The Truth about Traction
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
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Castro Valley, CA
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.
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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
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
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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
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
