Drag Radial Setup Suggestions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,463
Likes: 2
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Drag Radial Setup Suggestions
I'm looking to get some decent times out on the strip. I am normally a road race guy but now I'm frustrated just spinning all the way down the strip to disappointing times.
What is the best DR setup? Have to be able to drive to and from the track 5miles.
Also what wheels? Do they make 18" comp grey repos?
What is the best DR setup? Have to be able to drive to and from the track 5miles.
Also what wheels? Do they make 18" comp grey repos?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
Likes: 128
From: Short Hills, NJ
Second choice is the BF Goodrich G-force drag radials 295x35x18s or even the 275x35x18s.
No they don't, you will have to either located an extra set of front C6 rims (18x8.5) in Comp Grey and use the narrower 265x40x18 or 275x35x18 BFG DRs (I wouldn't try and squeeze a 295 or 305 on that narrow a rim) or have them widened to 10.5" and use a wider tire of your choice.
You can also find some 18x9.5 in 65mm offset (aka: C5 rear offset) that will fit on the back of the C6 and are available in the aftermarket and maybe have them powercoated Comp Grey ('TonyB4' is going that route).
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 4
From: Cheektowaga NY
St. Jude Donor '08
I like the Mickey Thompson drag radials, they're likely the best out there right now...unfortunately they only come in limited sizes to fit a C6 right now but the 18" versions (305x35x18 is good for the C6) are on the way, any day now.
Second choice is the BF Goodrich G-force drag radials 295x35x18s or even the 275x35x18s.
No they don't, you will have to either located an extra set of front C6 rims (18x8.5) in Comp Grey and use the narrower 265x40x18 or 275x35x18 BFG DRs (I wouldn't try and squeeze a 295 or 305 on that narrow a rim) or have them widened to 10.5" and use a wider tire of your choice.
You can also find some 18x9.5 in 65mm offset (aka: C5 rear offset) that will fit on the back of the C6 and are available in the aftermarket and maybe have them powercoated Comp Grey ('TonyB4' is going that route).
Second choice is the BF Goodrich G-force drag radials 295x35x18s or even the 275x35x18s.
No they don't, you will have to either located an extra set of front C6 rims (18x8.5) in Comp Grey and use the narrower 265x40x18 or 275x35x18 BFG DRs (I wouldn't try and squeeze a 295 or 305 on that narrow a rim) or have them widened to 10.5" and use a wider tire of your choice.
You can also find some 18x9.5 in 65mm offset (aka: C5 rear offset) that will fit on the back of the C6 and are available in the aftermarket and maybe have them powercoated Comp Grey ('TonyB4' is going that route).
I just purchased them yesterday Thanks to the help from LS1LT1/Dennis
, and when they come in i will have them stripped and then painted comp grey. I went with what Dennis is running and thats the 18+9.5 in the 65mm
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Central Florida
Ranger
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Short Hills, NJ
I would certainly try and maximize the stock tires before even considering getting drag radials...one can take the stock 220 treadwear tires (or even the 'non Supercar' 300 treadwear versions) pretty damn far before DRs are truly necessary as the likes of Ranger (11.22 in a C6 Z06) and Dennis50nj (11.98 in a bolt on C6 LS2 auto) have proven. Mid - low 1.7 sixty foots are not out of the question.
And also as Ranger often points out if one has a manual, the stock clutch might not appreciate those DRs quite as much so be careful.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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I've experienced lots of wheel spin, especially in colder temps, with the runflats at the track as well, even with massive burnouts and not driving through the waterbox. I don't understand why the aftermarket hasn't jumped into making 19in. DRs like they did in 98-99 with the 17inchers being introduced. They've barely gotten 18inch out now and it seems that most aren't interested in making the 19in versions.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Virginia Bch VA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
I like the Mickey Thompson drag radials, they're likely the best out there right now...unfortunately they only come in limited sizes to fit a C6 right now but the 18" versions (305x35x18 is good for the C6) are on the way, any day now.
Second choice is the BF Goodrich G-force drag radials 295x35x18s or even the 275x35x18s.. . .:
Second choice is the BF Goodrich G-force drag radials 295x35x18s or even the 275x35x18s.. . .:
Dave at CARTEK told me we can use 17s on a Z51 and that Bias-Ply tires are better for the Vette. Bias Plys provide more side wall flex which results in less tire spin.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Southampton NJ
I've experienced lots of wheel spin, especially in colder temps, with the runflats at the track as well, even with massive burnouts and not driving through the waterbox. I don't understand why the aftermarket hasn't jumped into making 19in. DRs like they did in 98-99 with the 17inchers being introduced. They've barely gotten 18inch out now and it seems that most aren't interested in making the 19in versions.
then with the converter 11.98 still with a 1.7 60 ft. but when i had a 50 16 inch ponys and drags the traction was way better with the 15 inch so the 17 or 18 is the way to go.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
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From: Short Hills, NJ
And yes the bias plys (M/T ET Streets) are likely better for most manual applications and certainly that extra sidewall 'flex' is helpful in reducing/preventing potential rear end damage.
With an automatic I would probably still go with drag radials on most applications though.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
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From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
17s do fit but depending on which rim used might (but in most cases won't) require some very minor modification to the rear suspension pieces first.
And yes the bias plys (M/T ET Streets) are likely better for most manual applications and certainly that extra sidewall 'flex' is helpful in reducing/preventing potential rear end damage.
With an automatic I would probably still go with drag radials on most applications though.
And yes the bias plys (M/T ET Streets) are likely better for most manual applications and certainly that extra sidewall 'flex' is helpful in reducing/preventing potential rear end damage.
With an automatic I would probably still go with drag radials on most applications though.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,463
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
What C5 front rims fit the 17" bias plys? Don't you need like a 17x10 at least?
If I went with a 17" drag wheel what backspacing do I need? I know offsets but they don't use offsets.
If I went with a 17" drag wheel what backspacing do I need? I know offsets but they don't use offsets.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
You can buy C5 Z06 fronts which are an inch wider but they stick out an inch on C6's - it's not a problem though unless you're really lowered I understand.
