rpwolf

Quick info:
2004 silvertone AP2
113k miles
racing stock class autocross (they allow for anytire that fits the rim and modification of ONE sway bar)
central FL weather

Conti DW 225F/255R
Gendron FSB 1.25"x.25" with bearing mounts

I wanted to keep a long, maybe get some ideas, keep a log of what im doing, and analyze my experiences.

I will add more later this week, just wanted to get this started.

rpwolf

Instead of going with the usual grippy tires like the RS3, R1R, Starpecs (ive actually tested different cars with those tires), I decided to go budget and get the Conti DW. I know these tires are definitely holding me back at autocross events, they are not too bad in terms of grip.

It would be unfair to compare these tires with the common stickier street tires but whatever.
The sidewalls a really thin, the response sucks, but they're pretty good in the wet.
I raced against a Z06 and a 911 and right out the gate I was quicker until the track started to dry out.

For the tires to be stable at the limit i had to go up to about 37-38psi hot in the dry
I could of gone a tab bit lower in the wet but the sidewalls would be too mushy.

Yes these are comfortable tire and theyre cheap and the wet performance is good
but i cant wait until i get a second set of wheels for some real tires.

rpwolf

I think its time for new compliance bushings since the bushings are cracking and im losing range in alignment adjustment.
When i bought this car the tabs for the eccentric adjusters were mostly bent and the caster adjuster was riding up out of it slot.
Ive seen people replace the bolt and be okay, hopefully my situation is the same...

Ive tried several alignment specs this season to see the sensitivity of the car
stock ap2 settings
max camber stock toe
max camber, slight toe in front and back
max camber, zero toe front and back
max camber, front slight toe out, rear 1/4" total toe

my favorite and current is
6.5 caster
max front camber
zero toe front

1.5* rear camber
.40* total toe

at least with the current tires, less camber in the rear allowed me to ride the limits without the car losing too much grip.
zero toe in the front is kinda annoying for a DD but feels good turning in.
The Gendron sway bar with bearing mounts makes this car so much better. I might try removing the rear bar to keep the rear flatter for the next event.

matthugie

Don't remove the rear bar, it isn't class legal and you'll be better off just stiffening the Gendron by one hole if the car is currently too loose.

rpwolf

Im not sure if the gutted caged 911 is class legal either but you're right, I'll try stiffening the front first.

Also forgot to mention, I tried racing with full fuel load vs minimal amount and removing the spare. The rear seem much more stable with a full fuel tank.

I think a good bit of head ache came from a light rear, especially since the rear inward tire likes to lift on fast transitions.

decepticondc5

holy toe batman. 0.40" total toe is overkill on an AP2.

thomsbrain

I was going to post the exact thing, with the exact same phrasing.

The DWs are a decent daily driver tire in that they are very cheap, ride very soft, are great in the rain, and offer more grip than an all-season. But they're so limp! I got all kinds of weird wear on my Accord because the carcass is always falling over and deforming in the corners, even with high pressures.

rpwolf

I know its high but its still considered within range of spec
.12 to .44 is the range iirc.

Since im having caster issues, and the sidewalls are made of paper, it helps me exit more aggressively.
increasing the sway bar stiffness will definitely help, Im sure when i get to good tires and fix the bushings the front end will feel better, allowing me better control at the limit.

rpwolf

sorry if these are huge, this is the current situation
not sure how this happened, im thinking its the bushing thats causing the eccentric bolts to ride over.
so new mounts and eccentrics are going in.

RedCelica

I ran the DWs on track once and they were awful. Great street tire, but not track worthy imo.

I also agree that .40 is way too much toe. Go .20 max, I run .16.