Tire pressure
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I know that slight differences in tire pressure on a racetrack can change the handling of a car at the absolute limit. Nitrogen gives less change across temperatures whereas regular air which has water vapor can give bigger changes. But I wonder what one gains by going to the trouble of using nitro in your tires just for some occasional backroads driving and ordinary commuting.
If you really want nitrogen go to a welding gas supply company, buy or rent a cylinder. Then purchase an INERT gas regulator- use a NEW air hose with a water filter ( like used for spray guns.) and simply fill your own tires.
The only advantage is the tire pressure will remain constant-or MORE constant than if the tire contained normal compressed air as the ambient air temp changes. For those doing track days, with tires filled with compressed air will see their pressures will change dramatically and this will INDEED change your handling characteristics as the tires gain temperature. In many cases only a few pounds of air equates to a few HUNDRED pounds of spring weight. This is much more pronounced in oval track racing. Many wonder why NASCAR teams will bother to change pressures in 1/2 pound increments-this is precisely the reason. Many very well FINANCED F1 teams (FERRARI and McClaren Mercedes) have even used CFc compounds (yes freon) to inflate their tires to maintain EXACT pressures.(this is now outlawed in the sporting regs.)
For the average car it is indeed a legit factor on a track day. For those that have actually tuned their suspension using coil overs, different shocks and DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS to actually prove what the car is doing and not what the driver claims its doing.Can you feel it-seat of the pants?I'd say maybe during a track day. ON the street
Last edited by Arclight338; Feb 28, 2009 at 03:19 AM.



