Looks like I'm gonna have to run drag radials when my new motor gets here, even on the street. Just scored a pair of new 15 x 8 Buick Rallys (can't believe it) and have decided on the MT ET Drag Radial SS. Question is, what size? I know many run the 275/60 x 15s but, I'd like to stay as close to the original diameters as possible while preserving my gear ratio and the 275s are 28" tall with 9.3 in. tread width. l've got 245/60 x15 BFGs on the front that are 26.5 dia. Two options: 1) 255/60 x 15 - 27.3 tall with 8.8 in. tread width 2) 275/50 x 15 - 26.4 tall with 10.2 in. tread width The 275/50 looks like a no brainer but I've always thought they were shorter than 26 in. Called Mickey T. today and they confirm they are 26.4 in. So, is anyone running this size? It has almost an inch wider tread than the 275 and will preserve my 3.42 gear ratio? Comments?
Might be but, it's 28 inches tall. My priority is on maintaining gear ratio and original tire diameter, not 60 ft. times.
275/50-15 is as close as you will get. Why do you think you need a Drag Radial on the street? Do you plan on street racing? https://www.mandhtires.com/M-H-Drag-Radials https://www.mickeythompsontires.com/drag-tires/et-street-r
I would suggest the shorter and wider tire. 3.42s and 28" tires are slow out of the hole when the car dead hooks.
Thanks Larry. Been to both sites. No street racing for me however my current GS will fry my 295 BFGs now with any kind of a “spirited “ take off. Hate to think what 100 more HP will do.
Just looked into those M&Hs. Has anyone else used them on the street and the track and can comment compared to the Mickey Ts?
The M&H's are better on street than the MT's IMO. Plus they have somewhat of a tread pattern to help in rain (maybe) and keep fuzz off you. Also they hook real well at the track....nothing really hooks on a bare street.....
To get them to semi hook on the street, you have to run less air in them and heat them up a bit. Then they pick up every rock/pebble and sling it into your quarter panels. Whatever sticks to them compromises your traction some more. There is really no way to do a "spirited" take off on the street in my car. I step on it when I'm all ready moving at 30 MPH, and even then, no full throttle. The Q-jet helps a lot in that regard. The Holley DP opens all at once. Making that much power limits what you can safely do on the street. That's where newer cars shine with their microprocessor enabled traction control. I could run DR's on the street, but they really aren't necessary for 95% of the driving that I do, and I do occasionally get caught in the rain. I try not to, but it happens.
OK, but how many times do you need to do that. I say leave the DR's for the track. You'll get into less trouble that way. No PM yet.
The guys here that run the Mickey Ts say the new SS Radial is much better in the rain than the older design was. I've learned over the years to tweak the secondary air valve on the QJ to open slower on the street. I do enjoy romping on it occasionally and no tickets in about 25 years. (knock on wood).
I have ran the MT SS on a Buick wheel "275" with 3:73 gears on the street and, that is my track tire the couple of times that I've been. The SS works just fine in the rain and works way better than a street tire on the street. It would allow you to push your foot down harder than a street tire and enjoy the feel of torque, but as already mentioned they will not dead hook on the street and any attempt at worming them up will result in rocks on the quarter panel. The wider tire is not much help without a wider rim, and you will end up with a narrower contact patch than the narrow tire on the right width rim.
I think I would go with the ET Street SS. I have hear the R version is just about impossible to drive if caught in the rain. That would be a possibility for me. I would also do the 275/60/15 and not worry about the slightly changed final drive ratio. I think the cars look better with the stagger of the taller tire on the rear. Either way they do offer increase traction but if you are trying to put too much power down you will set them afire all the same. Greg
275/60/15 M/T SS DR on a 8" wheel, A/C car, 4035 lbs. They hook ok on the street, way better than any normal radial, just have to drive it through 1st gear. I've been caught in the rain a few times, just have to be careful and stay out of any standing water. I wouldn't waste my time with a 255/60 or 275/50, If you want a shorter tire I'd run a G60 Polyglass.
Are you saying that a G60 Poliglas will hook better than the 255/60 or the 275/50 drag radials? They do cost more. Also, why wouldn’t the 275/50 hook better than the 275/60? It has an inch more tread width.
Yes, the 275/50 has a wider tread than the 275/60, but both tires have a section width of 275mm (10.8"). The 275/60 has a taller sidewall, and I believe it hooks better because of that. At least that is what I was told years ago. The 275/60 will reduce a 3.42 to 3.23, and a 3.73 to 3.55.
