Help... Mickey Thompson ET Steets or Drag radials...

[timfoster405]

After going back and forth... really trying to nail down the wheel tire combo...

I have the 18 inch bullitts and want to retain the factory look.

My wheel of choice is most likely going to be the new take off 17" chrome bullitt from NewTake off p/n HOL-3589CR. It appears to be a OEM 17" chome wheel (17 x 8) that will look identical to the 18" bullitts.

I can't seem to find a set of 18" bullitts used that are close to me in MD...otherwise I would go w/ the 265/35/18 MT drag radials...

Anyway, w/ the 17 x 8's chome wheels and really wanting to make use of the 450 to 475 rwhp, what is going to do a better job at the track?

the MT ET streets... or the MT drag radials? both seem to be about the same cost.

thanks,

 

[stkjock]

there are a few sets of 18s for sale in the parts sections...


the 265/40/18s hook well, I've been using them for a year or so. Ron has the M&H 275/45/18s and has had good success with them as well.


The ET streets seem to be "better" but @ your power (not a dis - I'm in the same area) the radials will work fine and be more stable on the big end.

 

[timfoster405]

Does Ron run the M&H 275's on stock 8.5 wide bullitts?

 

[stkjock]

Does Ron run the M&H 275's on stock 8.5 wide bullitts?

no - on a Konig, but its no more then a 9" rim.

let me see if I can find a pic

 

[stkjock]

Not his... but IIRC a 9" rim

 

[timfoster405]

Will I see any difference in the ability to hook at my power level with the ET streets (17's) and the 265-40-18 on factory 18" bullitts?

otherwise

I hate to do this... but I think I will go with 265-40-18 MT drag radial on my factory rims... I hate to dismount a factory rim... but this seems to be the chaepest most usefule combo?

Can I drive on these tires normally? I know not to drive on them in the rain... but how about normal driving around town w/o hard turns?

What is the burnout steps for a drag radial?

thanks

 

[stkjock]

Will I see any difference in the ability to hook at my power level with the ET streets (17's) and the 265-40-18 on factory 18" bullitts?

The 17's probably will hook a bit better, but I've gotten 1.68 60's on mine and my car doesnt weight transfer well at all. So IMO the 18s should be fine

otherwise

I hate to do this... but I think I will go with 265-40-18 MT drag radial on my factory rims... I hate to dismount a factory rim... but this seems to be the cheapest most useful combo?

yes cheapest as you dont need the new rims... however the 265s are 230ish each? its possible you could get track only rims and tires for not much more, find used 17's for 75-100 and tires for 150-160 each and your close to the same cost.

Can I drive on these tires normally? I know not to drive on them in the rain... but how about normal driving around town w/o hard turns?

yes I run them 24/7 (my car is not a DD) handles fine, for the street I keep them around 30psi

What is the burnout steps for a drag radial?
thanks

a second gear burn out and look for 4-5 seconds at 50-55 mph and then roll the car out of the burnout.... then launch it hard!!!

 

[timfoster405]

Ok... thanks for the great info!!

Just so I understand... you are currently these drag radials, MT 265's on factory bullitts and have gotten a 1.68 60ft? Are you ant auto or manual... what gears?

Lastly, what psi should I run at the track? Should I get them wet at the track?

With 3.31's and 440 to 450 rwtq, what is a good 60 foot time I should shoot for?

thanks

 

[stkjock]

Ok... thanks for the great info!!

sure

Just so I understand... you are currently these drag radials, MT 265's on factory bullitts and have gotten a 1.68 60ft? Are you ant auto or manual... what gears?

yes for near a year, before I ran a BFG in the same size.

Manual, 1.68 - 1.75 60's consistently with a decent track, 4.10 rear gears

Lastly, what psi should I run at the track? Should I get them wet at the track?

I've found 17 psi cold to work best. Yes wet them then burnout - easier to the drive train to wet them first.

With 3.31's and 440 to 450 rwtq, what is a good 60 foot time I should shoot for?

w/ 3.31s do a first gear burnout, the shorter tire will equal ~3.41s, still a bit tall for 2nd gear IMHO.

As far a 60s, the lowest possible!!! IMHO 1.6-1.7 area is a good target.

Do you have the stock stall converter in?

 

[timfoster405]

Yes... stock converter...I thought I heard you should not wet a drag radial?

I have not run the car yet... I am not a big time drag racer... hoping for a high 11

 

[stkjock]

Yes... stock converter...I thought I heard you should not wet a drag radial?

with a stock converter you'll not be able to leave much higher then 1800-2000 RPM, so IDK how good your 60s will be.... only one way to find out.

IDK where you heard that! totally wrong from all I know! always wet a DR or slick, lessens the shock when you do a burnout.

 

[biz4765]

Those 275/45/18 M&H tires should work fine on the stock 18inch Bullitt won't they? If so I think I will go that route.

 

[stkjock]

Those 275/45/18 M&H tires should work fine on the stock 18inch Bullitt won't they? If so I think I will go that route.

yes, I may use them when my MTs are done

 

[timfoster405]

OK... just purchased MT 265-40-18's for $240 each plus 6% sales tax (locally). Mounted/balanced for $23 each.

Pick them up tonight at 8:00 PM...

 

[BlownAway05]

Those M&H 275/45/18 look like they would be a lot happier on an 8.5" wheel, looks like they won't provide any wheel protection at all.

STK, are you sure thats on a 9" wheel? I wonder what tire pressure that picture is at?

 

[stkjock]

Those M&H 275/45/18 look like they would be a lot happier on an 8.5" wheel, looks like they won't provide any wheel protection at all.

STK, are you sure thats on a 9" wheel? I wonder what tire pressure that picture is at?

no I'm not sure... but I've seen a few M&Hs look like that on a wheel that was a bit under M&Hs specs....