Flipping directional tires

GasBurnlife(landapanda) · 04-27-2019, 08:33 AM

All - looking for insight regarding flipping staggered setup. I run mainly tracks that put a lot more wear on the left set of tires. What's the consensus regarding flipping wheels on the respective axels? I run directional tires (PS4s). I imagine there may be some minor impact to drive ability due to the tread design, but generally speaking I have to think the setup won't result in any safety issues that would result in tire failure.

When I rode moto, we used to flip directional tires with no issues. I expect same results with summer performance tires.

Looking for insight from those that have tried this.

Thanks!

CRRobert · 04-27-2019, 09:10 AM

The Michelin PS4S are asymmetrical, not directional so you can switch the entire wheel with tire from left to right. Bridgestone RE71 are directional for example and some have run them backwards on dry tracks, or remounted.

GasBurnlife(landapanda) · 04-27-2019, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRRobert

The Michelin PS4S are asymmetrical, not directional so you can switch the entire wheel with tire from left to right. Bridgestone RE71 are directional for example and some have run them backwards on dry tracks, or remounted.

Appreciate the response guys. Sounds like switching the wheels won't be an issue and will save me a bunch of mullah for more track time.

Suds · 04-27-2019, 06:19 PM

The PS4S has two compounds on the tread surface, the outside is a tougher compound for cornering, the inside is a soft compound for wet grip. But you can run them on either side of the car.
With RE-71r, I usually unmount from the rim and switch the tire to the other sides rim.
I will look for the article on the PS4S tread compounds.

OhioRiderAaron · 04-27-2019, 06:58 PM

I would recommend flipping them at least once so you can even out the tire wear.

Ive ran multiple extreme performance tires backwards without issue, including the RE71Rs. Did not notice any negative impact on/off track (no rain driving tho). During an event I will sometimes swap LH to RH (thus backwards) and then after the event have the tire shop dismount and flip properly. That's the only way to get decent life out of those 71s IMHO.

CanAutM3 · 04-28-2019, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suds

The PS4S has two compounds on the tread surface, the outside is a tougher compound for cornering, the inside is a soft compound for wet grip. But you can run them on either side of the car.
With RE-71r, I usually unmount from the rim and switch the tire to the other sides rim.
I will look for the article on the PS4S tread compounds.

It's actually the opposite, the outer compound is the softer one for cornering grip while the inner and mid compound is the harder one for tread life.

AustinTrkJunkie · 05-03-2019, 05:49 PM

My advice, buy a dedicated set of track wheels - Apex are awesome - and drop NT01's on them. No street tire can come close to the grip, and if you can afford an M3, what's another 2-3K in cost?

That last part is key. If you're a poser renting an apartment and bought an M3 you *really* prolly shouldn't be driving an M3

Source - Instructor for Audi, BMW, Chin and PCA

04-27-2019, 08:33 AM	#1
GasBurnlife(landapanda) Captain 576 Rep 684 Posts Drives: BMW M2 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ashburn, Virginia iTrader: (0)	Flipping directional tires All - looking for insight regarding flipping staggered setup. I run mainly tracks that put a lot more wear on the left set of tires. What's the consensus regarding flipping wheels on the respective axels? I run directional tires (PS4s). I imagine there may be some minor impact to drive ability due to the tread design, but generally speaking I have to think the setup won't result in any safety issues that would result in tire failure. When I rode moto, we used to flip directional tires with no issues. I expect same results with summer performance tires. Looking for insight from those that have tried this. Thanks!
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04-27-2019, 09:10 AM	#2
CRRobert Private First Class 55 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 18 Avus Blue ZCP M3 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	The Michelin PS4S are asymmetrical, not directional so you can switch the entire wheel with tire from left to right. Bridgestone RE71 are directional for example and some have run them backwards on dry tracks, or remounted.
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04-27-2019, 06:19 PM	#4
Suds /M Enthusiast 1599 Rep 1,618 Posts Drives: Responsiblish Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lone Star State iTrader: (1)	The PS4S has two compounds on the tread surface, the outside is a tougher compound for cornering, the inside is a soft compound for wet grip. But you can run them on either side of the car. With RE-71r, I usually unmount from the rim and switch the tire to the other sides rim. I will look for the article on the PS4S tread compounds. __________________ 2019 M2 Comp, Alpine White, DCT, track car build, 1/2 cage, AP Racing Brakes & Nitron Coilovers, BM3 Stage 1 93 Oct. 2018 Porsche Cayman GTS, Night Blue Metalic, PDK, COBB tuned 93 Oct. 2004 Audi A4 Avant USP 6mt, RS4 clutch, built motor, Garrett GT3071r "Big Ass Turbo" Motoza Tune
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04-27-2019, 06:58 PM	#5
OhioRiderAaron Captain 368 Rep 697 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	I would recommend flipping them at least once so you can even out the tire wear. Ive ran multiple extreme performance tires backwards without issue, including the RE71Rs. Did not notice any negative impact on/off track (no rain driving tho). During an event I will sometimes swap LH to RH (thus backwards) and then after the event have the tire shop dismount and flip properly. That's the only way to get decent life out of those 71s IMHO. __________________ ZCP - Daily Driven Trackster ~ Gone but not Forgotten 1LE - Track Rubber & Garage Dust Collector Last edited by OhioRiderAaron; 04-28-2019 at 07:56 PM..
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05-03-2019, 05:49 PM	#7
AustinTrkJunkie Lieutenant 336 Rep 591 Posts Drives: '22 M340i Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Round Rock, TX iTrader: (6)	My advice, buy a dedicated set of track wheels - Apex are awesome - and drop NT01's on them. No street tire can come close to the grip, and if you can afford an M3, what's another 2-3K in cost? That last part is key. If you're a poser renting an apartment and bought an M3 you really prolly shouldn't be driving an M3 Source - Instructor for Audi, BMW, Chin and PCA
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