2024 Dark Horse Handling Package - Tire Change

[D/\rK•650]

Well, mainly because I like wide tires.
But I also don't feel like 325's are too wide for this car yet and supposedly they'll fit without rubbing.

So, there's nothing scientific about it by any means. Just personal preference.

Roger that...cheers

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[Junkyard Dog]

First things first - I am not a tire expert or some super fast track hero. So it could be that you are a better driver or drive harder than me and found the limits, whereas I am poking along in comparison.

Mine are slippery when I start out, especially lately as we have had a cold snap here where it might be 60° F when I start out in the morning darkness, like this morning when I awoke at 5 a.m. to meet some clients early who had an issue for me to solve. The tires slip at the slightest prodding of the pedal, especially when stopped and making a turn, like turning right from a driveway or stop sign.

But by the time I have driven to have them hot enough for the little gravel to stick, they stick.

You ask what is my definition of warmed up, but I do not have a tire temperature gauge or anything. I will describe it as best I can: Several PSI more pressure and after driving high speed, for example, 84 mph on the interstate for a stretch, gravel sticks to them, and when I push the car in turns where my Audi was approaching its limits (on PS4s Michelins), the Trofeo RS sticks so hard I feel like I am nowhere near the limits. That is not a very scientific measurement or anything, but they are not slippery or lacking in traction, and they do better than I remember in another car with Michelins (by remember, though, I do have an objective comparison, because I know the actual speed I used to push and I can look at the speedometer in the Mustang and honestly feel that there is a lot more speed that I could push if I wanted to be irresponsible).

I am extra careful when they are cold and not afraid to push it a little when they are hot.

Here is something else, though. Other than driving a little fast (yes, my standard speed on the interstate is 84, and I set the cruise control because I will be buzzing along at 95 if I rely on my right foot and my own sense of speed, not smart), I kind of baby the tires most of the time. Other than one track day of about 2.5 hours where I was practically melting the outside three inches of tread (I should have snapped a photo but did not think about it at the time), I mainly drive around pretty responsibly and maturely. My tires still have plenty of tread (lol, I mean in comparison to when new, I realize they did not start out with a lot of tread). Maybe that has something to do with it? I don't do burnouts or drifting or anything like that.


Rain, though, scares me to death with these tires. They hydroplane on any standing water and are super slippery if the road is even damp, making my roundabout trips more fun but interstate driving downright scary.

Many thanks! I can say that by the time my Trofeos were slipping and sliding, at no point would they hold pebbles, rocks, etc. I did get caught in the rain before the 2k mark and just kept my inputs smooth and since it was Texas, the rain was gone in about 5 minutes :-/

based on what you describe I probably gave them a bit more work to do on the street and shortened their lifespan Like you, I’m not a drifter and I was warned here of the cost so burn outs were not on the agenda. now, 60-0 stops, yeah... I may have tested the limits a few times. Ok a lot of times.

Well, I had the local dealership change the oil with my oil and filter purchased on RockAuto. There is a checklist when they deliver the car back to you, fluids, brake pad life, tread depth. I was surprised when reviewing the checklist to learn that my Trofeo RS tires, which have 4700 miles and have survived a Track Day, have more than 7/32" tread depth, especially considering that they come with less than this from the factory.

I also asked the parts guy about Whipple superchargers. You would have thought I asked if he would sell me Oxycontin.

 

[DRKKNITE]

So problem solved. I was able to find the Micheline PS4 - 315/30/R19 - 305/30/R19 and the car finally drives like a car. Very little tramlining. I went to turn off the lane assist but it seemed to only have a low setting. I have to dig deeper.

So overall first impressions are:

- The PS4 tires are much better for roads in my area
- I do feel we should have had an option at purchase. Paying $3000.00 Canadian just for tires that last longer than 10,000 km seems insane
- They appear to be a bit lower profile so now it looks like the car needs to be lowered. Well that will be a next Summer problem
- I decided to keep the car. I was going to sell it if this didn't change the ride

So if you are feeling like I was, that this car was not riding well and felt all over the road, do yourself a favor and change the tires before you sell it. You might just change your mind.

Thanks to everyone for all of your help.

 

[Sofa King]

So problem solved. I was able to find the Micheline PS4 - 315/30/R19 - 305/30/R19 and the car finally drives like a car. Very little tramlining. I went to turn off the lane assist but it seemed to only have a low setting. I have to dig deeper.

So overall first impressions are:

- The PS4 tires are much better for roads in my area
- I do feel we should have had an option at purchase. Paying $3000.00 Canadian just for tires that last longer than 10,000 km seems insane
- They appear to be a bit lower profile so now it looks like the car needs to be lowered. Well that will be a next Summer problem
- I decided to keep the car. I was going to sell it if this didn't change the ride

So if you are feeling like I was, that this car was not riding well and felt all over the road, do yourself a favor and change the tires before you sell it. You might just change your mind.

Thanks to everyone for all of your help.

Glad you are feeling much safer on the road and keeping the car. I imagine some are happy to get the track capable tires on a track capable car, though a choice at purchase (much like corvette) would probably be appreciated by many more.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

- They appear to be a bit lower profile so now it looks like the car needs to be lowered. Well that will be a next Summer problem

The fronts are 3/10" shorter. Only half of that can contribute to any gap between the tire and fender, so 1.5/10"

.3" halved is

.15"

That is 15 hundredths of an inch.

That is 3.81 mm.

The rears are exactly the same down to the tenth of an inch.

So you need not lower the rear and need to lower the front 0.15 inches.

 

[DRKKNITE]

Damn is it really that little? I'll take a side profile pic on the weekend and see if what I think I am seeing it real. There is a good chance it is not. LOL

 

[Junkyard Dog]

Damn is it really that little? I'll take a side profile pic on the weekend and see if what I think I am seeing it real. There is a good chance it is not. LOL

What did you decide?

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