Help me pick some tires please...
08-08-2009, 07:57 AM
#1
Help me pick some tires please... I need to order a couple slicks or drag radials (probably slicks) for the TA. I need maximum, no holds barred, traction. Car is mini tubbed BUT is on a stock length rear with 10" rim. I can fit 29", but am willing to cut for 29.5" (front of 1/4 will need cut for that one I think). Width can be anywhere, only limited by rim width.
Hoping to run mid 9's on juice, high 10's on motor. Car should be at about 3200-3300 raceweight with driver. TH350, 4.10 geared 9", obviously has all the good suspension stuff (coil overs, T/A, etc.).
Read that some guys have had good luck with the Hoosier radial slicks, or the stiff sidewall MT drags. Our local track prep is not very good, and I want to fight traction issues as little as possible while tuning the spray and stuff.
No concern about class rules or anything, just the best hooking tire PERIOD.
Thanks!
Hoping to run mid 9's on juice, high 10's on motor. Car should be at about 3200-3300 raceweight with driver. TH350, 4.10 geared 9", obviously has all the good suspension stuff (coil overs, T/A, etc.).
Read that some guys have had good luck with the Hoosier radial slicks, or the stiff sidewall MT drags. Our local track prep is not very good, and I want to fight traction issues as little as possible while tuning the spray and stuff.
No concern about class rules or anything, just the best hooking tire PERIOD.
Thanks!
08-08-2009, 09:59 AM
#5
stiff sidewall m/t slicks. the radial slicks by hoosiers are great stuff too, but require slightly better prep. the ultimate IMO is a set of M/T radials. 325/50 are just plain awesome. i love mine. ofcourse they require the most prep, but you will be the fastest on those tires IMO
08-08-2009, 11:25 AM
#6
So the stiff sidewall MT slicks are more forgiving than the hoosier radial slicks, correct? Downside is, the hoosier radial slicks won't "grow" as much, correct? All things being equal, would the car be faster on the hoosier radial slick or the stiff MT drag?
Thanks for the help guys!
Thanks for the help guys!
08-08-2009, 05:21 PM
#7
Got a screamin' deal on some MT ET drag 29.5X10.5W's. BIG tire. I'm mini tubbed, but on stock length rear with 7.5" backspace 10" rim. Gonna have to cut a little I think. Any advice so I don't have to repaint my 1/4 panel? Its no show car, but I don't wanna **** it up too bad.
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08-09-2009, 08:10 AM
#8
a 10.5W tire is big, 29.5 tall makes it even bigger LOL. That's a good tire to hook 1400 hp! If you have traction problems with THAT tire, you either have a track that preps with beach sand instead of VHT, or you forgot to tell us about the 2500 hp you are making 
It's gonna take some definate cutting on the 1/4 to get that in the car, the rear bumper will need to be cut and remolded, you probably need to cut the whole 1/4, take 2 inches out and stretch the front of the 1/4 forward, as well as redoing the back with the bumper cover. But once it's done, you can run that tire and have it look right which is 100%
IMO. And, never have a traction problem. Car will look really funny with anything smaller tire wise though.
You'll need a 4.30 gear with that tire even on the jug maybe 4.56 because those are a solid 2 inches taller then the average 28 that most guys run with the growth. You'll need to put some adjustable spring perches in and lower the back of the car a good 2 inches from stock to get the rake out too. The shock mounts will need to be moved down a bit too, or a slightly shorter shock is needed.
It's alot of work to get things right with that size tire, but again, it's gonna hook on anything with 9 second power for sure. Doing it without repainting... isn't gonna happen. But, while the 1/4's are getting redone, you can fill the antenna hole, and you can probably fill/remove the gas door as well which always looks cool. Fuel cell in the nose also removes alot of weight and will make the fuel system alot cleaner/ligher, and the pump doesn't have to fight gravity anymore either. Or, put it in the trunk with a bulkhead, either way you're on a fuel cell now. Plus the stock gas tank will probably hit the rear once it's lowered a couple inches anyway.
It's gonna take some definate cutting on the 1/4 to get that in the car, the rear bumper will need to be cut and remolded, you probably need to cut the whole 1/4, take 2 inches out and stretch the front of the 1/4 forward, as well as redoing the back with the bumper cover. But once it's done, you can run that tire and have it look right which is 100%
IMO. And, never have a traction problem. Car will look really funny with anything smaller tire wise though.You'll need a 4.30 gear with that tire even on the jug maybe 4.56 because those are a solid 2 inches taller then the average 28 that most guys run with the growth. You'll need to put some adjustable spring perches in and lower the back of the car a good 2 inches from stock to get the rake out too. The shock mounts will need to be moved down a bit too, or a slightly shorter shock is needed.
It's alot of work to get things right with that size tire, but again, it's gonna hook on anything with 9 second power for sure. Doing it without repainting... isn't gonna happen. But, while the 1/4's are getting redone, you can fill the antenna hole, and you can probably fill/remove the gas door as well which always looks cool. Fuel cell in the nose also removes alot of weight and will make the fuel system alot cleaner/ligher, and the pump doesn't have to fight gravity anymore either. Or, put it in the trunk with a bulkhead, either way you're on a fuel cell now. Plus the stock gas tank will probably hit the rear once it's lowered a couple inches anyway.
08-09-2009, 09:26 AM
#9
Jeez, that sounds like work!
I think I can get it with minimal cutting. Previous owner had a 29" tire on it before, just has a small cut in the bumper. I will have to trim the front of the 1/4 a little, but I think i can do it without paint. Its gonna need paint anyway before its "done", but honestly I'm over the show car stuff.
It currently has a 28X10.5W on it with tons of room to spare, only close point is the front of the 1/4. Lots of room everywhere else.
We'll see I guess, going to pick them up in a few. Won't be able to get them on rims till tomorrow I think, not sure if I can find a tire shop open on sunday.
Haven't alot of guys cut their 1/4 without painting? I seem to recall people using a really sharp/fast cut off wheel and masking the area and being able to cut it without hurting the paint. Obviously its not rolled over or perfect, but close enough.
I think I can get it with minimal cutting. Previous owner had a 29" tire on it before, just has a small cut in the bumper. I will have to trim the front of the 1/4 a little, but I think i can do it without paint. Its gonna need paint anyway before its "done", but honestly I'm over the show car stuff.
It currently has a 28X10.5W on it with tons of room to spare, only close point is the front of the 1/4. Lots of room everywhere else.
We'll see I guess, going to pick them up in a few. Won't be able to get them on rims till tomorrow I think, not sure if I can find a tire shop open on sunday.
Haven't alot of guys cut their 1/4 without painting? I seem to recall people using a really sharp/fast cut off wheel and masking the area and being able to cut it without hurting the paint. Obviously its not rolled over or perfect, but close enough.
08-09-2009, 10:58 AM
#10
So the stiff sidewall MT slicks are more forgiving than the hoosier radial slicks, correct? Downside is, the hoosier radial slicks won't "grow" as much, correct? All things being equal, would the car be faster on the hoosier radial slick or the stiff MT drag?
Thanks for the help guys!
Thanks for the help guys!
Coach
08-09-2009, 07:43 PM
#11
Got them on. They were 29X10.5W, not 29.5. I moved the rear back about 3/4" with the LCA's, trimmed the bumper and metal, looks to be all good. I have a good 1" minimum all around for clearance, and thats at 27 PSI. Car actaully looks pretty good like this, I'll take a few pics later.
