I have a friend that is an automotive journalist, was given a laser pyrometer last year by some company. He had no use for it, so he gave it to me last night. We've all seen pit crews check tire temps across the treadwidth in CART and F1, and according to some racing simulations you're supposed to adjust tire pressure based on these temp readings.

This sunday is our first autoX, does anyone know if the temperature readings would be a better way to adjust pressure than the old fashioned chalk marks? Am I going way overboard on this? It all boils down to having fun, but winning is nice, too.

Can't wait for Sunday!!!!!!!

 

I prefer the chalk/shoe polish myself, but its been years since I've participated in an autox event.

It might be overkill, but its one of those cool tools you will have and cherish over the years and I'm sure it will get lots of 'ooooh!' <grins>

 

The biggest problem is that the temps only stay put for a very short time after running. You're not running lap after lap at an event so the tires get a "set", either, and it will vary from event to event due to the different course.

To use this effectively, you really need to take it to a test'n'tune day so you don't interfere with the event to stop and quickly check temps. These events will also allow you to spend more time doing something so the tire has a useful reading. Don't forget that you may be using a lot of negative camber which will heat up the inside of the tires due to straights and on the outside due to turns. You need to be able to utilize the temp readings based on repeatable results, not just a one-off reading...