I bought a 'quality' pressure guage the other week and it reckoned that my tyres were at 30.5 psi on the fronts and 29 on the rears. Up to that point, the handling was excellent. I upped the fronts to the suggested 32 psi and the handling has become odd, I don't feel comfortable with the handling even become nervous as it is so skitish. I'm on the standard Bridgestones on 17" wheels (MY 02 WRX).

I don't want to run on too low a pressure but is 30.5 okay for tyre life etc? It's amazing how such a small change in pressure alters the whole feel of the car!

Any suggestions?

:-)

Cheers!

Mike

 

You're right it makes a big difference. I think the best thing is to experiment. I found that a 2 lb difference front/rear is best, but try a range 30/28 to 33/31 (normal load) and see what you are most comfortable with. Lower pressures give softer, more forgiving feel with a bit more understeer, higher is more tense (skittish...?) but with sharper turn in etc. Have a play...........

 

It's a strange one this.

I found that my OEM Bridgestones (on an MY02) didn't like high pressures much. Found it just like you said, a bit skitish.

But now that I have some Goodyear F1's on they seem much happier at 32psi+

 

After fiddling lots today I ended up with 30/28.5 which feels more predictable and less stressed.

Thanks for the input!!!!

:-)

Mike

 

So 34ppsi is a little high then????

 

Wot, you at 34? What tyre are you running?

:-)

Mike

 

225/40 P Zeros

 

Funny that. I'm on 33 on the front on my Sport with P Zero's on 16" rims. Maybe the Pirelli's suit higher pressures? I can't compare like for like as my WRX is on 17" though.

:-)

Mike

 

I am running on 18'' Prodrive rims, but do you think this prssure is too high?????

 

If your on 18's that fine as they will need more psi than 17's.
Less tyre= more air.

Daz.