<VV> Radial Tire Pressures

[Ron]

The maximum safe allowable pressure has nothing to do with a recommended 
running pressure.  It's best to ignore any safe maximum as there's no reason 
to go anywhere near it.  Just a few psi higher than listed in the owners 
manual is the sensible choice and even 3 psi will do well for ride and 
handling.  There's no reason why a Corvair should ride like a Morgan.
RonH

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dale Dewald" <dkdewald at pasty.net>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 7:19 AM
Subject: Re: <VV> Radial Tire Pressures


> At 08:51 6/15/2010 -0400, Tony Penz wrote:
>>What tire pressures should be used for Firestone FR440 P175/180
>>R13?   Don't know if I should use the pressures specified in the 1964
>>Corvair owners manual because they are not for radial tires.  Thanks
>
> You are correct, modern radial tires are designed to run different 
> (higher)
> pressures than 1960's bias ply tires.
>
> First you need to look at the sidewall of the FR440's for the inflation
> pressure required at maximum load rating.  Typically this will be either
> 35psi or 44psi. If your tires are rated at 35psi then you would want to 
> use
> about 5psi more than the owners manual recommendation for high speed
> use.  This will typically be about 32-35psii rear and 21-24psi front. 
> Start
> here and make minor adjustments to get the best ride and handling.
>
> If your tires are rated for 44psi you will need to use higher pressures; 
> in
> this case 39-43psi rear and 26-30psi front as a starting point.
>
> One tip is to apply stripes of white liquid chalk across the tread and up
> slightly on the sidewall.  Go to a empty parking lot and make several 
> sharp
> turns at medium speed--enough to make the tires squeal.  If the chalk is
> removed farther up than the edge of the tread surface then you need to add
> more air.
>
> Dale Dewald
> Hancock, MI
>
>
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