slicks

Discussion in 'PSI Superchargers Tech Questions' started by moldenhauerracing, Jun 10, 2012.

  1. moldenhauerracing

    moldenhauerracing New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2011
    Messages:
    171
    Likes Received:
    0
    I am in the staging lanes waiting to make a pass on my dragster, wondering about tire pressure and growth.My question is this, do differsnt slick compounds react to ambient temperatue more than others,and is the growth a direct relationship to sun or temperature. If the temp is 98 with 90 humidity does covering your tire really help if there is a cloudy day with the high temp and humidity?
     
    #1
    moldenhauerracing, Jun 10, 2012
  2. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2004
    Messages:
    4,630
    Likes Received:
    189
    Growth is caused by the spin of the tire. Centrifugal force and not by pressure, temperature or humidity. The temperature and direct sun on the track effect the traction compound mixing with the laid down rubber and the traction quality of the track. I can really see and measure this with my Traction Meter that I use on the track prior to us making a run. The temperature of the tire either caused by the direct sun or by ambient temperature effects the tire pressure and if not adjusted right before the run will effect the size of the tire's contact patch on the track. I don't see that humidity will have any effect on the track or the tire. Yes, keep those tire's covered if the sun is out to keep the temperature stable so the pressure remains stable.
     
    #2
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2012
    Mike Canter, Jun 10, 2012
  3. Money Shot

    Money Shot Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2009
    Messages:
    244
    Likes Received:
    2
    Nitrogen

    Has anyone ever used nitrogen rather than compressed air on slicks? Seems to maintain pressure on street tires.
     
    #3
    Money Shot, Jun 12, 2012
  4. JustinatAce

    JustinatAce Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2008
    Messages:
    599
    Likes Received:
    9
    I might argue that point since the last two sets of tires I've had on my street car were installed with Nitrogen fill.. Living in a climate that changes summer/winter daily, still lost/gained pressure consistent with regular old air. That being said, I'm sure Fuel guys and Pro Stock guys have tried Nitrogen at some point.. Yet they all seem to still use air.

    Yes, the sun, and temperature itself will directly effect the pressure in your tires. All you can do is be consistent about when/where you check them and do consistent burnouts since you're usually bringing the tire temp up close to or past the temp of the track. It's just good practice to treat them like skin and keep them covered so when there is sun, whomever is in charge of setting pressure isn't trying to bleed out a half pound of air before you pull up to the water box. And when there isn't sun, you're not exposing the tires to more UV rays than you have to.

    Does it matter in the long run? Maybe not, but as with anything in racing, if it helps you feel more comfortable, a little extra work is worth it.
     
    #4
    JustinatAce, Jun 12, 2012

Share This Page





XenPorta 2 PRO © Jason Axelrod from 8WAYRUN.COM