18" Drag Radials on the Street
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Owensboro, KY
18" Drag Radials on the Street Okay guys... I have a 69 Camaro that is only pushing about 500 rwhp right now but I plan on putting a blower/turbo on her hopefully this summer (800+ rwhp). I ONLY drive her on nice days... no rain or anything to worry about. Strictly a street car, but may take it to the track once a year or so, if that. How long tire lasts doesnt really matter.
The tires will be going on a set of 18x12" wheels. Front tires will most likely be a 245/40/18 tire on 18x8". I was going to go with Toyo R888's (335/30/18) because I had heard they are a good balance of grip and handling, but the more I think about it, I dont really NEED anything with that great of handling (when it comes to the tires).
So now I am leaning towards one of the following:
M&H Racemaster drag radial
MT ET Street Radial II
Hoosier DOT drag radial
Nitto NT05R
One thing I am hearing a lot about when I search is the wiggle, etc on some of these when on highway, etc.
Any and all advice is appreciated! Thanks!
The tires will be going on a set of 18x12" wheels. Front tires will most likely be a 245/40/18 tire on 18x8". I was going to go with Toyo R888's (335/30/18) because I had heard they are a good balance of grip and handling, but the more I think about it, I dont really NEED anything with that great of handling (when it comes to the tires).
So now I am leaning towards one of the following:
M&H Racemaster drag radial
MT ET Street Radial II
Hoosier DOT drag radial
Nitto NT05R
One thing I am hearing a lot about when I search is the wiggle, etc on some of these when on highway, etc.
Any and all advice is appreciated! Thanks!
Last edited by 6D9 Matt; Feb 12, 2014 at 04:04 PM.
I ran Nt05's on my Ws6 and I loved them. Lasted pretty well, hooked good and drove fine in the rain.
Nitto NT05R will handle best but grip the least at street pressures... if you run them really low 12-14psi they hook about as well as MTs.
At 25psi or so, MTs and M&H would be my choice if you don't care about handling. They have softer sidewalls than the Nitto and 25psi is a safe pressure for those tires on the street. M&H grip a little better than MTs but used to run narrow. I don't know if that's still the case.
At 25psi or so, MTs and M&H would be my choice if you don't care about handling. They have softer sidewalls than the Nitto and 25psi is a safe pressure for those tires on the street. M&H grip a little better than MTs but used to run narrow. I don't know if that's still the case.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Owensboro, KY
I have searched around a lot, and it seems the Hoosier DOT drag radial and the M&H Racemaster drag radials are the best for traction. Im just curious who actually drives these two on the street. Like I said, I only drive my car in dry/nice weather so rain will not be a factor.
Last edited by 6D9 Matt; Feb 12, 2014 at 04:04 PM.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
NT05R's hook really well, even at normal driving pressures on the 5th Gens (625rwhp). Haven't had any issues with "spirited" driving.
If you want more of an all around tire, check out the 555RII's. They are designed for road courses so you know they will handle the streets and should be soft enough to launch you when you want to get going.
If you want more of an all around tire, check out the 555RII's. They are designed for road courses so you know they will handle the streets and should be soft enough to launch you when you want to get going.
The R888 is an autocross tire (as you probably know) and it'll hook better once you're moving. It's not designed to hook from a dig due to the stiffer sidewall. Give serious thought to where/when you'll be driving the car. If it's in the budget to run a 15"-17" rear wheel and a drag radial for fun nights or track use, do that. Then run an R888 on your 18x12s.
FWIW, an R888 would NOT hook 550rwhp thru an unlocked 4L80E in 1st gear, but it would in 2nd. This was a small turbo car and boost would come on really fast at 3k rpm.
FWIW, an R888 would NOT hook 550rwhp thru an unlocked 4L80E in 1st gear, but it would in 2nd. This was a small turbo car and boost would come on really fast at 3k rpm.
