found out the inside edge of the left rear was scraping the inside of the wheel well on hard right hand cornering. Same on left handers but not as bad since there aren't that many hard ones at RA. I was putting out a big cloud of smoke coming out of #1 and #7. These are 10" Goodyears on standard Trigo 6 pin knock-offs. After a few runs, the edge of the tire got worn down and it stopped. But, I guess I'm either going to have to change the offset of the wheels with a shim, or modify the wheel well. Any ERA owners have this issue?
I'd like to get the car out on a skid pad and see what it'll do, and then next track day just keep pushing it a little bit more each time till I feel it start to drift a little.
I know you racers probably have this down to a science, but I'm just starting to learn, so keep the advice coming.
BTW - All these guys out there driving their Corvettes and Porsches are wimps
- those cars seem to make it too easy vs really having to physically drive something like a Cobra. Really makes you admire the likes of Miles, Bondurant and Gurney
Thanks!
Scott