Drag Radials

[SergntMac]

Yesterday (4/11), I drove out to visiti my friend Dan (mercman). We took the 1x out on some neat back roads and had some fun, then shared a lot of thoughts about that (and this board) over lunch. The two main topics were traction, and the lack of it with my new engine/blower build, and the volume of new members here. It was also mentioned that many of us older members have progressed in mods beyond our early dreams, so, change happens, yes? I thought this would be a good time to refresh some elementary traction and tire principles. Let's start here?

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/970/

http://www.fscmag.com/techstory/issue1004/techstory1004.html

Now, let's see what the manufacturers have to offer us? BTW...There are dozens of manfacturers out there, so, I decided to post links to the top three who actually offer drag radials that fit out stock 18x8 wheels. If you pursue optional sizes, you'll get dizzy over the selection.

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/catalog/tires/gforcetadragradial.jsp?source= micro

(M/T link removed, 18" product not available)

http://www.nittotire.com/tires_555r.asp

Ummm...Let's not forget one important fact about driving on drag radials. Remember that "legally bald" tires are tires with 2/32, or, less of tread depth. "Drag radials" by design, are produced with 5 to 6/32 of tread depth brand new. You may get maximum traction on a controlled race track, but you better be very careful on a highway full of grease, oil, and light rain. Just ask this guy...

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1927666&postid=20130973

If you're involved in a serious collision and the LEO decides to check your tread depth (as would be the case in any major collision), you may find yourself declared the responsible party. Insurance companies will take advantage of any circumstances to avoid a claim payout, and you lose.

Think about it, and let's be careful out there?

[glassman99]

I have been all over the M/T website and even called M/T. I can't find the 18" drag tire anywhere and M/T rep does not know of it. Where did you find them? :help:

[MarauderMark]

Thanks for the information as i was clueless to some of this..Wtg Mac:up:

[SergntMac]

I have been all over the M/T website and even called M/T. I can't find the 18" drag tire anywhere and M/T rep does not know of it. Where did you find them? :help:
Oops...I ****ed up. I was misinformed and I didn't recheck my 411. I corrected my opening post, thank you for bringing this to my attention.

[MARAUDER S/C #5]

There are dozens of manfacturers out there, so, I decided to post links to the top three who actually offer drag radials that fit out stock 18x8 wheels.:dunno: Nitto does not offer a drag radial to fit our stock size rims either.

[SergntMac]

:dunno: Nitto does not offer a drag radial to fit our stock size rims either.
Well then, I guess this really narrows our scope of choice, eh?

[FordNut]

Well then, I guess this really narrows our scope of choice, eh?
I believe the only real choice we have is to widen the stock rims and run Nitto's. The BFG drag radials in 18's would fit widened rims but are lower profile 30 series and will cause abs and tc errors. The MTs could be had in the right height but they are 15" rims so we would have to find some decent looking rims to use them.

[CBT]

If that car didn't have GTO badges, it would look like any other tuner car out there, sad.

[glassman99]

Too bad. M/T would have been a good alternative....wrinkle walls?????? Oh well. :beer: