Traction Severely Limited, New Tires Needed

[Swarzkopf]

Before I installed my Edge converter, I was able to launch off idle on a 125 shot and hook up fairly well. I've been running 275/40/17 BFG drag radials on 17x8 Bullitt wheels. I deflate them to ~17PSI at the track and heat them up. I was able to cut 1.8 60's.

Now, I can't get traction on a 100 shot. The tires blaze off. Furthermore, early next year I'll be installing TFS heads, so traction will be even more limited.

I'm considering two options and would appreciate your input:

1. Mickey Thompson 26x10.5x16 ET Streets on the stock 16x7 waffle wheels. How much of a traction gain do you think I'll see with these tires? Could I make the 20 mile drive to the track on them? Will 26x10.5x16 slicks even fit my 16x7 waffles?

2. Mickey Thompson 255/50/16 ET Street drag radials on the stock 16x7 waffle wheels. How much of a traction gain do you think I'll see with these tires? Will there even be a gain over my 275/40/17 BFGs?

These tires will NOT be used for cruising the street or for daily driving. They will be bolted on in my driveway before going to the track, and then unbolted when I get home.

Thanks for your input.

 

[FORCED2DV8]

Well i would suggest not launching off Nos, the converter should make you quicker out of the hole, Are the drag radials worn out?? even though there is rubber on them, too many heat cycles , and they wont hook up at all.. The slick are a good idea but you have to change them evry time you go to the track and back..

 

[Swarzkopf]

Well i would suggest not launching off Nos, the converter should make you quicker out of the hole,

Well, that would obviously take care of the traction issue, but let me make it clear that I want to be able to launch on the nitrous. I'm hoping to go past the 1.8' mark. A 1.6x would be ideal.

Are the drag radials worn out?? even though there is rubber on them, too many heat cycles , and they wont hook up at all..

No, the BFGs definitely aren't worn out. In 275/40/17 profile I just don't think there is enough tire to hook.

The slick are a good idea but you have to change them evry time you go to the track and back..

Are you saying I can't drive on them to the track, or just that it'll be a hassle bolting them on and off at home before going?

Thanks for the input man.

 

[Killercanary]

Shawn, as I stated on SCS I run the 26X10.5X16 ET streets. I mount mine at the track, but I have a 60 mile drive one way to it. Since you are much closer you should be fine. My best 60' so far has been a 1.65, but my ET streets are 5yrs old now and kind of hard. With a fresh set I'm sure I'd be even lower.

 

[Swarzkopf]

Thanks for the response both here and at SCS Paul.

 

[Killercanary]

No problem, I'm sorry I didn't see this post sooner.

 

[lxfiveo]

I run the ET Streets and drive back and forth to the track with them on. I can cut 1.5 60 ft times with them. Keep in mind, I live 20 minutes from the track and would never take them out with a threat of rain or on roads that are in the process of drying. My only issue is the Streets I have are so freakin' big that I get some rubbing on rough roads, so I limit my street driving with them.

And from what I've seen, the ET Street Radials are a killer tire too! In fact, I have a set on the way to try out as an event I wan to run this weekend doesn't allow ET Streets. I know of one other very fast turbo car at NED that pulls 1.4 60ft times with them and runs high 9's to low 10's. Proof enough for me!

 

[Swarzkopf]

NICE ET lxfiveo.