Question for Track Guys, "R" or "Sport" mode

[Dave B]

So what do you guys use on the track and with which tire? I understand how the shocks might be too stiff in R mode for street tires but how about 200 UTQG tires? I like the idea of just using the long push to turn the nannies off in R mode but I guess I could learn to do the pedal dance if needed if the softer shocks lead to better lap times in Sport mode.

BTW, I will be using 265/35-18s track tires but some have significantly stiffer sidewalls than others meaning different shock settings may be better for different tires.. Happy to hear any suggestions.

I am really thinking of Yoko A052 vs Nitto NT01s vs Falken RT660s. I think the Yokos have the softest sidewalls and the Falkens have the stiffest, like the RE-71R.

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[Code Monkey]

The R mode is very soft for the track, far any serious tracking you will want at some point to switch to coilovers.

 

[Dave B]

The R mode is very soft for the track, far any serious tracking you will want at some point to switch to coilovers.

Unfortunately I also compete in a the Ontario Time-Attack series and adding coil overs will up the classification of the car. Similar to running Trofeo Rs or Hoosier R7s so not really an option for now.

 

[wildbilly32]

Did Honda run coilovers for the Nurburgring time runs? Just wondering because it was pretty fast for a front wheel drive car.

The R mode is very soft for the track, far any serious tracking you will want at some point to switch to coilovers.

 

[NapalmEnema]

Did Honda run coilovers for the Nurburgring time runs? Just wondering because it was pretty fast for a front wheel drive car.

I think they just put on different tires - anything else past that was speculative as I recall but anyone else can def correct me! lol

It feels like it comes down to the driver and the track. If there a lot of bumps and creases in the track, Sport seems to be a better option. R maybe for a more sorted / kept up track. I believe the old Nurbering record was done in Sport mode if I'm not mistaken, and that track has some blemishes as I understand it. (I haven't driven it myself, unfortunately lol)

Maybe run laps back to back with Sport and R then report back which worked better for you? If you're consistent and know the track you could even see if the times changed. Would be a fun test to see!

 

[Dave B]

I have only driven the car with stock Contis. alignment and brake pads on a track that I have a lot of previous experience with in other cars. I ran with the long push VSA in R mode and found it worked moderately well but was limited by tire grip, lack of neg. camber and not quite up to it brake pads. I did not think the shocks were too stiff for the 30 series Contis. My next trip will improve all those issues but the track is moderately rough, certainly not a billiard table.

Wondering if the softer sidewall of the Yoko A052 might be a better choice for Sport mode and the stiffer sidewall Falken RT660 might do better with R mode but it might be just the opposite as I am really guessing.

I would need reliable instructions on doing the pedal dance to do the test. (There seem to be different versions out there).

Remind me again of the changes from Sport to R mode other than noise ,throttle response, and shock stiffness on a 2020 car.

 

[CharlieTangoRomeo]

Remind me again of the changes from Sport to R mode other than noise ,throttle response, and shock stiffness on a 2020 car.

Throttle response is the same. Steering is quicker and stiffer.

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