Need some advice...

[VTXFrank]

So I want to set my car up for a little more drag racing at the strip.

Here's what I've considered so far and would like the pro's and con's:

1. Buying some used/cheaper 17x9 rear wheels and running M/T ET Streets on them in 275-40 or 50/17 with my stock GT wheels and the 245-45/19's up front.

2. Going 17's all round. 17x4 upfront and 17x9 or 10's in the rear. Running ET Streets out back in 275-40 or 50/17.

I don't have much $$ right now and won't for quite some time. Lots of other shit going on right now. Too much to mention. But I can spend a little here and there. I don't wanna go completely ghetto on this, I'd be changing the wheels/tires at the track, but I would like to keep costs waaay down until we can recover come next summer (I hope). Had some very unexpected hospital bills this past month. Among other things.

Thanks in advance for any advice/help/deals folks can offer. I do have a four of these in 19x9.5 if anyone is interested in trading some stuff. I also have some H&R 1" hubcentric spacers I could trade as well.

Advice is much appreciated and any lines on decent wheels would be appreciated.

 

[VTXFrank]

Anyone?

 

[69Mach1-409]

I picked up a set of used OEM 17" split spokes and tossed a set of MT ET Street Radials on them. Think the total cost was around $450 ($100 wheels, $350 tires).. but it's been a few years.

They're a decent tire and I've been able to pull consistent 1.6X with them. ..with a best of 1.59.. not great, but alot is the driver. I know those huge front GT500's (255/45R18s) are killing me, but not much I can do about it right now.

BrenSpeed has a sweet deal on Big & Littles in the FS section.. think it was $1000 shipped. I think the back tire is alittle big for my current set up though.

 

[TheKurgan]

I can tell you with my MT ET Street 265/40/18's in the rear the car doesn't launch worth a damn. It's almost like my car is in a reverse rake when I run those tires. There is no sweet launch rpm. They either spin or wheel hop. I'd go with max sidewall that you can.

 

[VTXFrank]

I can tell you with my MT ET Street 265/40/18's in the rear the car doesn't launch worth a damn. It's almost like my car is in a reverse rake when I run those tires. There is no sweet launch rpm. They either spin or wheel hop. I'd go with max sidewall that you can.

Well then, since my front wheels and tires are already pretty light, I just might go with a pair of 15x9's for the rear and use some 275/60-15's on there.

Anyone know if there would be any issues doing it this way?

 

[retfr8flyr]

Tom if you are going to change at the track anyway why don't you just get a pair of 15x10 and a set of these http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/strip.php?item=ETDragRadial slicks. That way you will have radials on the front and rear.


Earl

 

[joedls]

Well then, since my front wheels and tires are already pretty light, I just might go with a pair of 15x9's for the rear and use some 275/60-15's on there.

Anyone know if there would be any issues doing it this way?

I wouldn't suggest it. That tire is too tall. You probably would do better with a 26" tire. And since they'll only be used for the track, why not use a slick or bias ply?

 

[VTXFrank]

Tom if you are going to change at the track anyway why don't you just get a pair of 15x10 and a set of these http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/strip.php?item=ETDragRadial slicks. That way you will have radials on the front and rear.


Earl

Would that be too tall of a tire with my gearing, 3.55's? The smallest one they have is a 29.5/15 on that page. Not sure if I want to run slicks either. I don't want to rip out my rear end or fry my clutch.

 

[VTXFrank]

I wouldn't suggest it. That tire is too tall. You probably would do better with a 26" tire. And since they'll only be used for the track, why not use a slick or bias ply?

The 275/50-15 is 26.1" diameter. That would be better with me being N/A and 3.55 gears?

I'm worried that using full on slicks would cause damage to the rear end or the stock clutch. Is this a valid concern using slicks?

 

[joedls]

Would that be too tall of a tire with my gearing, 3.55's? The smallest one they have is a 29.5/15 on that page. Not sure if I want to run slicks either. I don't want to rip out my rear end or fry my clutch.

Actually a slick or bias ply will provide less shock to your drivetrain than a drag radial will. The softer sidewalls will absorb more of the shock.

 

[VTXFrank]

Actually a slick or bias ply will provide less shock to your drivetrain than a drag radial will. The softer sidewalls will absorb more of the shock.

Gotcha. I guess I'll try to find a slick that's around 26" in diameter then.

Thanks for the advice, brother! Anyone else have nuggets of knowledge they'd care to share?

 

[GT.350-R]

Run the 17x4.5 up front,with some Hoosier Radial skinny tires and 15x10s out back with a good drag radial like a 275/60/15 and drive it to the track.

 

[VTXFrank]

Run the 17x4.5 up front,with some Hoosier Radial skinny tires and 15x10s out back with a good drag radial like a 275/60/15 and drive it to the track.

That's a 28" tall tire. With 3.55 gears, shouldn't I be looking for a 26" tall tire?

I'll eventually get skinnies up front. But I can go ahead and race with the rear end set up better with a UCA and DR's or slicks.

 

[joedls]

Run the 17x4.5 up front,with some Hoosier Radial skinny tires and 15x10s out back with a good drag radial like a 275/60/15 and drive it to the track.

That 28" tire is too tall with his gearing.

 

[GT500Steve]

The 275/50-15 is 26.1" diameter. That would be better with me being N/A and 3.55 gears?

I'm worried that using full on slicks would cause damage to the rear end or the stock clutch. Is this a valid concern using slicks?

Thats what I am running on my car and I pulled a 1.67 60ft with them first time out, but I am still figuring out exactly how to launch them. When I do I think low 1.6s in the 60ft will be no problem, and mid to low 1.5s with some suspension parts. Right now suspension is completely stock except for lowering springs. They will work good for your combo.

 

[VTXFrank]

Isn't there some kind of online calculator for figuring out the final gear ratio with different tires? My head hurts too much to research it.

 

[VTXFrank]

Thats what I am running on my car and I pulled a 1.67 60ft with them first time out, but I am still figuring out exactly how to launch them. When I do I think low 1.6s in the 60ft will be no problem, and mid to low 1.5s with some suspension parts. Right now suspension is completely stock except for lowering springs. They will work good for your combo.

You have DR's or slicks?

 

[GT.350-R]

Go with a 257/50/15 DR, its 26 in tall. I was launching @ 7000 rpm on them.

 

[joedls]

Isn't there some kind of online calculator for figuring out the final gear ratio with different tires? My head hurts too much to research it.

Don't worry so much about final gear ratio. You want to calculate what rpm you'll be turning when you cross the stripe.

 

[GT.350-R]

No, it's easier on the drive train ,with a slick , but not as stable on the big end.