Tire pressure for Drag Radials

[Turbotungsten]

I think I finally have the bugs worked out of my build and I am heading to the dyno for tuning tomorrow and to Gateway international on Tues. I am running a set of 265/4018 Mickey Thompson ET Street radials and was just curious what tire pressure some of you are running with similar tires.

 

[ChevyKiller]

Just remeber that weight plays a big factor in psi. Where normally on slicks, I like to see the prssure 11 or less, because fo the weight of the S197, they actually need to be about 14+ (slicks)

For your tires, I'd say 16-18 to start and play from there.

Also, make sure your tire is ready for a 'heavy' car. The compound also makes a big difference related to your weight.

 

[don_w]

M/T DRs tend to prefer higher pressures. My old 275/40-17s worked best at 17psi. But, I'd tell you to start at 16psi and work up 1psi at a time until it doesn't hook, then back down 1psi.

 

[MLC40]

M&H DR's here, 17psi is usually the best. Make sure you check them after your first run as the pressure go up a few psi after the burn out.

 

[stkjock]

I have BFG 265/40/18 ( A set of MTs sitting for mounting as well) I've found that 15-17 works best. that has given me 1.7x 60's.

not too many guys run this size.

 

[Boss281]

I agree with the 17lbs starting point. From there I start adjusting the rear shocks up or down for the best hook, then start ADDING air until I stop hooking. For me, too low a tire pressure helps the 60ft but not the ET...my best ET was with 19lbs in a 325/45-17 M&H Racemaster...

 

[flounderlipps]

Mickey Thompson tech bulletins
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/tech.php?bulletin=s3

ET STREET RADIAL

On the racetrack DO NOT use starting pressures below 11 psi.
Recommend pressures for:
P295 and larger sizes: 11-14 psi
P275 and smaller sizes: 12-16 psi​

 

[KILLER06GT]

Is your car a stick or an auto? A stick car will generally need less psi to work good.

If your car is a stick, id try 16 just because of how small the tire is. Then go down from there if its not hooking.

If it is an auto, id do like don said and go up in pressure until you find the sweet spot. Unless your really having traction issues and then work your way down. Starting at 16(once again because its a pretty small tire). Also if you don't have access to air at the track id probably start at about 20 and see how it works...then go from there up or down.

 

[stkjock]

to add to my comments.... (if you realize this I apologize - as I didnt at first take it into account) check your pressure several times during the day. your pressure will rise after you make your run. depending on how long your letting the car cool between passes your pressure will vary from run to run.

 

[don_w]

Mickey Thompson tech bulletins
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/tech.php?bulletin=s3





ET STREET RADIAL

On the racetrack DO NOT use starting pressures below 11 psi.​

Recommend pressures for:

P295 and larger sizes: 11-14 psi

P275 and smaller sizes: 12-16 psi​

Don't you love how M/T contradicts themselves on the same web page.

OVER 3,000 POUNDS -- UNDER 30" DIAMETER -- 16 P.S.I. AND UP
OVER 3,000 POUNDS -- OVER 30" DIAMETER -- 12 P.S.I. AND UP

 

[95PGTech]

I agree on the M/T = 17psi is usually best theory.

 

[scramblr]

There's nothing like trying to launch on un-prepped tracks. Even slicks aren't worth a damn. Another 3 1/2 years before I see a real track...

 

[flounderlipps]

Don't you love how M/T contradicts themselves on the same web page.

Thats funny
I didn't notice that.

 

[GI Joe]

If you have a car making good power you will have to lower them...My best times based on 300 runs are at 13.5 lbs. with a 28" tire