What are the biggest slicks I can run?
05-23-2009, 12:43 AM
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What are the biggest slicks I can run? I just got an '02 Camaro. It's got enough power with the light mods to spin the street tires all day, but it does have some good suspension mods, so the first thing I will be doing to it is swapping out the 10 bolt for a 12 bolt rear (A4 car with a 3800 stall) and putting on some slicks and skinnies.
I have not purchased anything yet, so buying narrowed rear axles is an option. I am also willing to grind my calipers (I think they've already been ground for 15'' draglites actually) and I will roll my fenders on the back.
If I've read correctly it seems that 28'' is the tallest tire you can fit, but width and backspacing and tire size are what confuse me. I have an understanding of what the terms mean, I'm just not sure what will fit.
I'd prefer a draglite style wheel, but I'm not terribly picky.
Throw out some numbers, it will be much appreciated.
I have not purchased anything yet, so buying narrowed rear axles is an option. I am also willing to grind my calipers (I think they've already been ground for 15'' draglites actually) and I will roll my fenders on the back.
If I've read correctly it seems that 28'' is the tallest tire you can fit, but width and backspacing and tire size are what confuse me. I have an understanding of what the terms mean, I'm just not sure what will fit.
I'd prefer a draglite style wheel, but I'm not terribly picky.
Throw out some numbers, it will be much appreciated.
05-24-2009, 05:49 PM
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06-03-2009, 12:03 AM
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Anybody else have something to say about this? Has anybody ever actually used 28x12 slicks?
Also I will more than likely be getting narrowed rear axles, do I just subtract that from the backspacing?
i.e. if I have 3'' narrower axles each side would I run a 15x10 wheel with a 4.5'' backspacing instead of 7.5'' backspacing?
Also I will more than likely be getting narrowed rear axles, do I just subtract that from the backspacing?
i.e. if I have 3'' narrower axles each side would I run a 15x10 wheel with a 4.5'' backspacing instead of 7.5'' backspacing?
06-03-2009, 10:38 AM
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Anybody else have something to say about this? Has anybody ever actually used 28x12 slicks?
Also I will more than likely be getting narrowed rear axles, do I just subtract that from the backspacing?
i.e. if I have 3'' narrower axles each side would I run a 15x10 wheel with a 4.5'' backspacing instead of 7.5'' backspacing?
Also I will more than likely be getting narrowed rear axles, do I just subtract that from the backspacing?
i.e. if I have 3'' narrower axles each side would I run a 15x10 wheel with a 4.5'' backspacing instead of 7.5'' backspacing?
So if you narrowed 3" per side you would want a 4.5" BS, but you also need to remember that you just can't narrow your axle and expect everything to work. You are going to have to change your LCA mounts and a few other things.
I would stick with a 26" tall slick. You won't have to worry about clearance issues that much. Also, were you are getting a new rear end you can pick what gears you want and be able to get the right gears for your combo with a 26" tall tire.
A 28 is really only needed unless you are running a steep gear or nitrous and you are running out of gear in the top end. I understand where the taller sidewall will help you hook better, but from your mods I think that a 26" tall tire will suit you just fine.
06-04-2009, 07:49 PM
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You make a valid point, with my current mods I don't need much at all. However I'm building the car to handle more power in the future. I'd much rather hook with 340HP than have a 500+hp tire smoking machine.
Before I even think about adding power I'm going to swap the rear end, add torque arm, possibly swap out the LCAs and panhard bar for adjustable ones, pick up adjustable shocks for front and rear, TH350 swap with manual valve body and transbrake, etc. You get the idea. Basically I want a bulletproof drivetrain with the ability to hook before I want power.
So the question remains: Does anybody actually have first hand experience running a 28x12 slick?
Before I even think about adding power I'm going to swap the rear end, add torque arm, possibly swap out the LCAs and panhard bar for adjustable ones, pick up adjustable shocks for front and rear, TH350 swap with manual valve body and transbrake, etc. You get the idea. Basically I want a bulletproof drivetrain with the ability to hook before I want power.
So the question remains: Does anybody actually have first hand experience running a 28x12 slick?
06-04-2009, 10:10 PM
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There are PLENTY of 5-600HP cars running a 26" tall tire and hooking great.
I have first hand experience with a 28x12.50R15 and 325/50R15 Mickey's. They took a little to fit but not much.
Like I said, I think you would be just fine with a 26
I have first hand experience with a 28x12.50R15 and 325/50R15 Mickey's. They took a little to fit but not much.
Like I said, I think you would be just fine with a 26
06-05-2009, 04:33 PM
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Well I'm willing to do "a little" to make em fit, I think it's worth it.
I already plan on rolling the fenders and I'll be swapping out my LCAs and panhard bar for adjustable ones so I should be able to get things nice and centered for the best fit.
Since you have fist hand experience, what size wheel did you run? I'm assuming a 15x10, but what backspacing?
I already plan on rolling the fenders and I'll be swapping out my LCAs and panhard bar for adjustable ones so I should be able to get things nice and centered for the best fit.
Since you have fist hand experience, what size wheel did you run? I'm assuming a 15x10, but what backspacing?
