Tire tubes questions

[TURBOV6]

I'm in the process of drilling the holes on my Welds for the screws to hold down my slicks (MT ET Drags). Some say that you don't have to use a tube but will have to check for tire pressure often. I allways have an electric air pump handy.

The other question is how many screws per side on each rim.

 

[turbosam6]

I think most guys use 5-6 screws on bothe sides, and they will probably leak. One thing I've always done that works is use 3M weatherstrip adhesive instead of screws, and no tubes. My slicks have never leaked a bit. I can tell you the exact air pressure in them now, and I haven't checked it in a long time, but I know it will be the same as the last time. Might be better than drilling your rims.

 

[BABY BOEING]

My current tires and wheels have screws in them only because I bought them this way. I have always run slicks with no tubes. I coat the inside with dishsoap and mount them up. Don't put any soap on the bead as it will cause the tire to spin on the wheel durring the lauch.

 

[U1ARUNIT]

Originally posted by turbosam6
...One thing I've always done that works is use 3M weatherstrip adhesive instead of screws, and no tubes.

How do you apply the adhesive? Do you just put a bead of it down along the tire bead area and then inflate the tires?

 

[TURBOV6]

Now you guys making me think twice in drilling the rims for the screws. I did a 1.64 on my 60ft and with 13.5lbs of air in the tires and the tire moved about an inch.

 

[TR Custom Parts]

What does the manufacturer recommend? My Hoosiers say tube type so that is what I run. No biggie drilling the rims and it looks like you mean business when you run them on the street. I made up a cardboard pattern for 15" rims with evenly spaced points to mark the rim for drilling. Takes about 5 seconds per side to mark the places to drill (8 per side) I have heard of people only drilling the inboard part of the rim only but don't know how that works out. The only loss of air I ever had was when of the inspection tags inside the slick rubbed thru the tube and got a flat, luckily it happened when I pulled into my garage. I think the majority of people do run without the tubes though.

 

[toofastforyou]

TurboV6, it depends how hard you leave at the line. With a trans-brake like I have, you should screw them because with the shock the tires get when you release the trans-brake, you're almost certain to spin the tires on the rims, and possibly shear off the tire valve if you're using tubes!...
I'm using tubes in my slicks. I also screwed my slicks to the rims, with no problem ever!. I even have pics available if you're interested...
'bye! Claude.

 

[TURBOV6]

The best so I could do is a 12psi launch. But only best seen 1.6's. But then again won't see any better because of the track here . I guess for saftey i'm going to screw it since I allready had taken the tire out. Thanks again for your suggestions.

 

[turbosam6]

I just applied it to the bead on both sides, never had one leak or come loose yet. And last year the car was launching better, like 1.60's, and my slicks still didn't leak or spin. I will never run tubes, heard too many horror stories about them. Good luck!

 

[U1ARUNIT]

Thanks turbosam6!

I agree, I won't use screws either. It ruins a perfectly good set of rims and tubes only add weight that you need to rotate. And for anyone out there who thinks tubes don't add substantial weight, pick one up some time and you'll see what I mean.

 

[azgn]

if you are running 1.5 and down 60' times, screws are a good idea....if you have tubes, screws are absolutely necessary!

 

[TURBOV6]

Got another question, will the tubes help give better traction? If I got with out tubes and screws will the air leak out fast?