Tips for better traction?
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Bowling Green
Tips for better traction? 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.
Last edited by Bow Tie Power; Aug 15, 2013 at 12:51 AM.
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.
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.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Nebraska
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Bowling Green
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.
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Verdad Gallardo 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.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 2
From: Nebraska
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 2
From: Nebraska
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.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Bowling Green
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.
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
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
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.
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.