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I need traction!

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Old May 23, 2010 | 09:57 PM
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Default I need traction!

I'm looking at getting a pair of old rims used & putting either some Hoosier or MT drag radials on them for track use only. I need some help with pinpointing exactly what I should be looking at. Also, what about et streets? What wheel & tire sizes? The car is a C5Z with a 402 making 503/462 (corrected) at the wheels. The drivetrain is stock other than a Monster stage 3 clutch. I went out to the track once, but couldn't hook up at all. I've got 305/30/19 Nitto Invos on there now, and they will continue to be my street run tire until they wear out. I'm just looking for something to get me to the strip (8 miles or so), make a few passes, then get me safely back home. I would appreciate any advice. (I'm also going to post this in the C5 performance section.)
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Old May 23, 2010 | 10:18 PM
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The ET streets used to be the in thing, but nowadays guys like RobZ & Gary are having great success w/ Hoosier DR's.
The ET Streets are bias ply tires & they flex/wrinkle a bunch at the sidewall w/ good power & a good launch on excellent track prep. They can help save braking parts, but w/ your monster clutch on a stock driveline, you are flirting w/ disaster at your power level!

Regardless of your tire selection, technique is really the key to launching successfully & having traction. Good luck!

Ron
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Old May 23, 2010 | 10:42 PM
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Hoosier Drag radials are a favorite, 275/40/17.

They dont last too long 60-70 passes - depending on length of your burnout. They are not good in the rain either. I drive 15 miles to Atco and 65 miles to Raceway park with them... I really need to get a trailer.

MT drag radial will last longer, and are somewhat better in the rain.

If you're just using them for track days, I vote for the Hoosiers.

Here is a pic of one of my launches.
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Old May 24, 2010 | 09:08 AM
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Great pic Capthuff! I think, with your power & that you're only going 8 miles to the track, I'd go with the Hoosiers.
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Old May 24, 2010 | 11:00 AM
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So I'm assuming that my stock front 17x9.5" rims would be ok to use with the 275/40/17 tires? Or should I look at a 16" rim for more sidewall & forgiveness on my drivetrain?

Last edited by STROK3D; May 24, 2010 at 11:35 AM.
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Old May 24, 2010 | 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by QuikZ
So I'm assuming that my stock front 17x9.5" rims would be ok to use with the 275/40/17 tires?
yes they will!
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Old May 24, 2010 | 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by QuikZ
So I'm assuming that my stock front 17x9.5" rims would be ok to use with the 275/40/17 tires?






Originally Posted by QuikZ
Or should I look at a 16" rim for more sidewall & forgiveness on my drivetrain?
That's another option as well, the 16" drag radials (though slightly narrower) could hook even better at your power level but the 17s should work fine as well, plus with the 17s you don't have to pound/grind anything to get them to fit like you might have to with the 16s.
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Old May 24, 2010 | 04:42 PM
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Thanks!
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Old May 26, 2010 | 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by QuikZ
So I'm assuming that my stock front 17x9.5" rims would be ok to use with the 275/40/17 tires?
That's the setup that I use.

Ron
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