Pilot Sport Cup Ordered...and Tested

rzm3 · 03-01-2011, 12:50 AM

Was going to buy another set of Yokohama AD08 but they were on back order.

Michelin had a special (after gift card, $100 more over AD08), so went ahead and ordered the so-called pinacle of street legal track tire... 265/35/18 and 295/30/18...

Will see how they do this weekend

BTW attached is a very detailed brochure about using the Cup tires...

Now, what tire pressure have people run? The brochure recommends:

Cold: 25F/28R
Hot: 32F/36R

Stormtroooper · 03-01-2011, 01:10 AM

hmmm, very interesting. Good to know, i was looking into getting some myself.

swamp2 · 03-01-2011, 04:24 AM

Wow great brochure and a nice resource for any track enthusiast, running MPSCs or not!

Bubbles · 03-01-2011, 06:22 AM

Can't help you with temps or PSI, but a lot of porsche guys I run with love this tire. Let us know what you think.

lucid · 03-01-2011, 07:29 AM

I went through a set of the + version on the E92 and a regular version on the E30. The regular version really likes heat (I assume that's what you got), but it is not as forgiving when cold as some other r-compound tires. I think I was shooting for 39 hot on the E92. I drove the ones on the E30 until they corded. They were pretty slippery toward the end as expected. They are overpriced IMO unless you had a really good deal (I got the 15" tires for $120 a piece!). As a DE tire, I would buy the NT-01 over these for better price/performance.

dcstep · 03-01-2011, 10:43 AM

Thanks for the brochure. Good luck with the tires.

NRBRNG · 03-01-2011, 10:10 PM

Great brochure. Thanks. I am also keen to learn what you think of them. My RE11's (which were great) are up for replacement soon and I'm looking to likely go 18 inch wheels to widen the tire choice (amongst other things). if I don't, it will likely be the Cups or RE 11's again although the cups are a bit limited in size for the 19.

RickyBobby · 03-01-2011, 11:11 PM

I personally have never understood the allure of the PSC's. They're certainly not a bad tire, but I'm with Lucid in that there are better options out there. Especially for the money.
The 32F/36R sounds like a Porsche recommendation?? I usually run the same F&R (Hot) pressure.

rzm3 · 03-01-2011, 11:31 PM

I will see if these indeed make a significant lap time difference. I did want to get NT01s but the sizes are limited for 18" wheels... and I wanted a staggered set up.

lucid · 03-02-2011, 06:19 AM

Right, now I remember running into the same issue with sizing NT-01s for 18" rims. They don't offer much choice there other than a square 275 setup.

Radiation Joe · 03-02-2011, 07:39 AM

I aggree with RickyBobby about the pressures being for a Porsche. Also, I usually start the day at 30 to 32 psi front and rear. I end the first easy session at around 42+ and reduce to 38 hot. Usually have to reduce pressure again after the second session by 3 or 4 pounds. My target is 38 to 39 hot.

Alekshop · 03-02-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

Was going to buy another set of Yokohama AD08 but they were on back order.

Michelin had a special (after gift card, $100 more over AD08), so went ahead and ordered the so-called pinacle of street legal track tire... 265/35/18 and 295/30/18...

Will see how they do this weekend

BTW attached is a very detailed brochure about using the Cup tires...

Now, what tire pressure have people run? The brochure recommends:

Cold: 25F/28R
Hot: 32F/36R

I told you a few month back that PSC are not that expensive

I see people start with 28/30 cold and go from there ...

RickyBobby · 03-02-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

I will see if these indeed make a significant lap time difference. I did want to get NT01s but the sizes are limited for 18" wheels... and I wanted a staggered set up.

They should definitely make a difference over the yokos. I'd guess 1.5 - 2 seconds. Get some data for us.

RJM3 · 03-02-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrackRat

The PSCs are good but a little dated. The new SuperSport is significantly better based on primary reviews but they are not available in many sizes yet.

isn't PSS a better street version of PS2 ? They looks like a good street tire but I am not sure if they any better than PSC . Tirerack has multiple sizes available for mid april delivery

Jaypod · 03-02-2011, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJM3

isn't PSS a better street version of PS2 ? They looks like a good street tire but I am not sure if they any better than PSC . Tirerack has multiple sizes available for mid april delivery

You are correct. I was at a Motorsports show recently and the Michelin Rep said exactly that, basically the PSS is positioned between the PS2 and the PSC. I am looking forward to hearing some feedback on them. I have a ways to go before my PS2's wear out, but I will look at them for my next setup for the street.

rzm3 · 03-02-2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickyBobby

They should definitely make a difference over the yokos. I'd guess 1.5 - 2 seconds. Get some data for us.

Will do. My recorded best is 1:48.02. Let's see if I can break that.

rzm3 · 03-06-2011, 09:01 PM

Just renewed my record today:

1:46.95. I'd like to think that part of it was my improved driving

My buddy (best HPDE drive I know) did a 1:46.45... and he was taking it easy and trying to coach me.

Initital impression is that the initial grip of Cups is slightly higher than AD08. However as some have said they do get greasy after 15-20 minutes (so do AD08). I basically did about 28 psi cold and they heat up to 36 psi hot. Will spend more time on them and report back.

rzm3 · 03-06-2011, 09:19 PM

Here's a traction circle comparison between my best laps.

hhlou520 · 03-08-2011, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

Just renewed my record today:

1:46.95. I'd like to think that part of it was my improved driving

My buddy (best HPDE drive I know) did a 1:46.45... and he was taking it easy and trying to coach me.

seems to me you guys are ready for time trials

Mike V8 · 03-09-2011, 02:11 PM

Sorry no help here! I wanted to know if it's smart to DD cup tires?

rzm3 · 03-09-2011, 11:08 PM

Probably not... way too expensive to drive just on daily streets. IMO there are better performance-to-price ratio tires out there.

HP Autosport · 03-10-2011, 11:25 AM

In our experience the PSC's like to be be at very low 30's or high 20's as a cold starting pressure.

PSC's are not very forgiving when cold and once they reach operating temperature they offer good traction, but falls off quickly. In comparison, we were much quicker on the AD08's(shaved) and the traction was more linear from cold to operating temps, once hot it falls off but not as dramatic as the PSC's.

03-01-2011, 01:10 AM	#2
Stormtroooper The General 34 Rep 496 Posts Drives: 2018 M3CS Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011.5 M3 [10.00]	hmmm, very interesting. Good to know, i was looking into getting some myself. __________________ E92 M3 2011.5 AW / DCT / ZCV / ZP2 / Heated Seats (SOLD) 2018 M3CS
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03-01-2011, 04:24 AM	#3
swamp2 Lieutenant General 611 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Diego, CA USA iTrader: (3)	Wow great brochure and a nice resource for any track enthusiast, running MPSCs or not! __________________ E92 M3 \| Space Gray on Fox Red \| M-DCT \| CF Roof \| RAC RG63 Wheels \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| \| Vorsteiner Ti Exhaust \| Matte Black Grilles/Side Gills/Rear Emblem/Mirrors \| \| Alekshop Back up Camera \| GP Thunders \| BMW Aluminum Pedals \| Elite Angels \| \| XPEL Full Front Wrap \| Hardwired V1 \| Interior Xenon Light Kit \|
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03-01-2011, 06:22 AM	#4
Bubbles Brigadier General 2753 Rep 4,445 Posts Drives: Green Bastard Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bishop Bend iTrader: (3)	Can't help you with temps or PSI, but a lot of porsche guys I run with love this tire. Let us know what you think. __________________
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03-01-2011, 07:29 AM	#5
lucid Major General 374 Rep 8,033 Posts Drives: E30 M3; Expedition Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I went through a set of the + version on the E92 and a regular version on the E30. The regular version really likes heat (I assume that's what you got), but it is not as forgiving when cold as some other r-compound tires. I think I was shooting for 39 hot on the E92. I drove the ones on the E30 until they corded. They were pretty slippery toward the end as expected. They are overpriced IMO unless you had a really good deal (I got the 15" tires for $120 a piece!). As a DE tire, I would buy the NT-01 over these for better price/performance. __________________
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03-01-2011, 10:43 AM	#6
dcstep Major General 1291 Rep 7,389 Posts Drives: '09 Cpe Silverstone FR 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 M3 [8.40]	Thanks for the brochure. Good luck with the tires. __________________ Flickr Photos Ucm, Inc.
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03-01-2011, 10:10 PM	#7
NRBRNG Lieutenant 228 Rep 447 Posts Drives: '09 E92, SG & '89 635 CSi Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: OREGON, USA iTrader: (11)	Great brochure. Thanks. I am also keen to learn what you think of them. My RE11's (which were great) are up for replacement soon and I'm looking to likely go 18 inch wheels to widen the tire choice (amongst other things). if I don't, it will likely be the Cups or RE 11's again although the cups are a bit limited in size for the 19. __________________ DCT. Custom Cantrell MS cage. Fire, SCCA, dedicated track. Diffs-online 3.62, diff cooler, MCS 2-ways, SPL arms, TMS solid SF/Diff bushings, RD sway, DO88 Coolers (DCT, RAD, PS, OIL) Akra catless GT4, BPM tune, Hans Recaro, AP Pro 5000R, Cobalt XR2/4 race pads, BBS E88's, Yoko A005 slicks, RKP GT4 Splitter, GT4 canards, APR GT250 Wing, CFK Hood, Flossman CFK fenders, BW carbon doors, Dinan R toe links, Mini battery.
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03-01-2011, 11:11 PM	#8
RickyBobby Captain 108 Rep 697 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (3)	I personally have never understood the allure of the PSC's. They're certainly not a bad tire, but I'm with Lucid in that there are better options out there. Especially for the money. The 32F/36R sounds like a Porsche recommendation?? I usually run the same F&R (Hot) pressure.
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03-01-2011, 11:31 PM	#9
rzm3 Moderator 673 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	I will see if these indeed make a significant lap time difference. I did want to get NT01s but the sizes are limited for 18" wheels... and I wanted a staggered set up.
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03-02-2011, 06:19 AM	#10
lucid Major General 374 Rep 8,033 Posts Drives: E30 M3; Expedition Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Right, now I remember running into the same issue with sizing NT-01s for 18" rims. They don't offer much choice there other than a square 275 setup. __________________
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03-02-2011, 07:39 AM	#11
Radiation Joe Veni Vidi Vici 89 Rep 2,750 Posts Drives: '11 JB/BBe-6sp-e90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Macungie PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 e90 M3-Sold [8.50] 2003 RS6 - Sold [0.00] 2009 e90 M3 - Gone [0.00] 2003 M3 SOLD [0.00] old 2002 [10.00]	I aggree with RickyBobby about the pressures being for a Porsche. Also, I usually start the day at 30 to 32 psi front and rear. I end the first easy session at around 42+ and reduce to 38 hot. Usually have to reduce pressure again after the second session by 3 or 4 pounds. My target is 38 to 39 hot. __________________ Dinan compliment of stuff plus PF rotors and RG63s. Enough for now. Why, yes. I am an abrasive bastard.
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03-06-2011, 09:01 PM	#17
rzm3 Moderator 673 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	Just renewed my record today: 1:46.95. I'd like to think that part of it was my improved driving My buddy (best HPDE drive I know) did a 1:46.45... and he was taking it easy and trying to coach me. Initital impression is that the initial grip of Cups is slightly higher than AD08. However as some have said they do get greasy after 15-20 minutes (so do AD08). I basically did about 28 psi cold and they heat up to 36 psi hot. Will spend more time on them and report back.
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03-06-2011, 09:19 PM	#18
rzm3 Moderator 673 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	Here's a traction circle comparison between my best laps. Attached Images
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03-09-2011, 02:11 PM	#20
Mike V8 First Lieutenant 24 Rep 398 Posts Drives: '09 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: So. Cal. iTrader: (0)	Sorry no help here! I wanted to know if it's smart to DD cup tires? __________________ "...it's not about the money and not about the brand of the car, it's about handling,performance and passion......And that, no other car has all together like an M3........when you talk about the most complete car the M is invincible." --Tony Kanaan.
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03-09-2011, 11:08 PM	#21
rzm3 Moderator 673 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	Probably not... way too expensive to drive just on daily streets. IMO there are better performance-to-price ratio tires out there.
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03-10-2011, 11:25 AM	#22
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3842 Rep 54,362 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	In our experience the PSC's like to be be at very low 30's or high 20's as a cold starting pressure. PSC's are not very forgiving when cold and once they reach operating temperature they offer good traction, but falls off quickly. In comparison, we were much quicker on the AD08's(shaved) and the traction was more linear from cold to operating temps, once hot it falls off but not as dramatic as the PSC's.
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