I did a quick search but couldn't find a good answer to this question. My stockers are completely bald, but it feels like they've still got some rubber left. I'm wondering how safe it is to autox these tyres on a dry day? It feels like there's enough rubber left, but I'm wondering what you guys think of this?

Sorry for the nooby question, I'm just really excited for this next event and don't wanna miss it. Thanks a lot everyone.

ChiShi

 

I autocrossed on the OEM tires when the rears were down to the wear bars. Fortunately for me, the rears are not where the traction problem on the Z occurs, it's the fronts. You can try it but don't expect too much. It's not like they are R-compound tires.

 

As long as they are not corded, they are legal. Very little traction, but legal.

 

^ really... i would've thought i'd get a little more traction in the rear with the increased contact patch.

btw, i'm not worried about being illegal, i'm just worried about the tyre blowing out on me. I can see the wear bars... but it shouldn't blow right? TIA

thanks for all the input guys.

 

Actually, the rules for anything other than Modified requires measurable tread depth in at least two locations 180-degrees apart.

 

You may get more grip in the rear, but thats not the problem. Its the amount of understeer that you still will get that will make the car hard to control at speed.

 

really? the site just says needs measurable tread depth, didn't know about the 180 degrees thing. Errgh, camera is out of commission right now, but i'm wondering if this current state of my tyres is legal.

It looks totally smooth, but no cord showing and the groove that follows the circumference of the tire still shows very slightly. Does this sound legal guys? thanks

btw, can i tech teh car first and then register? because i don't wanna pay for nothing, thanks guys

 

The other factor to consider is the drive to and from the track. Bald tires are much more apt to hydroplane in the event of rain. We don't want or need anymore "I wrecked my Z" stories on this board.

From your description, it sounds like your tires will be legal, but let me echo what everybody else has already said: the worn OEM Bridgestones will not offer any type of competitive advantage. They've become so heat-cycled and worn that the remaining rubber compound LOSES traction.

Finally, in my experience it's better to register first, as tech usually takes registration info into account in making sure each official entry has been tech'd.

 

If you can see a groove, you have "measurable tread depth."

Locally, other than potentially safety-related issues (rain on event day, cord showing), you should be OK.

 

thanks for all the input guys!
fyi I did run my bald stockers and man did they suck. No grip whatsoever! Then I rode in my buddies sti... world of difference. Makes me reconsider my track car

 

I also went to an autocross today and took 1st place in my class (BSP). Beat the 2nd place STi by at least two seconds. So don't be too haste on considering an STi for a track car. I posted better times today than several STIs, an EVO, a C6, a couple of Lotus Elise, couple of RSX, an SRT-4, and even an M3.

Click on the thread below that's in the Texas forum:

https://my350z.com/forum/meet-ups-events-texas/266845-spokes-autocross-san-antonio-raceway-sunday-may-06-2007-a.html

If you want to be competitive, you'll need more than bald stock tires to compete in autocross. I did not truly enjoy autocross until I started running with my Toyo RA-1s. After these are gone, I have my new Hankook Ventus Z211 to also enjoy.

 

I just did my last autocross on bald fronts, not fun at all. you just have to adapt to the way they handle. I pretty much had to pretend the course was a bunch of drag races. speed up, brake late and hard, turn, speed up. I tried braking early but still trying to hold some speed cornering, but it was nothing but understeer.