Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

The Truth about Traction

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-12-2007, 09:35 PM
  #1  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
iTrader: (28)
 
BadgeZ28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oregon
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default The Truth about Traction

I am in the process of adapting my F-Body for a supercharger. Bigger radiator, relocating fans and power steering cooler, etc. I have done lots of reading on the various forums, and I just got to ask. I have seen guys say they spin the tires when the hit the gas doing 55 mph. I read guys saying traction is hopeless through first and second gear. In most cases these are not full out setups. They tend to be in the 6 psi boost range. So, what is the truth about traction running street tires and a moderate amount of boost? Thanks
Old 03-12-2007, 09:40 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Country Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 6,034
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I had 600/600 and could hear the street tires squealing though 4th.
Old 03-12-2007, 09:55 PM
  #3  
TECH Resident
 
RW99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Castro Valley, CA
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Traction is never hopeless if you can re-learn the term "part throttle". If you just can't stop mashing the pedal, you'll have problems. That said, it can be frustrating to spin when it's go time. Now if you're talking about a centrifugal blower, I don't think you'll have too hard of a time with your car at mild boost. The turbo hit can be a bit more difficult to manage, especially at higher boost levels... so you can go ahead and punch the gas in 2nd gear and take off just fine, but once the turbo spools you can get sideways. Quickly.
Old 03-12-2007, 09:56 PM
  #4  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (16)
 
my01ws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Country Boy
I had 600/600 and could hear the street tires squealing though 4th.
PURE SEX!!!
Old 03-12-2007, 09:57 PM
  #5  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
 
pdanrichey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Keller, TX
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

On a good road...warm concrete, I get descent traction in first and full traction from 2nd on. My numbers are in my sig.

I'm running Yokohama 275s.
Old 03-12-2007, 10:18 PM
  #6  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (3)
 
otherwhitemeat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 758
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

TRACTION.....everthing on your car effects traction.....EVERYTHING......
Old 03-12-2007, 11:16 PM
  #7  
9 Second Club
iTrader: (35)
 
ninetres's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Mufflerville, CA
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I spun new sumitoto 315s in 4th gear....and ALWAYS in 3rd on down at full throttle and 10psi.

653hp/627tq
Old 03-12-2007, 11:27 PM
  #8  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (8)
 
kidcamaro98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Round Lake, NY
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

i know im nothing compared to these guys but If i have bad traction problems you will most likely too....im on 10psi and as soon as full boost hits in the top of 1st i go sideways...then it hits in 2nd, and goes sideways...from a roll i can only WOT it at around 65 with no tire spin and safetly keep it straight...i have a A4 with 3.73's
Old 03-12-2007, 11:28 PM
  #9  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (17)
 
nvmy2000ss's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Brentwood CA
Posts: 607
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I have 600/600 traction is not that bad but I run bfg drag radials all the time, I would hate to think what it would be like on street tires.
Old 03-12-2007, 11:33 PM
  #10  
FormerVendor
 
qqwqeqwrqwqtq's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: WWW.SPEEDINC.COM
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Traction on the street is possible, but as others have said their are many many variables.

My 96SS with 890rwhp gets great traction on the street.

My 01SS with 590rwhp does not.
Old 03-13-2007, 05:12 AM
  #11  
TECH Apprentice
 
Silverback's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

The truth is:
- the rear suspension setup on these cars is better then most WRT straight line traction while still working in handling situations.
- Low profile tires designed for handling are never going to hook hard
- Stabbing the throttle with insane hp on cold tires on a cold street will spin them no matter what, even if you’re on MASSIVE slicks with a dedicated drag car
Old 03-13-2007, 05:28 AM
  #12  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (17)
 
CALL911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: IN
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Mostly the answer to this question lies in the suspension and tire setup of the car. I have decent traction in my 590 RWHP Z. I rip the tires loose in First gear, but second starts to hook pretty good from there on. I have Nitto DR's on the back, and pretty much the whole BMR catolog underneath my car though. I have known other guys with bolt on LT1's spinning at 55 MPH though with a fraction of the HP I have just because they have a tight lowered suspension with really low profile tires.

Traction is acheivalbe with a FI setup, even a more than mild one. It again depends on your suspension and tire setup though. The temperature of the road, and type of road also makes a difference, as concrete will give you better traction than regular pavement will.
Old 03-13-2007, 05:30 AM
  #13  
EPP
FormerVendor
iTrader: (22)
 
EPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 13,063
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

This may help you out a little.
http://www.exoticperformanceplus.com....html?item=540 Bob
Old 03-13-2007, 06:57 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Country Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 6,034
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Its also has a lot to do with a supercharger vs a turbo also. When a turbo spools, its almost a huge instant jump in power. Its comparable to hitting the spray. A SC will bring it in gradual like a N/A car and would be easier for traction, IMO. Thats one think I didnt like about a turbo, its hits like the spray and makes traction a bitch.
Old 03-13-2007, 07:46 AM
  #15  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (17)
 
CALL911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: IN
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Country Boy
Its also has a lot to do with a supercharger vs a turbo also. When a turbo spools, its almost a huge instant jump in power. Its comparable to hitting the spray. A SC will bring it in gradual like a N/A car and would be easier for traction, IMO. Thats one think I didnt like about a turbo, its hits like the spray and makes traction a bitch.
That also would depend on the type of Turbo as some don't share the same amount of Turbo lag that others do. Also, depending on the SC and how it is setup, it doesn't always come on gradual as you have stated. My D1SC doesn't make more than 6#'s until its past 5,000 RPM where it jumps from 6#'s of boost to 15#'s of boost at 6500 RPM. It totally depends on your specific setup.
Old 03-13-2007, 10:19 AM
  #16  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
iTrader: (28)
 
BadgeZ28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oregon
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

I imagine I will be in the 425 rear wheel horsepower range. I can understand the traction problems for those over 500, but how should it be for my lower output?
Old 03-13-2007, 10:39 AM
  #17  
Launching!
iTrader: (2)
 
pakisho's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Socal
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Tires tires tires.

A centrifugal blower can hit just as hard as a turbo can. Try standing on the gas at 4500 in second gear. Hits like a freight train.

At 680rwhp, I can hook on NT01s in second gear when the tires are warm. And this is in a much lighter vette.

Sumitomwhatevers wont get it done.
Old 03-13-2007, 11:32 AM
  #18  
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (4)
 
The Red WS.6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Spring, TX
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

What size/kind of tire are you going to run?
Old 03-13-2007, 11:33 AM
  #19  
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (4)
 
The Red WS.6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Spring, TX
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Oh yea, what gear ratio in the rear?
Old 03-13-2007, 11:43 AM
  #20  
On The Tree
 
Unlimited's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Get some G-Force tires, excellent tires for the street!! not crazy expensive either...



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:04 AM.