Pyrometer for $40 at CT

[Karim E36]

Not the most precise but probably useful for relative measurements of tire temperatures.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672909&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443296845&bmUID=1229707026677&bmLocale=fr_CA&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true

[sebdavid]

I have that one, bought it on special last spring.

It might be useful, I don't know. The measurements I took with it seem to be consistent with the wear on my tires. Somebody that uses this to adjust setup will probably be better off with a more advanced unit.

What I CAN say for sure is, it's a lot of fun measuring the temperatures of everything in sight. Just for the amusement factor it's worth it.

[Emre]

I don't know how useful this would be when it comes to checking tire temps. You'll want to know the core tire temp (which you can only measure with a needle-type probe). I don't think knowing the surface temp means very much.

About the only use I can think of for this kind of pyrometer would be to measure brake rotor temps.

[Karim E36]

I am sure there is a correlation between the core temp and the surface temp.

As long as you measure differences in temperature between the left side, center and right side of the tires, don't you think we could get useful data?

You'd need to be quick as hell (or have your "pit crew" ready for this) but seems possible to me.




I don't know how useful this would be when it comes to checking tire temps. You'll want to know the core tire temp (which you can only measure with a needle-type probe). I don't think knowing the surface temp means very much.

[sebdavid]

About the only use I can think of for this kind of pyrometer would be to measure brake rotor temps.

It's useless for brake temps, at least when you start pushing a little, because it doesn't read that high. I maxed it out no problem on street tires.

[Turbo_Bimmer]

It's useless for brake temps, at least when you start pushing a little, because it doesn't read that high. I maxed it out no problem on street tires.

Also, IR thermometers don't work on shiny surfaces like rotors.

[Gregster]

It's good for checking coolant temp, hot and cold spots on rads.

You can also measure the temp of random objects as well!

[Andrei]

I am sure there is a correlation between the core temp and the surface temp.

As long as you measure differences in temperature between the left side, center and right side of the tires, don't you think we could get useful data?

You'd need to be quick as hell (or have your "pit crew" ready for this) but seems possible to me.

I would imagine it to be useful if you come in hot into the pits and have a friend measure temperatures.

If you come in after any sort of cool down the reading will be much worse than a probe type pyrometer.

If you have a lot of negative camber when you are on your cooldown lap you can't generate the same cornering speeds and the insides of the tires keep warmer as they stay in contact with the road more. The core temperature is more stable and you will see the results (difference between outside/inside) differ between IR and probe.

If you care about setup spend the money on a Longacre probe unit with memory. Very good stuff.
Keep the IR for other stuff, it is a nice tool to have.