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[Z06] DRAG RADIALS?

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Old Jul 6, 2004 | 08:00 PM
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Default DRAG RADIALS?

Howdy!

I just bought an old beater to drive to and from work. Since my Z06 is not my daily driver anymore I was thinking of putting some DR's on the rear. My factory rear tires are just about done. Since the car is strickly for fun now anyways.....hmmmm......
Dose anyone run the BF'Gs on their factory 18 in rear wheels? If so please tell me your thoughts. I hear that you can get the BFG's in a 315/18.
I am just kicking the idea around right now.

Thanks,



[Modified by Anthony Cleveland, 7:52 PM 7/6/2004]
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Old Jul 6, 2004 | 09:05 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

Most of the scariest moments I have spent in both my Z06s have been on drag radials on wet streets.

It's nice to think that you will never drive in the rain; but sometime you will, just to get home.

With that said, I have somewhere around 16K miles on DRs in 2001 and 2002. After my last miracle save, I decided to NOT drive with them on the car in the rain again. Have pretty much stuck to that. They hydroplane in a flash in very little standing water on the road....or interstate...or off-ramp.

But there is NO WAY I would have them as my sole rear tire. Those that do have a much higher risk tolerance than I.

Regarding fitment, you might want to PM MSiska, who is running BFGs all-around on his 02, but they are not Comp TA DRs.

Ranger
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Old Jul 6, 2004 | 09:18 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Ranger)

Ranger,

I only drive this car now when it is sunny out and no rain.
This is the "only" reason why I am considering this.

I would like to hear how these tires are holding up and gripping on the dry streets. Has anyone had any differential troubles with hard launches?

Thanks, :flag
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Old Jul 6, 2004 | 09:28 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

My experience is with the BFG Comp TA DR. It is a fine dry weather tire that pretty much eliminates straight-line spin on the streets. I've runs mine to 155+ mph and they handle speed well.

I don't push the car hard on the twisties, but it's clear from what I've done that the Comp TA does not carve the curves as well as the F1SCs. It IS predictable; just not as responsive.

On each set I've had, I put about 8K street miles and 125 drag strip passes. Without the track burnouts and launches, I'd have gotten twice the miles, easily, the way I drive.

Finally, I've had no drive-line issues on either of my Z06s. But I constrain launches to about 4200 rpm max.

Ranger
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Old Jul 6, 2004 | 09:44 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

Hey Anthony, I have only about 1000 miles on m Nittos. Night and day traction. I use my car as a daily driver and am actually impressed with the rain capabilities. In fact, hard to believe but I would say they are better than the GY's. I have heard that the BFG's are a better track tire but have no experience. Never heard anything good about them in the rain though. If you are keeping your car dry, the BFG's might be a better choice...I'm very impressed with mine though. Things may change once they wear down a bit too.
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Old Jul 6, 2004 | 09:48 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Ranger)

Ranger,
That is some GREAT info. I am still riding the fence on this one. My buddy loves his DR's on his 02 Mustang. BUT he went through a rearend when launching at around 4k out at Ennis when the tires were new. I was there and it was an ugly site.
Thanks


[Modified by Anthony Cleveland, 8:49 PM 7/6/2004]
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Old Jul 6, 2004 | 09:52 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

lager99,

The only reason why I want the BFG's is because I can get the 315/18 and go with my factory rear wheels. Otherwise I would go with the Nittos. Sounds like they are pretty fun to drive on......
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Old Jul 6, 2004 | 10:17 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

Ya, I got the new 305's...luv em'!
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 12:00 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

lager99,

The only reason why I want the BFG's is because I can get the 315/18 and go with my factory rear wheels. Otherwise I would go with the Nittos. Sounds like they are pretty fun to drive on......
Are you talking about putting the g-force on a factory Z06 rim? If so, I've had quite a few people say to stick with the 295/35 over the 315/30. Might want to look into this.
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 12:27 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Weedo)

LAGER99,

G-Force?
Tire Rack told me a 315 would work on a factory Z06 18 in rim.
Is this not true?
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 12:52 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

I have Nitto's, but 315's will fit.
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 12:52 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

Although the 315's may stick out slightly...very slightly.
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 02:05 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (lager99)

Actually if they stick out a bit even better in my opinion as far as looks go. BUT I am sure the pebbles and rocks they throw down the side of the car isnt too great.....
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 04:51 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

LAGER99,

G-Force?
Tire Rack told me a 315 would work on a factory Z06 18 in rim.
Is this not true?
They WILL work, but I'm told the 295 will be a better contact patch and better for launching because of the slightly taller sidewall (this coming from an NHRA drag racer)
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 05:04 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Weedo)

Makes sense.
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 11:14 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Anthony Cleveland)

315 x18 BFG D/R's might be a little tight and need some adjustment. They have 305x18 which I hear fit great. I have an 02 Z with 295x18 D/R's and they are the best for traction, but I live in California where it may rain every once in awhile. If I used my car in Dallas as a daily driver, I wouldn't buy em. There are two reasons: 1. I have only 3500 miles on mine ( no dradstrip or road racing) and they're shot. 2. We had a light rain here a few months ago and I felt like I was driving on ice. I had to turn off the air conditioning to hear the engine. and watch the tach to get around. It was difficult to stop the tires from spinning even if I put the Z in 6th gear at 20 MPH. One other point---the tires puncture easily.
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 11:33 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (sturgeon90293)

I think the people complaining about wet weather driving on drag radials have been using the BFGs. I had 2 sets of Nitto Drag Radials on my 99 WS6 and they were FAR better in the rain than the Eagle F1's that came on the car, and better than the Bridgestone Potenza's as well! I hear the BFG DRs are HORRID in the rain though. Just an observation.
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Old Jul 7, 2004 | 11:42 PM
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Default Re: DRAG RADIALS? (Mike04Z06)

Someone to back me up...good...I was starting to think I was on drugs myself.
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Old Jul 10, 2004 | 04:32 PM
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Default ET & Trap Speed with Drag Radials?

Does anybody have any numbers as to the difference in ET and Speed when changing from the stock tires to the drag radials?
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Old Jul 10, 2004 | 05:54 PM
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Default

I just went for a ride in a Supercharged 650hp 2002 z at Vettech, Great Neck, NY. The BFG's stick like glue and we got 85mph in 2nd gear in 4 secs...what a ride!. David called me and can get the rear tyres fitted and balanced for $500
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