15" slick
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 360
Likes: 3
From: Spring TX
15" slick
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.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 93
From: St. Petersburg Florida
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 93
From: St. Petersburg Florida
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 216
From: Houston Texas
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
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.
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.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 93
From: St. Petersburg Florida
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 360
Likes: 3
From: Spring TX
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
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.
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.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 140
Likes: 2
From: Wichtia Falls TX
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX