Drag Radial Size, etc.?

[Eden]

Sorry, this is probably in some FAQ or the like (but I could not locate). Can I run a 275 50 15 on my stock '87 Turbo-T rim without problems (rubbing, too big for rim? Or, should I use the 235 60 15 drag radial size for these stock rims? In either case they are 26 inches tall; my concern is rim fit for the 275s. Thanks for the input.

Also, with worn MT ET Streets, my short times stink (2.1) and my stock car spins badly on the 1-2 shift. I am using 17 psi - should I drop to 13 or so psi? Thanks.

PE

 

[UNGN]

Neither. Use the 275/60 DR. It will fit the rim better than 50 and offer more performance and traction than the other 2 options.

2.1 60fts are not good with any performance tire, but I would suspect "too much air pressure" is not your problem.

Put 15-20 Psi in the passenger side airbag (and none in the driver side) and try that.

 

[Eden]

Thanks for this information. So you are absolutely certain that I will not have a back-spacing issue, either, with 275 60 15s on my stock turbo-t??

Thanks.

 

[UNGN]

The 60's may rub the frame in corners with the (Nitto 60's rubbing less than BFG 60's) but both will rub less than 275/50's.

Aluminum brake drums will help reduce rubbing in corners. Unless your body is on the frame crooked, the tires will not rub in a straight line (and then they would rub only on one side)

 

[DCVING 6]

I have the 275/60/15 BFG DR's on stock T rims on my WE4. They fit great under normal tire pressure, but when I went to the track, I couldn't get below like 24psi.
Anything I can do to fix this?

 

[strikeeagle]

Air Lift says to maintain a minimum of 5 PSI in any air bag.

DCVING 6, do you have air bags? They might help you with your clearance problems.

Let's face it, TRs were not meant to swallow much tire in stock form. The wheels are 7" wide, and there's very little clearance both inside and outside...

 

[progress1vebmx]

Air bags, rolled fender lip.... fitting a 15x10 Convo Pro with 3 3/8 back spacing (too much..needs 4 1/2 or whatver with the spacer)...no rubbing on a 275/60/15 28" tall tire.

 

[BuickMike]

I have run 275/50/15 DR's on the rear without problems. I did have to use 1/4" spacers with the stock rims. I now have 275/50/15 BFG street tires on the rear with 15X8 Convo Pro's with 3.5" of backspacing and aluminum drums. The spacers are no longer needed and I never rub.

Eden, if you are planning on driving on these tires all the time instead of just at the track, I recommend going with the 50's vs. the 60's. With 60's you have a 28" tall tire which means that your speedo will be off and you'll have to re-aim your headlights. If they're just for the track or an occasional drive, I'd say go with the 60's. I ran a best of 1.63 60ft on 50's, so good launches can be done on them. Just my 02's worth.

 

[DCVING 6]

Originally posted by strikeeagle

DCVING 6, do you have air bags? They might help you with your clearance problems.

Had the airbags in it. The problem was they were rubbing the frame.

 

[Eden]

Okay gang - great information here. Bottom line: The DRs or slicks would be for the dragstrip only; and I don't want to mess with air bags or spacers. Given this, what is the final word on size, for my stock TR rims: 275 60 15s, but maybe the Nitto's? If not, I may have to default to the smaller DRs, or just get a fresh set of 26 x 10.5 x 15 MT ET Streets. Thanks.

 

[DCVING 6]

Originally posted by Eden
Okay gang - great information here. Bottom line: The DRs or slicks would be for the dragstrip only; and I don't want to mess with air bags or spacers. Given this, what is the final word on size, for my stock TR rims: 275 60 15s, but maybe the Nitto's? If not, I may have to default to the smaller DRs, or just get a fresh set of 26 x 10.5 x 15 MT ET Streets. Thanks.

If your going track only, don't even waste your time with drag radials. Get the MT's and get that air pressure figured out. Oh and the airbags aren't just for fitting the tire under there. They should help you launch a little straighter and keep the drivers side tire planted. Not a bad investment for $60.

 

[KillrV6]

ive tried Nitto 275/50s
and BFG 275/60s

i could only best a 2.0 60 ft w/ the nittos. my pressure was 17 psi in the tires.

w/ the BFGs, i hooked up great. 1.7 w/ 17 PSI in the tires.

they are diffrent tires, but if you look at both on the same size rim, the 50s sort of jut out and make the sidewall a bit more steep on its way to the tread, if you were looking at a cut away from the way the wheel roles, the tire is more V shaped from the tread to the bead.

the 60s have a more natural look to them on the car. im guessing that this helps them wrinkle better, because after all, these tires are designed to wrinkle slightly when you launch.

the only diffrences in my suspension setup the two times i raced was i aded GNx back seat braces, but the thought that they helped traction is questionable.


good luck w/ decision.

-Evan