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Date:         Tue, 24 Dec 2002 17:25:11 -0800
Reply-To:     Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Aftermarket rim fitment.
Comments: To: Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
In-Reply-To:  <f05100301ba2e96d54ab9@[203.167.180.241]>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

On 25 Dec 2002, at 13:21, Andrew Grebneff wrote:

(snip)

> Quite the opposite. The genuine ones have huge rain channels designed > to pump water away from the contact patch. Also added silica is > increasing grip. Soft rubber compounds also (though these days they > don't waear at a horrendous rate, as earlier performance tires did). > The only problems might be with aquaplaning with WIDE tires on deep > water... this won't happen unless you hit a decent puddle. But then, > even narrow tires wil aquaplane on a puddle... as I have experianced. > A genuine performance tire gives hugely better performance in every > respect (except ride, and even this doesn't necessarily suffer). BUT > they are admittely more prone to being pinched between the rim and > curbs or sharp-edged potholes.

(snip)

Deep water doesn't happen too often during races but it did one year at Sebring (24hr or 12hr?); it was a downpour which couldn't drain fast enough. The TR's & MG's with narrow tires (it was a long time ago, ok?) were passing the big guys with fat tires who were forced to slow to a crawl because of aquaplaning.

Unfortunately, this kind of water is not that uncommon off track. I'm sure tire technology is now well above what it was that day. But I think given enough water, ANY tire will plane, the more contact area (per unit weight?) the faster it will happen. Exotic rubber compounds or silica don't mean diddly once there's a layer of water between the patch & the road. I do know it can be a hell of a scary experience at high speeds. Been there. Ain't going back.

//Jack


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