Pmarine1

Trying to get some suggestions on what 15" tire to run strictly at the track. Right now I run a 15" mt drag radial on the street. Also curious if bead locks are necessary or just for looks.

Dude_man

Beadlocks serve a purpose. It stops the tire from spinning on the rim

Pmarine1

Sorry for not clarifying, I should have stated what power level are they needed. I know they serve a purpose just wasn't sure if it was worth it with 800 rwhp

Dude_man

I wouldnt say theres a set power level. It all depends on how your car 60s. If theyre in the budget I would get them for piece of mind. If will allow you to balance your wheels without worrying if the tire will spin on the rim causing it to shake.

Turbo-Geist

I had movement on an 18" drag radial at around 800rwhp. You can make a mark on your current 15" drag radial lined up with the valve stem. Go do some of your normal digs or full throttle acceleration on the street and see if the mark moves. If it moves on the street with drag radials and your current power level, it will probably move on the track with a true slick and a well prepped surface.

The next question would be how much movement can you tolerate? If you want zero movement, a bead lock might be beneficial. Think about where does the extra load go now that the tire isn't momentarily slipping on the rim.

Pmarine1

I like the idea of being able to swap tires at events that have drag and roll racing, would balancing be an issue for just 1/4 mile?

Dude_man

What is your drivetrain setup? Like said above, bead locks will put more stress on it.

Pmarine1

Dss axles, rpm zr1 diff, rpm tr6060 and Dss 3.5" prop shaft

Dude_man

Let it eat then!

Pmarine1

That's the plan, I'm going to launch it as hard as I can

Dude_man

That's what I like to hear

LS7 BUD

850rwhp and down I'd go with a MT ET Drag 26/10/15S which is 26.5" tall that grows to about 27" tall... 900rwhp and up MT ET Drag 28/10/15S

Louis Gigliotti

If its a stick car, Id use the 28s on anything more than 500 rwhp.

Pmarine1

Yep it is a stick car, haven't decided if I am going to spray out of the hole yet but I make 5xx on motor.

ajrothm

Most people these days throwing beadlocks on are doing it for looks/posing... When you get down to 1.2x 60', you "may" need beadlocks...

Even if you do turn the tire on the wheel a little, it's not a big deal.

Now if you are running really low psi/tubes and going 1.3x 60's, you may need beadlocks.

1Fast99z

Why's that? Just curious what the reasoning behind it is.

SquirrelyNutz

Better traction. And of course a clutch car is not going to be as smooth putting the power down as an auto so you need the extra traction.

1Fast99z

But wouldn't a 28" tire not be optimal with the stock 3.42 for the 1/4 mile. I ran a 315/35 r17 hoosier last year and going 15's for this upcoming season. Trying to decide on a 26 or 28 slick. I'm leaning more towards the 26" as LS7 BUD's car and mine are very similar na. Not sure if adding the bottle and the increased trap speed will force me to go to the 28's.

Pmarine1

Yea my car is a stick making 500+ on motor with a couple of stages of nitrous

winters97gt

I'd have to disagree. 700rwhp is generally where I'd go from a 26 to 28 inch tire. Gearing and other factors are also important.