Sidewall strength on high perf tires...
 

I brushed against the curb today with my RX-7, which resulted in a small scratch on my rim (probably less than 2 cm), but it gouged the tire up badly. I've got Dunlop SP8000 225/50x16 tires. Is this normal? I was going pretty slow (maybe 7 mph around a corner). I've done this with 245/45x17 Goodyear Gatorback ZRs and Sunitomo ZRs on occasion with my much heavier 94 Mustang and never have I ever had the sidewall of the tire rip like this. The front tire ripped down to the belt! The rear looks salvagable, there's just a tiny gouge, less than 3-4mm deep, but the front will probably need to be replaced. Is there any product I can use on the rear to glue the tiny flap down?

Thanks!

You're not supposed to be hitting curbs in the first place.&nbsp There are tire models with "curb protector" design (basically a wide tire cross section profile), but it doesn't mean you can bang off the curbs all you want.

Replace the tire - it's the reasonable thing to do with a "high performance part".



-Ted

Exposed belts on a sidewall is bad. You must replace the tire.