Bow Tie Power

I have been doing some thinking about how to actually grab traction better for my '97 z28 M6. I currently drive a '94 Firebird Formula A4. When I hit the gas, my tires spin for a short distance but easily grip-and-go. Currently, it only has a K&N air filter, Edelbrock headers, cat delete and a Flowmaster 40 series muffler. I plan on building up on the LT1 to around 350 rwhp and installing it into the Camaro (since the Camaro has no motor) but I would imagine that it would spin quite a bit with a modded LT1 AND a 6 speed. The tires are only 215 mm wide in the rear and surprisingly grip well, but I doubt that will be the case in the 6 speed. This car will be a street and strip car (mainly street) and will probably be a daily driver. I'm needing help with suggestions on tire brands, width, thickness, rim size, tread pattern, RPM launching, etc. I'd really hate to lose a race to a slower car based only on bad traction. (To me, that's just not a fair victory for either car.) I've given so much thought into this that I even thought of the possibility to add ASR to my car, even though my car didn't come with that option.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

If you're talking about street traction (not at the track) your best bet is a drag radial. I like the MTs. Nittos suck. Keep in mind with a 6-speed and a sticki(er) tire your 10-bolt will be on borrowed time.

VAformula

iTrader: (8)

Typically the biggest tire you'll put on those stock rims are 245/50/16 which should give you a lot more grip. I don't know if the make radials in that size, but I know they make ET Streets because I have a pair. Also there are some suspension upgrades that you can do to help, LCA's, PHB, and a torque arm would help a lot.

93M6Formula

My advice is to keep a spare set of wheels around with some Hoosier QTP slicks on them for when you need to hook. Otherwise I would go with a Nitto 555 Street tire for DD purposes on your other wheels. You could DD a drag radial but getting caught in the rain on them usually sucks especially when they are warn out which doesn't take long with daily driving. I have about 6K miles on my NT05Rs and probably 25+ track passes and they have held up pretty decent but I would like a dedicated set of drag wheels with slicks so I can keep the miles off my tires.

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Tires will make the biggest difference. Suspension will help also, then just learning how to drive it out of the hole.

With my setup in my Z28, I was able to dead hook in 1st gear with 614 RWHP on cold Nitto drag radials. Personally I love Nitto's. My car is a street car that I take to the track on occasion, but its made more for the street. Mickey Thompson DR's will hook up better than Nitto's but the extra stickiness can also lead you to pick up unwanted debris from the road like nails/screws ect. that can leave you with a flat. Also, the Nitto's are very controllable in the rain, where the MT's you will probably need to pull over until the rain passes.

I do agree some drag radials are the solution, but it just depends on what you are looking for in a drag radial to pick what is best for you.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

The hell? 215's? You sure that's not a typo? If not, are they on stock wheels? BFG DR's or Nittos are the simplest way to increase traction. The ups are for what you have it'll give you all the traction you need. The downs are they are more expensive and do not last as long as a normal street radial.

Bow Tie Power

Yes, they are actually 215's all the way around. I have a picture of the wheels. These are not my actual ones, just identical ones off the internet. They're not stock for the Formula but I do believe they were stock for the 2000 z28. (Don't ask me, they were already on the car when I bought it.)

NewOrleansLT1

They must be V6 wheels and tires

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

^^^ Probably that.
I do not believe any V8 4th gen f-body had anything less than a 245 tire. Could have been replaced with those since tires are cheaper.

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

If you're rollin around on 215's, no wonder you can't get traction.

How wide are the wheels you are running? If they are at least 8-8.5 I would try to get a 275 on there.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Traction comes more from the sidewall than the width. You can have the widest tire in the world but if you only have a 20 aspect ratio you'll just spin and spin. Sidewall is everything.

93M6Formula

I'm pretty sure a 255 is all you can safely get on that wide of a wheel.

93M6Formula

Didn't some of the early LT1 f-bodies with the speed limiter and 120 mph cluster come with 225's stock? Or am I smoking something.

Bow Tie Power

Actually some of the LT1s came with 110 MPH cluster because they did not have Z-rated tires. It was mostly the 1994 Convertibles and the 1994 Pontiac Trans Am (non GT package). However, I don't remember the width. By the way, guys, I plan on buying new wheels so don't limit size to just THESE wheels.

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Δ That makes a difference. A good 17X9.5 will get you a good 275/40ZR17 drag radial (which is a very common size).

zlicious94

iTrader: (1)

I run a 17x11 315 nitto and have never had a traction problem since, street or track!

Camaro350Z28

iTrader: (6)

definitely wouldnt go wider than 255 on a 8-8 1/2 inch wheel.

now that you said you can be switching wheels there are just too many options.

basically it comes down to tires, then suspension. tons of things you can do

if you get a dedicated track set thats even easier cause you wont have to worry about some rain coming

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Even though they aren't Z rated tires I still think they were on the same stock wheels and were of a 245 width.

Shownomercy

iTrader: (1)

Run slicks. All the time.

sweetbmxrider

iTrader: (13)

You actually think a stickier compound tire is more likely to pick up nails and screws and cause a puncture? Rocks and sand will stick, yes. Being more likely to pick up nails and screws and result in flats, sounds like some internet jargon. Is 614 rwhp your peak hp or the power you make at the rpm you launch on the street to dead hook at?