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No More Traction Action, help!

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Old May 12, 2002 | 07:20 AM
  #1  
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Default No More Traction Action, help!

Could not get anything under a 2.0 and 2.1 second 60' time at the track this past friday! I can normaly pull off 1.8 with ease and less if I'm careful?

The tires are Nitto 555DR. 275/40/17 on an extra set of front C5 rims. I noticed I don't have much thread anymore except on the outer parts of the tire from my last good runs. Do these get worse isntead of better like some Drag Radials that turn into slicks :D? I run them at 25psi, and heat them up nice and smokey. They have have always worked well before like this, now I'm running up anywhere from 4 to 7 tenths slower due to the shooty take offs. I lost to a 99z28 on NOS by only 3 tenths :(

So:

a) Do these tires get hard and useless over time? I've heard rumors of this. My first set of Nitto DR, I don't know.

b) How would my 295/35/18 Piolt Sports fair on OEM z06 rims. I've been tempted to just go run on my street setup, they seem to grip great on the street, or would I do worse then above?

c) Any better tires then the Nitto DR of the same size to fit on my extra 17" wheels?
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Old May 12, 2002 | 10:48 AM
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Default Re: No More Traction Action, help! (TexCorvette)

You might want to lower the psi to 17-20psi in back and pump up the fronts to 36spi for a little more bite and a lower drag in front...just my .02:D
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Old May 12, 2002 | 04:50 PM
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Default Re: No More Traction Action, help! (vstella)

Thanks, I did have the fronts at 35PSI. Can anyone address questions a, b & c? I'm interested how these do as they get worn.
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Old May 13, 2002 | 06:18 AM
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Default Re: No More Traction Action, help! (TexCorvette)

Any other feedback? BTW, anyone ever try racing with traction control on, or is it too intrusive and just kills your times?
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Old May 13, 2002 | 11:38 AM
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Default Re: No More Traction Action, help! (TexCorvette)

We do best with BFG 17" on front rims....we run 18# pressure/36 front. We have no problems unless the track is in very bad shape. Are you sure your spinning? Have a white mark on a rear tire and have someone watch closley at the line to see if it spins.

I have heard the same rumors, but have not seen anything to support the hardness issue.
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Old May 13, 2002 | 02:19 PM
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Default Re: No More Traction Action, help! (TLewis4095)

I have had Nitto DR 315-17's for a while and they have consistently sucked for me. I switched to a BFG 315 DR and my 60's dropped by 3 tenths. That speaks for itself.

I am also running 295 Pilot Sports on the rear and depending on your horsepower they may hook up OK. But with my power they are far worse than even my Nitto DR's. Atleast the Nitto DR's can hook up in second and third gear!

Not sure if they make a smaller BFG DR than 315. I think they would though. I would try to find some ZR1 wheels or ZR1 Repro wheels so you can mount 315's.
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Old May 13, 2002 | 03:01 PM
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Default Re: No More Traction Action, help! (C5-VERT)

BFG DR 275/45/17 from Tire Rack $149 each.
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Old May 13, 2002 | 06:33 PM
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Default Re: No More Traction Action, help! (TLewis4095)

Thanks everyone, and Tlewis, those are just the sive I need! Anyone else agree the BFGs are better? Which there where some ET streets in 17"s :(
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