Slicks or R spec's

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:47 am

Due to the increased level of grip and cornering forces available when using slicks as opposed to R Specs (V70a, D03G, FZ201) are there any parts of a MX5 NA that need to be considered before moving to full slicks? There are two sides one that says go for full slicks and the other that says the extra grip will show up weakness in the car. Thoughts/advice appreciated as I will err on the side of caution and go the Semi slicks and slowly fix any potential weak spots. The gearbox (6 speed) is good for 400nm, diff is a 4.1 torrsen also it has NB front/rear swing arms etc.

16bit · Postby **16bit** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 10:55 am

i think you would just need to make sure that things like studs, wheel bearings, diff bearings etc all need to be in good order.

as long as you are not launching it and all of your suspension is in good working order it shouldn't effect it too much more than semi's.

racing in general is going to show up weak points that are not designed for the track.

maybe suspension bushing needs attention if you have not done it?

MattR · Postby **MattR** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:40 pm

Mark, I wouldn't be too concerned going to slicks.

You have basically upgraded everything on the car anyways. The extra grip will be lateral grip through the corner, but the speeds the car will be going at you won't really hurt anything in the suspension. If you are already doing your nut and bolt check before taking the car out then it will be all good. i would expect getting the same life out of components that you would with the semis.

About the only time you may damage anything is by doing a 5000rpm + clutch dump with hot slicks, which you expect to destroy components doing that at any time.

In the Zed I only used standard components and had no problems with hubs, bearing or wheel studs other than normal maintenance.

The one big thing you will find with radial slicks is that they grip until the very end. You don't get much warning when they let go which cross ply slicks do and to a lesser extent semi do.