I know there is "traction A" and a hardness rating I believe too. But is there an effective "stickiness" rating?
Tires are getting to be as bad as mattresses for comparing brands. If you want a really sticky tire it won't have a mileage warranty. I've found it best to use Discount tire, they will take back nearly any tires if you aren't happy. Perhaps look for G rating tests on identical cars with different tires.
I'm kind of on the opposite side of most people talking about sticky tires, like racers, who want a sticky tire. I have a car where I'd like the tires to break loose before the trans breaks. That sort of thing. So.. less sticky.
You can figure that the majority of the time a tire with a UTQG treadwear rating that is higher like 400 is going to be less sticky than one with a rating of 100. Here is a link showing what the ratings mean.
I'm kind of on the opposite side of most people talking about sticky tires, like racers, who want a sticky tire. I have a car where I'd like the tires to break loose before the trans breaks. That sort of thing. So.. less sticky.
Street tires, higher hardness rating, and more air pressure.
Really, "stickiness" is only a small part of the equation. Even with the stickiest race compound, a taller, wider tire on a heavier car is going to "stick" more than a shorter, narrower tire, on a lighter car.
You'll want to find the optimal contact patch size for what you want to do, based on the tire load (car + driver and maybe passenger weight), and go from there, really. You'll probably want to keep the overeall diameter the same as stock, to keep the speedo as accurate as possible, and maybe go to a slightly skinnier tire if stock size would be too sticky.
Street tires, higher hardness rating, and more air pressure.
Really, "stickiness" is only a small part of the equation. Even with the stickiest race compound, a taller, wider tire on a heavier car is going to "stick" more than a shorter, narrower tire, on a lighter car.
You'll want to find the optimal contact patch size for what you want to do, based on the tire load (car + driver and maybe passenger weight), and go from there, really. You'll probably want to keep the overeall diameter the same as stock, to keep the speedo as accurate as possible, and maybe go to a slightly skinnier tire if stock size would be too sticky.
Makes sense thanks. Since there are already tires on this car, and they are in good shape I am hoping to figure out how "sticky" they are, and find out they aren't too sticky They are Kumho but Id have to check any other on tire data. Id like to stick to this size for the fit and look. It is a Fiero with 17s on it, its an iron V8 so it has extra weight. My rears are bigger than my fronts, and probably slightly bigger than stock, the speedo is off a tad. So with that said I'm probably already working against myself.
[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 02-27-2017).]
Makes sense thanks. Since there are already tires on this car, and they are in good shape I am hoping to figure out how "sticky" they are, and find out they aren't too sticky They are Kumho but Id have to check any other on tire data. Id like to stick to this size for the fit and look. It is a Fiero with 17s on it, its an iron V8 so it has extra weight. My rears are bigger than my fronts, and probably slightly bigger than stock, the speedo is off a tad. So with that said I'm probably already working against myself.
Have you ever dynoed the car or engine? Do you have any idea how much actual torque it's putting out?
Not a lot, not dynoed but is an apparently stock 1987 305 TPI from a Firebird. So approx 275 ft lbs. Trans is a Fiero Getrag.
Then yeah, standard street tires will probably do fine, just don't go too soft, and don't dump the clutch. If what you want to do is dump the clutch and avoid breaking the trans, well, good luck.
Would hardness be known only by feel or is there an indicator besides the mile rating / treadwear rating.
Just the treadwear rating in the UTQG really. The load rating comes into play a little bit here as well. Softer tires will wear faster and generally have lower load ratings, while harder tires will last longer and have higher load ratings. There's probably a pretty limited range in the tires that will fit on your wheels though, and be an appropriate size for the Fiero.
I once purchased a set of Michelin's with a tread wear rating of 400. Absolutely amazing tires that were smooth as silk and lasted a good long time without any traction issues for a street car. That one purchase has tainted my mind's eye such that I judge all subsequent purchases by those tires. So, my non-scientific seat-o-the-pants recommendation is 400 for a normal family car and less than 400 for a sporty car. And unless you plan on running the standing mile then a speed rating of S or T.
Ill actually agree in part with Doobey. The softer the tire, generally the better the grip...BUT no life. Harder tire may ride a bit harsher, corner a little worse, but will get great mileage. Ive had Michelin's that went 150k on Lincoln and Caddy limos. Ive had Mustangs with grippy Goodyear Eagles go bald in 15k. One of my buddies has a Bentley Continental GT with sticky $450 Pirelli tires that are almost worn out at 10k.
the tyre temps have a big effect on stickiness cold tyres esp race type are not very stickie get them warm and the stickiness goes way up until you get too hot and they shred
So.. less sticky.
