Tire Softener?

[Lof8]

I bought an old set of R-comp tires that need a little help. Any recommendations on tire softener stuff?

[bmw325csi]

I used leather conditioner with good results

[L8 apexr]

The best thing you can do for them is to go and scrub them,the rubber under the surface will be a litle softer.If your using them for track days they will be fine,just take the first couple laps gentle'ish to build the heat and away ya go.
The trouble/cost of tire softening isn't worth it imo(messy and stinky),been there tried it with less than stellar results.Also the rubber will harden worse than it was to start with after you use the tire.

[Wh33lhop]

Brakestand. Rotate tires and repeat.

[TrackjunkiE30]

You can use a few different options for softeners, store bought or home made. I used a combination of WD40 & mineral spirits. It works great for a session, possibly 2, but you have to prep them for a few days.

[Charlie]

Formula Vee works halfway decent on old dried out R comps, it'll get you a couple of sessions. You can usually order it through Pegasus racing and such.

-Charlie

[jlevie]

Track Claw is also good (http://trackclaw.com/trackenter.htm). Since none of the treatments penetrate deeply, the effects don't last long. Maybe a session or two.

[cabriodster87]

Taken from Grassroots Motorsports: Tire softening or soaking is without a doubt the most harmful thing to race tracks. It leaves a petroleum based product on the surface, later the rain removes the asphalt ( black tar like stuff) right off the surface. This in turn, leaves the rock in the pavement up at the top of the surface, now you're trying to grip little spots instead of a smooth surface. Many track surfaces have been ruined unknowingly, to most, trying to save a buck. Probably not good for your heath anyway!!

Okay, put no more than a quarter cup of brake fluid inside the tire when you mount it on the wheel. (works real good on bias ply)

[ed94r]

I'll share one secret:
Simple Green after each session / event. Clean the tires off, spray 'em good, then bag. They'll be sticky for the next event. I won an SCCA solo divisional on 4 year old 710's this way. I learned this from some dirt track cart guys; how they treat their tires means all the difference in how they finish. It's a black art.

Ed

[priapism]

Formula V tire treatment.

[Smelser]

Same, From the DIRT world, You can buy a "BUFFING wheel" like they use to Patch the inside of the tire with, but its meant for a 7.5" angle grinder, just grind away the top 1/32" of tread and BANGO, virgin soft rubber underneath!!