BrandonLS9

I just bought these used with the wheels and noticed this line around the sidewall. I'm new to the whole drag radial/street tire thing. I was hoping someone could help a noob out and let me know if this a problem?

Suds

That looks like a mold line from fabrication, a little flashing squeezed through the mold.

I wouldn't worry about that it's just visual.

Oh, great looking ZR1, have fun, I know that's why you put DR's on it.

gsflyer2011

He is not talking about the obvious mold line but the line below it. I do not know about drag radials but if any of my regular tires would have such a line, for me that would be manufacturing defect where the ply are separating. Maybe dr guys with same tires can chime in.

BrandonLS9

Yeah I was hoping someone could give me some insight. It looks a little scary, but then again I dont really know much about drag radials.

BrandonLS9

This part right here. I forgot to mention this is happening on both sides. Not just 1 tire, but the other one too.

buckmeister2

The frayed rubber, if that is what you are talking about, is mold residue,


the slight indentation line all the way around is, I believe, normal for many tires. I have seen repeatedly over the years. Best thing to do is take it to a tire dealer other than the one you bought the tires from, and ask them. I am not saying the dealer you bought them from wouldn't tell you the truth, but you might not be comfortable with him telling you it is normal.


I don't think there is anything to worry about, but you should check it out just for peace of mind.

Knowklew

Looks like the tires are rubbing on the fender. Have you confirmed under hard launch if the tires are touching?

unclecookie

Do both sides of each tire look the same? I agree with others that it's just mold residue.

Suds

Are the lines on both tires are concentric with the rims? Then the tires a rubbing.
If there is distortion on the sidewall line then the tire is becoming damaged.

With DRs, the distortion of the side wall at launch will really twist the tire on the side, this dosen't look like that yet.

russ472

I used to work for Michelin building tires. the indention is just where the sidewall has one type of rubber, then is molded into another type of rubber that is closer to the shoulder. Where the two layers overlap, the thickness has to thin out, therefore creating this indention when the tire is put into the mould/press. If you could see a tire being built, you would understand. The sidewall of a drag radial is much thinner in this area than a normal street tire, therefore you don't see the changes as much in a normal street tire.

Completely normal.

BrandonLS9

It do not hear any rubbing or feel any rubbing. It does feel like the car is a little boggy (still pulling hard) while doing 1st gear pulls. I figured maybe it was from having more grip, not spinning, and having more rotational mass. The car is putting down 620rwhp and I figured all the grip and the tires being harder to turn would be why it feels boggy. I know there are others who have 345/35R18 with the ZR1 and they havent said anything about rubbing. I may be wrong though. I hope someone with a similar setup can confirm this.

Thank you @russ472 for the insight. If that's the case then I am much less worried about it now.

OneMoreVet

Send the picture to the manufacturer asking for an explanation.