Turbos, tires, and traction
 

I came across this article on the Hot Rod website. There's some interesting results of tire testing that might interest some people.

http://www.hotrod.com/editorial/arti...=text&id=42798

Re: Turbos, tires, and traction (Monty)
 

Very good article :chevy

Re: Turbos, tires, and traction (Monty)
 

Interesting article! I was considering upping my tire size from a 255/50 -16 to something larger. Maybe I'll just get a set of drag radials. I wonder how tire size affects cornering? The article was just talking straight line.

Re: Turbos, tires, and traction (74vetteman)
 

Someone should tell john force about this just think how fast he could go with skinneys. :lol: :lol:

Re: Turbos, tires, and traction (Monty)
 

You are right, this is a very interesting article. This is definitely a sharp guy. After reading this, it makes you wonder why anyone would use a supercharger.

Steve

Re: Turbos, tires, and traction (542C2)
 

It gave me some insight on how you optimize a centrifugal setup. I think a motor like a 434 with relatively short rods would work well. Have your max compressor rpms at about 6000 so you can build boost below 3000 rpms. That would allow you a nice stall of less than 3000rpms. This setup would really kick azz with like a 5speed automatic.

Re: Turbos, tires, and traction (Monty)
 

I think it was Chuck Harmon that pointed out the tire width issue in another thread. I had a hard time beliving it myself which led to additional readings, and after talking with some engineers at work I've come to the conclusion that it's true. Tire width does not matter all that much in drag racing. It is the weight transfer, and tire compound. I plugged some numbers into Drag2000 and the difference between 3" and 30" in 60' times was .07 sec.

As for road racing events I still believe a wider tire would work to your advantage due to it's ability to hand heat better than a smaller tire. I believe there is some additional information related to this on the 'HowThingsWork' website.

mark


[Modified by 81vette, 3:09 PM 12/18/2002]