Drag Radial install question

[6SENSE]

Ive got a set of BFG DRs to be mounted on a seperate pair of wheels that I am going to use primarily for going to the track. Question is: Should I worry about getting them balanced, or just slap 'em on the wheels and be done with it. Is there any benefit to balancing them, especially if Im going to be playing around with air pressure? I will not be normaly driving with these except for to and from the track, and of course racing.

 

[Chris McDade]

Look at it this way. Your going to be going faster than 100+ in the quater mile. Yes, I would balance them.

 

[turbofrank]

Balance them at fast speeds you don't need the wopple wopple and the vibration.

 

[azgn]

if you are going to change you tires at the track, go with a better tire...ie slicks or DOT legal slicks....from a racing standpoint DR's are only marginally better than regular radials

 

[ALBERTAN]

My ET Streets were the most unbalanced tires I have ever seen. I mean they were grossly unbalanced. I'd at least get them spun and see where they are at. Methinks you will be surprised.

 

[UNGN]

Balance them. Drag radials are relatively heavy (10 pounds more minimum than a similar sized slick).

275/60's BFGDR's on T wheels weigh over 50 lbs.

Out of balance tires WILL slow you down. My "impossible to balance wop wop wop Radial recaps" mph'd a lot less than my BFG's.

 

[6SENSE]

Thanks for the input guys. I will balance them.
I got a really good deal from a friend on these DRs. Once they are trashed I will probably just get a set of slicks. However the idea of slapping the DRs on at home vs. lugging wheels to the track and having to mess with them there, is kind of appealing.

 

[UNGN]

Back in the bad old days at a ghetto track, I had my jack and toolbox stolen while I was in the staging lanes. One reason I choose to use drag radials, now.

 

[snistrgn]

UNGN, Please tell me you don't take your car to yellow belly! I've been once and It didn't take me long to decide I wasn't going back! Not having a trailor and locking tool box is the only thing keeping me from buying a nice set of slicks and weld wheels. I guess it'll come in due time.

 

[UNGN]

I've been to yellowbelly a few times, and have only had my life threatened once.

No my stuff got stolen from Kennedale, back in the late 80's. Kennedale back then was nothing like it is now. There would be 150 people in the burnout box betting on the races.

Modern performance cars of the 80's and 90's brought a more upscale crowd out to the track and most of the bad elements went elsewhere.

 

[Two Lane]

WHO NEEDS BRISTOL, RIGHT?

Greer International Dragway...now there's a REAL drag strip!