I've run BFG DRs for the past few years. My posi hasn't always been in top notch shape so have a best 60' of 1.87. Now I've been considering Hoosier QT Pros which have the DOT rating. But since I only race once or twice a year, drive a minimum of 125 miles to do so and don't mind swapping tires at the track why shouldn't I just spring for slicks and forget the DOT stuff? Hmmm? I have a build 12-bolt with alloy axles, no c-clips or eliminators and new Eaton posi so I'm not concerned about tearing up the rear if I happen to really hook for the first time. What's the downside? Thanks.
I can't think of anything other than if the rest of your drivetrain is up to the increase in traction? You would probably go with a 10 inch slick right? Hey that's why they have trunks!
The only real downside would be if you're going to run in a bracket that requires DOT tires. I've done that and found the QTP Pro's to perform fantastically. I swap them at the track though.
What size you running Steve? I don't run any particular brackets, just the V8 thing at Vegas and once a year stuff semi-locally - no rules I've ever heard. I still might go with the QT Pros though. Thanks.
Gary, I was running the 26x9.5x15's on my 71 GS455. It was a mid 13 second car with 3.42 gears. I still have them and will use them on my 72 Custom455 for a while. But once I go to a deeper rear (looking at 3.73), then I'll probably go up in diameter to keep the rpm's below 5500 on that stock short block. If I had a car I could rev higher, then I'd adjust tire height based on the rpm I was using.
If you step up to slicks, you'll need a driveshaft safety loop, and an upgraded driveshaft. otherwise you'll throw some chunks. Slicks really put your car to the test...
Long as your other parts can hold up you would be better off with slicks. But but again you other parts need to be in good shape. slicks / traction do break allot of parts. Sometimes your better off with some wheel spin.
ET streets are the way to go if you think you might want DOT for goofing around in town or something. You probably won't notice much difference from slicks. Some of the guys have said the QT pros are a little better than ETS on the heavier cars.
Im with you.....next year its SLICKS for BigRed. I've had these STOOOOOPID BFG DR's now for 5 season, and like you, only race once or twice a year. I never drive them on the street as they pick up every little peable and stone and fling them every which ways....but mostly to to painted surfaces as if its magnetically attracted. I've NEVER gotten a good hook out of the BFG's either, and I've tried every way known to man and some aliens too......never better than 1.84 and I know I could knock an easy tenth of that with a good hook - more like 2 mebbe 2.5 tenths on the converter to 2400 rpm or so .....Frustration and a lousy 60' time is all I've ever gotten from them but I undertand Im asking alot with a heavy car and potent motor / 3.08 gears - but I want MOOOORREEEE !!!
slick vs DR test IF your suspension is maximized towards slick usage---IE loose front bushings, 90/10 shocks, drag front springs, properly prepped rear suspension, deep gears-you WILL see an improvement with slicks over drag radials. HOWEVER__last summer i spent the money to do the test-bought a new set of 9x28 Hoosier drag slicks and mounted them on my spare set of weld dragstars. went to irwindale raceway 1/8 mile drags on a saturday morning (has a fantastic concrete starting line) and made 12 back to back runs-6 with the Drag Radials, 6 with the slicks. stilll have the time slips in the car-60 foot time was 1.82 and 1.83 over and over-even as the day heated up and the et slowed some as my car always does, the 60 ft stayed the same. by noon I had my answer-the slicks, for my street car with stock springs, one airbag and ssm rear lift bars, and stock front suspension, the slicks provided no improvement whatsoever. your results may vary. but i doubt by much.
Detroit Locker in a street car? impossible! Can't be done! :shock: Just Kidding. How do you like yours?
Does your car hook with DR's ?? What RPM are you flashing the converter to ?? Were you spinning the slicks ??? o No: I've tried a light burnout, a heavy burnout, Leaving on and off the converter (Idle, 1400rpm, 2400 rpm) I've varied tire pressure from 12# (Scary on the top end) all the way up to 25# - and all combinations of each parameter .....and I've NEVER gotten a good launch from the DR's - all I get is tire spin if I hit them HARD. I've gotten pretty good at leaving soft with them, but whats the point then ?? I've gotten the same 1.8x with my hard compound highway 28.5" tires as with the DR's if I use the "Gessler Leave". Only difference then is consistency, ET/mph as the DR's are 26" to counter the 3.08's alittle and I can usually get it right modulating with the DR's but the street tires are much more difficult to get consistantly good soft leaves o No: Im certainly open to suggestions and guidance. I thought for sure some 10" sticky's would cure it. BTW, never ran slicks before because I broke 2x 10-bolts already.....but now have a stout 12-bolt in there waiting to get abused.
adam-detroit locker has been in car since 91-70k street miles, 300 plus passes, no problems-i love it. scary on wet roads though!! alan-my car does not spin with slicks or the drs. converter is currently 11 inch 2000 stall, but i had a 10 inch 3000 stall with 3.89 gears in a previous combo in this car and drs didnt spin then either and 60 fts were in the 1.70s. i did the comparison with my current milder combo. i did just reinstall my 3.89 gears for vegas and have a brand new set of drag radials on the car so next weekend i will find out more, but it is unlikely it will be a problem. i worked and worked on the rear suspension to get the car to where it doesnt spin. a radical horsepower increase or deeper gear may change that, but another board member, todds gs i believe, in wisconsin has run 10.30s on drag radials with very good 60 foot times-maybe if he sees this he will chime in. heck, i drove my car from socal to norwalk ohio and straight off the road had 60 fts in the low 1.90s and was BOGGING the motor as i didnt have enough gear or converter to take advantage of the superb starting line there. i usually run with 18lbs in the tires but wound up running them at 22 at norwalk to get the car moving a little better. i believe there is more to be gained from maximizing your suspension setup than changing tires. at least that is my experience. of course in the case of gary fanning, he cant decide if he wants to road race or drag race so im not sure what suspension combo he wants to maximize!!LOL gary!
