Drag radials

[wreckwriter]

I realize some of this has been covered here and elsewhere but I'm hoping to get some solid specific answers all in one place.

I know I'm going to need DR's before too long but a lot of the wheel and tire sizing stuff confuses me (offsets and such). i don't want mixed sizes, 19s on front and 18s rear etc and I don't want to use the DRs for every day driving. I see a few options:

Option 1- trade my stock 19s for a set of stock 18s plus buy 2 more stock 18" rims for DRs. (are the stock 18s wide enough? Maybe not I think)

Option 2- buy aftermarket wheels, 2 for front, 4 for rear. (what sizes will fit without dicking around with fenders and such?)

Money is a factor of course but performance and decent look also factor in, probably higher than cost. Please be specific on sizes that will work etc.

thanks for any tips!

[Chewy]

What about a set of winter tires? Like Blizzaks?

They are soft as hell and wear incredibly fast on the street... I wonder if they would grip better on the track too?:hmm:

[GeorgeInNePa]

What about a set of winter tires? Like Blizzaks?

They are soft as hell and wear incredibly fast on the street... I wonder if they would grip better on the track too?:hmm:

I still have the Blizzaks on my Camry. ( it's for sale, stop laughing!) They have crappy warm weather traction. They just wear fast.

[EcoBrick Bob]

How about buying a slick set of wheels that you can use your 19's on the front and have 18' drag radials on the rear... Try ROH or have some custom 2 piece wheels set up for your car. Also try Tire Rack.

Lots of cars have diff. sizes from front to rear, like Corvettes for instance. As long as you are using the same outside diameter, there should be no problem.

RRM

[wreckwriter]

I still feel hinky about putting 18s on back with 19s on front but please give me some specific sizes so I can look further into it. I really know shit about sizing...

[-Ray-]

I still feel hinky about putting 18s on back with 19s on front but please give me some specific sizes so I can look further into it. I really know shit about sizing...

Tom, the key is to stay as close to your nominal tire diameter as you can. There are quite a few tire calculators on the web. You want some sidewall on your DR, so 17 or 18 will give you that. As we know, the 19's have very little side wall.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[wreckwriter]

Thanks Ray, i'll check it out.

[EcoBrick Bob]

Wreck,

You can also check tire sizing at TireRack. Start with Bridgestone 245-40-19 RE 050's. If you go to the Spec's area, you will see the diameter, width tread width etc. You can then match up wider tires with same height. For instance, I am planning on getting a new set of wheels that are staggered. The fronts will be 8" or 8.5" wide and rears between 9" & 10". TireRack suggests 275-35-19 rears, but the 285-35-19's are closer in height, so will probably use them ( same tire - diff size) when they go off backorder. You will also need to get Tire Pressure Monitors for your new wheels, unless you remove them from your present ones. Wheel weight is also important. If you get a wheel and tire package from them, they road force balance the combos for free.

As for 18's, my guess is that the drag radials would be from 275-305 width, and have a 40 sidewall height, though have never sized them. Would think you could adjust your rear gearing by changing the height size. If you want to stay in 3rd gear thru quarter mile, you will have to make them taller if your rpm goes over 6400. Charlie or others can probably give you the right size info.

This brings me to what will happen with GXP, with higher gears,it will likely have to shift into 4th unless it's rev limiter is nearly 7000, which could hurt it's times.


Rob

[-Ray-]

245 40 19

[wreckwriter]

For some reason this stuff makes me feel pretty dumb :(

[-Ray-]

Not sure what you're talking about, but I learned about the tire calc on another web forum. Believe me, I have nothing original to say. If it wasn't for all you guys, I wouldn't know anything.

[wreckwriter]

I mean this tire and wheel sizing confuses me for some reason.

[-Ray-]

Ok.
The second number is the aspect ratio in percentage.
on our stock tires, the sidewall is 40 percent of the tire width. Anytime to change tire width, aspect is also affected to some extent.
The tire I size I found on the calc gives you a slightly larger tire diameter. It's a little taller, so better to trap, but less off the line.

[Panther 2]

I believe Mike @New Era is running a 275/50/17 Dr on his 12.2 car

[GRRRR8]

I will use that size or the 26.5 x 11.5 x 17

[wreckwriter]

I will use that size or the 26.5 x 11.5 x 17

What about the fronts?

[GRRRR8]

Not changing/messin with the fronts. I am looking at getting very light wheels that are 17x7 / 17x9.5 for race use only.

[-Ray-]

a 10.5" DR is 266.7 mm.

[EcoBrick Bob]

Wreck,

17's will fit on the front if the offset is low enough. I am using a stock 17' wheel off my GTO as a G8 spare. But... because it has a 48 mm. offset, the rim rubs on the strut tower brace on the front. Since it would be used only to get to a tire store, I solved the rubbing issue with 2 washers (spacers) on each lug, adding about 3/16" of extra clearance. Back end has plenty of clearance w/o spacers.

You will note that any reputable wheel re-seller will make sure new wheels are hub-centric. The wheels will either have the proper hub hole diameter when mfgd. or the proper size is created with a hub ring. The above GTO spare does not have the correct hub size as it is slightly larger than the G8's.
Lugs will center wheel if properly tightened but not something I would want to do for a long term solution.

Charlie is right about getting the lightest wheel possible that works because you are spinning weight. Just like the underdrive pulley principle. And...obviously the more weight you can remove from your G8, the better your times. Charlie and other racers can probably tell you the correlation - lbs vs tenths.

My Shuk wheels on my GTO each weigh less than 20 lbs. Would guess the 20's on my Denali are nearly 40lbs. Guess which handles better???? (Only kidding...)

My wife says I am way to experienced with purchasing after-market wheels and tires. When we unloaded our big home a few years ago, had to pay to get rid of around 8 complete sets. Currently back up to 3!---and none for my G8.

:whocares:


Rob

[wreckwriter]

Saw an ad in Super Chevy mag that Nitto has introduced 20" DRs.

[wreckwriter]

The lack of comment to this leads me to believe that 20s would not be a good thing?

[GRRRR8]

Too low of a profile. 17s or 18s max.

[wreckwriter]

OK, thanks Charlie.

[GRRRR8]

I am going to see if I can get a set of 4 for drag use only, that way we can have matching on it. I do understand what you have been saying. You dont want mismatched at ANY time.

[wreckwriter]

I am going to see if I can get a set of 4 for drag use only, that way we can have matching on it. I do understand what you have been saying. You dont want mismatched at ANY time.

If nothing else, mismatched is going to look weird it seems. Sorry for so many questions on this but I just can't seem to wrap my head around it. For some reason I just don't seem to "get it" so I'm really hoping someone who knows this stuff will post up some specific wheels and tires that are available and will do a good job. Converter goes in soon so I know I have to start looking at this.

[GRRRR8]

The most important thing is tire height. 17,18,19 it does not matter, allthat matters is they are 26.8 to 27 inches tall. If youhave 17s on the rear and they are 27 inches tall and you have 19s on the front and they are 26.8, the car will sit level and the only difference will be the look of the wheel. I will try to find some pics.

[wreckwriter]

I appreciate it Charlie. So which part of the tire specs indicates the height, the first number (i.e. 225, 275, etc), right?

[GRRRR8]

Yes and no. 275 is width, 50 in the sidewall 17 is the rim. You can go to any tire site and it will tell you the tire height and width on a specific rim.

[EcoBrick Bob]

I appreciate it Charlie. So which part of the tire specs indicates the height, the first number (i.e. 225, 275, etc), right?

Best way to understand all this is to go to TireRack's website and go to G8 tires. Then when you pick a tire, go to specs. This will show you the rim size that they are using for the numbers. You can also scan down to look at other tire sizes and how they compare.

I would do this for several different brands in the G8 size. You will see that they are close in spec. but not exactly the same.

As for going with 17's - you might be able to pick up some decent clearance wheels that you acquire 4 of. Just remember the front rims need to be a 40 offset or smaller.

RRM

[chiefpontiac]

Reasoning behind using a narrower 17 instead of 18 or 19 can be as follows.

Regardless of the wheel size you can maintain ride height with outside diamet. In fact a 225/60-16 as found on 97-03 Grand Prixs is identical in diameter to the 18's and 19's shipped oem from Pontiac.

The larger the wheel the less sidewall you have and to get a clean takeoff with more traction and less spin a taller sidewall will allow a certain amount of flex or windup that can be to your advantage. Fullest amount of traction will come from pure slicks as wide as will fit - but you'll notice most successful dragsters have very small wheels and large sidewalls. That won't work with G8 brakes and even 16's probably will interfere (haven't tried it yet) But an aside from drag traction but related is snow and wet traction, where www.tirerack.com highly recommends narrower 17s for snow tires.

Ultra-skinny front tires for front in drags would be advantageous in reducing drag on front end thus benefiting e.t. -remember you don't have to turn in teh 1/8 or even 1/4 until you get to the end.

[GRRRR8]

Very true Chief. Its the overall diameter and weight of the wheels that is very important.

[wreckwriter]

I appreciate all the explanations. I'm still working on figuring it out, I think I have a mental block on this for some reason, but I'm getting more of it.

[wreckwriter]

Using a tire calculator it appears to get the same tire height as stock in an 18 I would need a 345/30R18. This is using TireRack's available sizes in Bridgestone DRs

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=BFGoodrich&model=g-Force+T%2FA+Drag+Radial

Is this even close to right?

[GRRRR8]

If it would fit, Yes! But, you have to look at 26.5 x 11.5 x 17 and you will see what I am saying.

[wreckwriter]

If it would fit, Yes! But, you have to look at 26.5 x 11.5 x 17 and you will see what I am saying.

but I don't know how to look at that because it doesn't fit the calculator thing. This thread is starting to get really embarrassing for me.

[GRRRR8]

You are not the 1st one I have helped understand this. Ok, go to Bridgestones web site and look up your factory 19 in tire. when you scroll to the right it will tell you "height". Height = like 26.9. So when you are looking for a drag radial you want to be the same. If you go to say a 27.5in tall DR, it will lose a little on take off and trap in 3rd easily on a stock motor. If you went to a 26in you would trap in 4th gear because your rpms would make you shift. Dont be to picky on matching because you may end up wanting a shorter/taller once all your mods are done.

[wreckwriter]

You are not the 1st one I have helped understand this. Ok, go to Bridgestones web site and look up your factory 19 in tire. when you scroll to the right it will tell you "height". Height = like 26.9. So when you are looking for a drag radial you want to be the same. If you go to say a 27.5in tall DR, it will lose a little on take off and trap in 3rd easily on a stock motor. If you went to a 26in you would trap in 4th gear because your rpms would make you shift. Dont be to picky on matching because you may end up wanting a shorter/taller once all your mods are done.

I do understand the dynamics of changing the height basically acting like a gear change. What I don't get is how to figure out what will fit my car, wheel and tire.

[EcoBrick Bob]

I do understand the dynamics of changing the height basically acting like a gear change. What I don't get is how to figure out what will fit my car, wheel and tire.

GOTTA TRUST THE EXPERTS!
First---- G8 GT is extremely forgiving, vs. GTO.

The rears are the issue - some Aussie's are using 305's and there is NO clearance problem - IF the offset is right,

NOW... on my GTO, I had to be really careful... My 275-40-17 could not have a lower number than a 48 offset..... Mine fit - no rub.....

Think that the OLDER RUNNING Web sites can give you more data on the 18-19-20 etc. MAX widths. REMEMBER!!!! the lower the offset number - the further out the tire is..... Obviously changes with width...... That's why it[s so complicated.....

RRM

[Panther 2]

We have a 2000 ss camaro at the shop , I'm going to pull a wheel off to see if it fits on the rear,and if it does ,how it fits. If the Camaro wheel fits than there will be alot of after market light weight wheels to choose from.

[GeorgeInNePa]

We have a 2000 ss camaro at the shop , I'm going to pull a wheel off to see if it fits on the rear,and if it does ,how it fits. If the Camaro wheel fits than there will be alot of after market light weight wheels to choose from.

Mike at NEP told me that he uses 17" F-body rims on his G8 for drag radials. He said the lug centers are only different by .010 and they fit just fine.

[wreckwriter]

watching this closely :)

[GRRRR8]

Tom = :woohoo:

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Yea...Now I'm in the same boat. I can only imagine where I would be if I wasn't spinning down the track 1/2 the way. :(

:boobs: = :wah: = NO :prostock: = :hang:

[Panther 2]

Camaro ss 17" rims fit , also ZR1 ,same wheel 9'' purchased 2 today ,MT P295/45/17=27"x11.50"x17" $208ea. @ Summit

[Chewy]

Camaro ss 17" rims fit , also ZR1 ,same wheel 9'' purchased 2 today ,MT P295/45/17=27"x11.50"x17" $208ea. @ Summit


Really? Lets see pics when bolted up!:worthy:

[wreckwriter]

Camaro ss 17" rims fit , also ZR1 ,same wheel 9'' purchased 2 today ,MT P295/45/17=27"x11.50"x17" $208ea. @ Summit

Would you mind posting links to the exact wheels and tires?

[00 Trans Ram]

Here's probably the easiest, cheapest, and best way to do this. Our wheels are the same exact bolt pattern that's offered on BMWs. Go to a BMW site (Bimmerforums) and buy a pair of stock 17x8s or 17x9s off someone selling them there (I just went over there and saw a few for sale this week). You can get them for about $200-300 f per pair.

Stick on some DR on them, then throw them into the trunk to go to the strip. Change tires when you get there.

[00 Trans Ram]

Also, I'll see if my 17x11s with 315/35s fit.

[Chewy]

Here's probably the easiest, cheapest, and best way to do this. Our wheels are the same exact bolt pattern that's offered on BMWs. Go to a BMW site (Bimmerforums) and buy a pair of stock 17x8s or 17x9s off someone selling them there (I just went over there and saw a few for sale this week). You can get them for about $200-300 f per pair.

Stick on some DR on them, then throw them into the trunk to go to the strip. Change tires when you get there.

I may try to see if tire rack has some sitting around! They have take off a lot. Just need some 18's for winter tires...:o

[Panther 2]

I will have the wheels and tires on the car by 9/17, I'll post photo's. You can google Mickey Thompson Drag Radial , Summit Racing will be 1 of the sights that come up.With a 3200 convertor you should not go below 27" dia.

[GRRRR8]

Good choice. It is the same as I will be using.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Well, I have ordered my wheel and tire combo. should have them on and running this weekend. I went with Forte Black Russ 18 x 8.5's and MT 265/40/18 ET Street Radials.

[-Ray-]

Approx. cost Jay?

[MANOFSTEEL69]

135 ea for the wheels, 220 ea for the tires. Nittos are 300 a piece FYI

[wreckwriter]

Whats the bolt pattern and offset? Bolt pattern 5x120, right?

[-Ray-]

Anyone who had modded to the point I am needs these wheels and tires just to launch now. I'm not cammed or have a converter and I'm spinning just rolling into the gas in 1st.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

I don't remember the offset. It's either 40 or 42 :(

[MANOFSTEEL69]

I think these are gonna be all the difference I need to drop below 12.5. Possibly quicker than that. I just can't figure out how I'm trapping the speeds I am compared to everyone else.

[GRRRR8]

I think these are gonna be all the difference I need to drop below 12.5. Possibly quicker than that. I just can't figure out how I'm trapping the speeds I am compared to everyone else.

Wheel Spin.

[g8_795]

I think these are gonna be all the difference I need to drop below 12.5. Possibly quicker than that. I just can't figure out how I'm trapping the speeds I am compared to everyone else.

Bored. Did you try the Elmer's glue trick?? I don't spin much off the line with all of my mod's when racing, but if I have normal tire pressure and brake until 1500 or so, I will spin the shit out of them. Does shit get edited on this site? Oh well.

Has anybody been banned from here except for our one week Iraqi war hero?

[GRRRR8]

Bored. Did you try the Elmer's glue trick?? I don't spin much off the line with all of my mod's when racing, but if I have normal tire pressure and brake until 1500 or so, I will spin the shit out of them. Does shit get edited on this site? Oh well.

Has anybody been banned from here except for our one week Iraqi war hero?

1 Ban so far except for spammers. What is it that you cant find or think got edited. I read your Elmers glue post.

[-Ray-]

We only ban for going off topic. :)

[g8_795]

1 Ban so far except for spammers. What is it that you cant find or think got edited. I read your Elmers glue post.

Nothing. Just BS'ing. I was just trying to think of you banning anyone except for Iraqi war dude and couldn't think of anybody. I think I am off to some COD.

[g8_795]

We only ban for going off topic. :)

Oops. Soooooo. I like though DR's......

[GRRRR8]

Nothing. Just BS'ing. I was just trying to think of you banning anyone except for Iraqi war dude and couldn't think of anybody. I think I am off to some COD.

That sounds real good. Let me see what time my friend leaves and you might see me on later.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Wheel Spin.

I have a hard time believing it's all attributed to wheel spin.....Being the only one with that high of a trap, and not being a rookie to dragging.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

DR's are mounted and on the car for hopefully a run @ Milan tomorrow if the rain clears out! Woot!
http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r424/MANOFSTEEL69/10-24-08_1510-1.jpg

[-Ray-]

Hey Jay, can I borrow those on Tuesday? LOL

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Sure, for $747.00. Lol! After tomorrow they are all yours! Lol! What do you guys think....Start out about 13lbs and adjust from there?

[-Ray-]

I'd say do some testing with a dash hawk.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Don't have one. I don't get my HP Tuner till xmas :(

[-Ray-]

You can borrow mine, and I can borrow the tires and wheels for Tuesday drags. :D

[GRRRR8]

Sure, for $747.00. Lol! After tomorrow they are all yours! Lol! What do you guys think....Start out about 13lbs and adjust from there?

15 psi and a burnout of about 10 sec. Most low profile DRs like more air I have found.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

K, I will give that a go. 11.9 is the target, but I'll settle for a 12.1 or 2.

[GRRRR8]

You and George have your fun. I am gonna F#@K both of you up in the spring! I may get a run in before the track closes to take out George, but I dont know if I have enough for you Jay. I have it, in BOXES! LOL

[GeorgeInNePa]

You and George have your fun. I am gonna F#@K both of you up in the spring! I may get a run in before the track closes to take out George, but I dont know if I have enough for you Jay. I have it, in BOXES! LOL

That's it, I'm ordering drag radials and getting some wheels.

[GRRRR8]

That's it, I'm ordering drag radials and getting some wheels.

LOL! Its a good thing a few of us dont live closer. Could you imagine that bail call to one of our wives! LMAO!

[-Ray-]

K, I will give that a go. 11.9 is the target, but I'll settle for a 12.1 or 2.

When you racing and where? I might show up.

[G8V8]

K, I will give that a go. 11.9 is the target, but I'll settle for a 12.1 or 2.

FWIIW Panther2 ran his DR at 22# for his 12.6 run. Left at idle.

[GeorgeInNePa]

FWIIW Panther2 ran his DR at 22# for his 12.6 run. Left at idle.

With Jay's cam, he's going to be hitting the tire a bit harder.

[GeorgeInNePa]

LOL! Its a good thing a few of us dont live closer. Could you imagine that bail call to one of our wives! LMAO!

I wouldn't call my wife, she'd let me sit in the cell.

I'd call my mother.

;)

[GRRRR8]

No, my mom had way too many of those calls. I would call Wendy and say "Honey, George made me......." LOL

[MANOFSTEEL69]

I'll be hitting Milan tomorrow at noon if the weather breaks like they are saying it might.

[-Ray-]

4 1/2 hours makes it a little far to make the trip.

[Panther 2]

MANOFSTEEL good luck , Be the 1st from USA into the 11s ! Lol

[GRRRR8]

Best of luck Jay! I want to see it done and then Im gonna beat it! lol

[Panther 2]

:target:I'm sneakin up on it !