I posted under the tire forum, and didn't get anything useful, so I hope I have better luck here.
I am thinking about running some type of Drag Radials on my Sunbird this year, after racing with sticky street tires for 12 years now. I don't want to use pure slicks because they aren't allowed in many of the classes I race in, and I fear they will be harder on CV axles, tranny, etc.
I currently use 215/60VR15 Michelin Pilots which have gotten me down to 2.1 60 fts and mid 15 ETs, but I can only launch at between 1500 & 1700 or I go up in smoke. If I could launch at a bit higher rpm, I know the car would be good for at least 3 or 4 tenths lower ETs.
I can't seem to find any Drag Radials out there advertised for this "small" of a tire size. I want to stick with 15" tires, since I have a couple spare stock steel rims to mount the Drag Radials on.
Any advice? I'd like some recommendations on the manufacturer and tire size, along with how well they hook up on the track. <br>
'93 Sunbird SE 3.1 5-speed
'00 Grand Prix GTP Sedan
sunbird93racer@yahoo.com
BFG makes drag radials in 15" sizes. That's actually their most popular size. Might be a bit difficult to find the exact section width and aspect ratio you really want, but I'm sure you'll be able to come close.
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<img src=http://ourworld.cs.com/jwithspray/Jbeier_sig3.JPG>
BF Goodrich has a 225/50-R15 G-Force T/A Drag Radial. It's Dia. is 23.9", about 1" shorter than stock, which will give more low end to launch quicker. It's 9.3" wide on a 7" rimand will fit on any rim from 6" to 8" wide. They are available through Summit Racing, Jeg's, Discount Tires, Tire Rack and most any major tire dealer that carries BFG. <br>
MadJack wrote:BF Goodrich has a 225/50-R15 G-Force T/A Drag Radial. It's Dia. is 23.9", about 1" shorter than stock, which will give more low end to launch quicker. It's 9.3" wide on a 7" rimand will fit on any rim from 6" to 8" wide. They are available through Summit Racing, Jeg's, Discount Tires, Tire Rack and most any major tire dealer that carries BFG.
That's what I ran last year. <br>
Quoth the Raven 'Nevermore
raven@accesswave.ca
Raven Autosports
55 McQuade Lake Cres,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
(902) 850-3330
10.82@132
I'm running Nitto drag radials, but in a 205/55/14. I can launch at 3000-3500 RPM's. <br>
FU Tuning
anyone running or ever run a full slick on the dragstrip? or some drag radials that will give a relatively equal amount of grip as a full slick? i need something that would get about 235-250HP to the ground with no problem. im looking for something to mount to either a 13x8 or 15x8 rim. thanks. <br>
I used to race cars, now I race myself.
5K PB: 24:50
10K PB: 54:26
Hey folks thanks for the advice. These g-Force TA Drag Radials look great, and the price is right too. From TireRack shipped to my house, I'm looking at less than $250 for a pair.
Now for an additional question about these tires. What kind of launch RPMs do you use at an average track on an average day? I realize that this number will always slightly vary, but just ballpark.
I'm hoping that my drivetrain will be able to handle the additional grip. I do have new CV axle units and all new motor mounts (front being a Poly unit from JBP), plus the transaxle got a total rebuild a couple thousand miles ago.
Please let me know.
Thanks! <br>
'93 Sunbird SE 3.1 5-speed
'00 Grand Prix GTP Sedan
sunbird93racer@yahoo.com
I launch my drag radials Nitto's up to 3500 RPM. Stock clutch, axles etc.. The G-forces are supposed to be very nice!! <br>
FU Tuning
Launch RPM varies from car to car, track to track and day to day. best bet is to goto the track you plan on running and test what RPM and tire pressure will work best and find a base line to work from. Keep records of launch rpm, tire pressure and the time slips keeping an eye on the 60' times. Vary you technique from all grip to a little slip and see what affect it has on your ET's. You can also find a vacant stretch of asphalt(read: no people,no traffic, no houses!) and test your launch, you only need to travel about 60'(but have room to spare to stop)Varying you RPM and tire pressure. You'll want to be able to launch at as high of an rpm, without going past your torque peek.or totally smoking your tires. Take that set-up and test it at the track under full runs and adjust from there, because the track will be different, but at-least that should save some test run at the track.
A much simpler way to learn allot is to read the posts everyone has done on their runs and their time slips. Find a car that has a similar chassis and tire combo and read their results or even e-mail them with any questions. <br>
I use a 15X8X22 Mickey Thompson slick on my '93 Z24. MT part number 3019.
They also make a 15X8X24.5 slick part number #3015.
I launch mine from idle and still spin halfway through 2nd gear
I need to invest in a set of full slicks. <br>
Quoth the Raven 'Nevermore
raven@accesswave.ca
Raven Autosports
55 McQuade Lake Cres,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
(902) 850-3330
10.82@132
The big advantage of racing with slicks is that most tracks will let you in the water box. Once you heat them up they stick a LOT better.
MadJack, thanks for the info. I have been drag racing for over 13 years now, so I understand that launch rpms will vary depending on track, conditions, etc. I figure if I can manage a 2.14 60 ft on street tires, I'm doing ok. I have finally decided that I have gone as fast as I ever will, unless I can get more traction. What I was looking for is a good base to start from. From what I am hearing I plan to start with about 15 lbs of pressure in the BFGs, and launch at about 2500. Then depending on how it hooks I'll go from there.
I also understand that slicks will get better traction than Drag Radials, but the classes I typically race in require a "DOT tire." The Drag Radials qualify, slicks don't.
Thanks again everyone for the help!
<br>
'93 Sunbird SE 3.1 5-speed
'00 Grand Prix GTP Sedan
sunbird93racer@yahoo.com
? and ya did ask me why?!
what size tires did ya find?! remember roll out and reactions Joe, drag radials will effect this and the closer you keep them to actual tire diamiter, not just tire size will effect your run. any way drop me a line let me know what your planning on doing.
2005 GLD steet champion in waiting!
lolololol.
Hey Joe this year shall be the first year that a manual will take the championship!
the TA is getting ready! and How! down with phatdaddy! an norris racing!
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91 GA 12.080@113.99 best 1/4 mile E.T.
www.killerquad4.com
jake@killerquad4.com
Looking for Sponsor
[IMG]C:\My Documents\My Pictures\tn_Sleepy_Lightin_em_up.sized.jpg[/IMG]
Well that certainly didn't work worth a crap.
cant link from your computer. IM me the picture and ill post it for you.
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I used to race cars, now I race myself.
5K PB: 24:50
10K PB: 54:26
Thanks anyway. It Probably isn't that important. It's a pic of me doing a burnout.
anyone have any sizes for a 16 in rim
<img src= "http://www.j-body.org/registry/will1026/willsig.jpg">
15.6727@86.7124 at capitol raceway
either the nitto 555Rs or the toyo ones ill be using this spring
1989 Turbo Trans Am #82, 2007 Cobalt SS G85
I'm using M/T 235/60/15 Drag Radials.... they hook better than any other radial i've used.
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** Flat Broke Racing Inc.**
