Drag Radial Questions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Drag Radial Questions
I need to invest in a set of drag radials, (2.3 60 foot times, 110+ trap speeds) and I had a few questions –
17 in rims instead of 18s for drag radials? Does the smaller rim make a noticeable difference in ET or is it for the availability of tires? Looks like 18s are harder to find. ?
Any recommendations about tire size ?
Thanks!
17 in rims instead of 18s for drag radials? Does the smaller rim make a noticeable difference in ET or is it for the availability of tires? Looks like 18s are harder to find. ?
Any recommendations about tire size ?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 0
From: Willow Springs IL
I have an 18" Nitto drag radial on my 03Z (stock 18" wheel). They are great on the street when you keep them aired up to about 28psi and hook like mad at the strip when you drop the pressure down. I have almost 8000 street driven miles on them now and by looking at the remaining tread probably can get another 4000 or so miles still out of them.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,470
Likes: 1,170
From: Dyer, IN
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,470
Likes: 1,170
From: Dyer, IN
I only drive my car about 2000 miles per year, and only in good weather. They dead hook on the street. I used to melt the street tires, but the M/T's take every thing I throw at them. They handle well in the twisties, but I have not push any cloverleafs at 100mph....LOL. Compared to some of my friends, I'm a small kid on the block at 520 RWHP, but they work very well for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,308
Likes: 157
From: NJ
I need to invest in a set of drag radials, (2.3 60 foot times, 110+ trap speeds) and I had a few questions –
17 in rims instead of 18s for drag radials? Does the smaller rim make a noticeable difference in ET or is it for the availability of tires? Looks like 18s are harder to find. ?
Any recommendations about tire size ?
Thanks!
17 in rims instead of 18s for drag radials? Does the smaller rim make a noticeable difference in ET or is it for the availability of tires? Looks like 18s are harder to find. ?
Any recommendations about tire size ?
Thanks!
Now with newer 18inch drag radials and better compound even big hp cars can hook.
IMO it won't make a difference on your setup.
Here is a guide to Drag radial traction most to least.
MT/hoosier
bfg
Nitto
Also keep in mind that 18 inch anything is considerably more expensive than 17".
You should have a separate set of rims, not just rubber for the track.
At your power level a nitto drag radial will work great. Some guys as mentioned above run them full time because they also make great street tires. Keep in mind, you need a full burnout with them on the strip as I would recommend for any drag radial.
The effects of tire combo on gearing will be negligible unless you saw a large difference in tire diameter/circumference which I don't believe is the case.
The 17" setup may be taller than the 18" setup. Hope I cover it all for ya.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
I only drive my car about 2000 miles per year, and only in good weather. They dead hook on the street. I used to melt the street tires, but the M/T's take every thing I throw at them. They handle well in the twisties, but I have not push any cloverleafs at 100mph....LOL. Compared to some of my friends, I'm a small kid on the block at 520 RWHP, but they work very well for me.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Hiding in you blind spot
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: Granite City Illinois