Pro-Blend tire treatment, BS or Good Stuff?

[kmagvette]

I just stumbled into this product. No clue if it is snake oil or something useful. Reading their web site suggests that it's use could be considered cheating in some race classes.

I am not constrained by anyones rules as I only play in DE's. They claim that the product will cut lap time and increase tire life. It is the tire life claim that I am interested in. Does it do anything?

[mgarfias]

used to run similar stuff when racing r/c cars...

it works by devulcanizing the rubber, making it softer.

Yes, it helps traction (until the soft surface is burnt off). I can't possibly see it making the tire last longer.

[Subdriver]

Back when I raced karts several guys used to run this. My feeling is that it is only good for a lap or two, so it may help in qualifying or getting an early jump in a race, but not really something I would consider spending money on for a DE.

[DJWorm]

Yes, their products work as advertised. I recommend 2 different products:

1. Race Tire Cleaner is a good prep solution and necessary for new tires. I use this prior to further treatment. It removes the silicons and mold releases of a new tire and removes any fliuds pick up on the track such as if you run through gas, antifreeze, brake fluid or ATF. It opens up the pores and allows the treatment solution to penetrate deeper.
2. I then use the "Finish Line" 50 lap treatment

Using these products together is better than using just a tire softener solution

Using these will prolong the USEFUL life of a slick slowing the progressive hardening of each heat cycle.

To get the most benefit you must clean & treat the tires prior to the first heat cycle. This includes treating the inside of the carcass before mounting.

Using the treatment to soften old tires will work but only for a shorter time (laps)

It will allow the tires to run cooler and longer with more grip.

I would only go to the trouble of using these in competition but not for just HPDE's

Some of the solutions are illegal in some classes. Some of the solutions are untraceable.

[ace996]

I never used ProBlend, but have used FormulaV and VPBite...both were very good but the Bite worked better, its stronger.
I used the juice for autoxing an MR2Spyder with Falken Azenis street tires and Kumho R-comps. It worked quite well by allowing me to use the tires with good grip, even after they were "cooked" and became hard. There was plenty of rubber left but hardened too much to be competitive. After several coats of the Bite, the tires were almost at 'new' condition...grip wise, and the edges wore more evenly...less chunking.

Hey, if NASCAR guys are fined big bucks for using the stuff...and they still hide the use, it must be good for something.

-ace