Best drag racing tyres?

XRchic · 09-02-2007, 03:52 PM

Hi all

Im looking to buy some semi slicks in the next month or so. Just wondering what are the best brands, how much do they cost (estimating around $500 a pair???), do you need to buy steelies, and if so what size, and where best to get them from in Melbourne???

Thanks

Jac

brenx · 09-02-2007, 05:26 PM

By saying semi slicks I gather you mean drag radials? Mickey Thompson do some and M&H also do some in various sizes. Once you figure out what size tyre you can fit or want to run? Then look at the data for that tyre. It'll have a rim size listing that tells you what you can use rim wise. M&H ones have deeper tread and better tread than the MT's. Meaning? On the street your more than likely to get away with using them on the street.

MT (radial)

Sizes and other data can be found here

M&H (radials)

Sizes and data are found here

From what I hear? George Haddad does the cheapest MT's. Some of the members here could possibly help you out there? Otherwise Superplus do the M&H radials.

I used to own what is known as semi slicks but they weren't radial tyres. A semi slick has softwalls and some grooves. A full slick is the same tyre without grooves. I had 26*10.5*16's they cost me around $320ea at the time 2003 from memory. The same tyres still cost around the same sort of $. For them you needed to run a 16*8" rim minimum. Optimal was 16*9 from memory.

MT ET Street (crossply)

Sizes and data can be found here

M&H also do grooved slicks

http://www.intercotire.com/site23.php

I'd budget somewhere between $600-$1000 for rears inc rims to suit.

XRchic · 09-02-2007, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brenx

By saying semi slicks I gather you mean drag radials? Mickey Thompson do some and M&H also do some in various sizes. Once you figure out what size tyre you can fit or want to run? Then look at the data for that tyre. It'll have a rim size listing that tells you what you can use rim wise. M&H ones have deeper tread and better tread than the MT's. Meaning? On the street your more than likely to get away with using them on the street.

MT (radial)

Sizes and other data can be found here

M&H (radials)

Sizes and data are found here

From what I hear? George Haddad does the cheapest MT's. Some of the members here could possibly help you out there? Otherwise Superplus do the M&H radials.

I used to own what is known as semi slicks but they weren't radial tyres. A semi slick has softwalls and some grooves. A full slick is the same tyre without grooves. I had 26*10.5*16's they cost me around $320ea at the time 2003 from memory. The same tyres still cost around the same sort of $. For them you needed to run a 16*8" rim minimum. Optimal was 16*9 from memory.

MT ET Street (crossply)

Sizes and data can be found here

M&H also do grooved slicks

http://www.intercotire.com/site23.php

I'd budget somewhere between $600-$1000 for rears inc rims to suit.

Cheers for all of that, thanks heaps mate!

**Falcon Coupe** · 09-02-2007, 06:03 PM

BFG also made make drag a radial but i wouldn't recommend them, i will try one of the above for my next set, depending on available sizes i like those M&H radials.

BlackBa · 09-02-2007, 07:14 PM

Ive got a pair of M@H racemasters that are just about juicey fruited but some one can have for zilch if u need to try. Couple of runs left in them. Sized 26x10x15. Call me on 0417017799

brenx · 09-02-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRchic

Cheers for all of that, thanks heaps mate!

Your welcome.

brenx · 09-02-2007, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBa

Ive got a pair of M@H racemasters that are just about juicey fruited but some one can have for zilch if u need to try. Couple of runs left in them. Sized 26x10x15. Call me on 0417017799

I tried to do the same with my 26*10.5*16's but on Thurs 1st they went in the bin. Would have been perfect for a lower power app than mine. Hopefully some one takes you up on the offer. They'd be good for someone who doesn't plan to run more than once or twice a year.

jd dad · 09-02-2007, 08:39 PM

Ran 245/14 M&H Racemaster treaded tyres on my Capri years ago, they were pretty good value then not sure on price now. Mate has done a fair bit of gear through Haddads and reckons he is the cheapest for slicks, if you want some drop me a pm and I`ll get him to get a price might work out a bit cheaper.

**gregaust** · 09-02-2007, 09:25 PM

Thanks Brenden,i hadn't seen those M+H's before. They look good.

XRchic · 09-02-2007, 10:13 PM

Cheers guys! Id love to try those nearly shagged ones of BlackBa but Im in Adelaide unfortunately and as everyone knows, there is no track here!!!

qwigybo · 15-02-2007, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBa

Ive got a pair of M@H racemasters that are just about juicey fruited but some one can have for zilch if u need to try. Couple of runs left in them. Sized 26x10x15. Call me on 0417017799

i'm a retard, i should read before i post

KBBossedXR · 15-02-2007, 11:26 AM

BF Goodrich g-force Drag Radials are the way to go the Americans are running 7 second 180mph plus 1/4 miles on these treade street tyres. I am not sure what size wheels you have but they have quite a range, starting from 205/50/14 up to 345/30/18. if you have 18's they have a 245/40/18 this would be a perfect tyre for both street and strip. the Australian distridutors website is (www.tracktyres.com.au). or go to (www.bfgoodrich.com) then go to tyre locator and you will find this tyre and it will tell you all about it. Aussie website will give you prices.

Hardtopxb · 15-02-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stroked67

BF Goodrich g-force Drag Radials are the way to go the Americans are running 7 second 180mph plus 1/4 miles on these treade street tyres. I am not sure what size wheels you have but they have quite a range, starting from 205/50/14 up to 345/30/18. if you have 18's they have a 245/40/18 this would be a perfect tyre for both street and strip. the Australian distridutors website is (www.tracktyres.com.au). or go to (www.bfgoodrich.com) then go to tyre locator and you will find this tyre and it will tell you all about it. Aussie website will give you prices.

Yes we use them , must admit a bit pricy, but an excellent tyre..Cut our 0/60 down.. And TS overall..

qwigybo · 16-02-2007, 06:01 AM

i'm trying to hunt down some yoko advans A048 in 225/50/16 meant to be around $190us
or falken azenis RT-615 225/50/16 at around $120us

Mr. CVE · 16-02-2007, 07:34 AM

Mickey T's Street Radials I believe are the best tyre for the money. I have cars running 9's on em.

CAMS290 · 16-02-2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v8capri

Mickey T's Street Radials I believe are the best tyre for the money. I have cars running 9's on em.

M/T's do not meet Australian ADR's, regardless if they are DOT approved.
Toyo proxies are probably the best ADR'd street legal tyre available.

Doogstar · 16-02-2007, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAMS290

M/T's do not meet Australian ADR's, regardless if they are DOT approved.
Toyo proxies are probably the best ADR'd street legal tyre available.

I'm guessing they wouldn't last too long driving on them every day as they would be a soft compound tyre. Yes/No? The Toyo proxies are a reasonable price.

SpoolMan · 17-02-2007, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doogstar

I'm guessing they wouldn't last too long driving on them every day as they would be a soft compound tyre. Yes/No? The Toyo proxies are a reasonable price.

Hi Doug I use these, they have many good points there a very soft tyre used and they also come in street friendly tyre sizes like 245/45/18 and 235/45/17.
To use as a every day tyre would be very expensive because of the soft rubber they wear very quickly and there priced between $400 to $490ea for the 18'' depends who you get them off is what price you pay.
For track use I have had mine for over one year now, still plenty of rubber left to play..
link to more info:
http://www.toyo.com.au/RA-1%20Page.htm

Also the Proxes888 looks an interesting tyre.
http://www.toyo.com.au/Proxes%20R888%20Page.htm

**Chris** · 17-02-2007, 08:58 AM

Jac,

a race tyre should be BARELY adequate for a launch. When you finish the 60ft part of the run, running a tyre too big will COST you power.

Its like running with "big" shoes. The bigger they are they might grip and be comfy, but they will be heavy and consume more energy to turn.

Chris

Brothers · 17-02-2007, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAMS290

M/T's do not meet Australian ADR's, regardless if they are DOT approved.
Toyo proxies are probably the best ADR'd street legal tyre available.

Us Dot aproval on the side wall of a tyre is legal to use for Aust ADR . the US DOT is the same engineering as Australian ADR same as JATMA thats the Japanese Tyre standards. These standards are part of a trade and information agreement. along with the standards used in europe 'that figure is a circle and "E1" within the circle', can be found on any michelin.

Check out the 'Australian tyre and rim Manufactures Manuel.' This book is used by all Tyre manufactures and resellers in this country.

glen

ratter · 17-02-2007, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brothers

Us Dot aproval on the side wall of a tyre is legal to use for Aust ADR . the US DOT is the same engineering as Australian ADR same as JATMA thats the Japanese Tyre standards. These standards are part of a trade and information agreement. along with the standards used in europe 'that figure is a circle and "E1" within the circle', can be found on any michelin.

Check out the 'Australian tyre and rim Manufactures Manuel.' This book is used by all Tyre manufactures and resellers in this country.

glen

Not legal at all in Vic due to either no load or speed rating, not sure of other states stand on them

brenx · 17-02-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brothers

Us Dot aproval on the side wall of a tyre is legal to use for Aust ADR . the US DOT is the same engineering as Australian ADR same as JATMA thats the Japanese Tyre standards. These standards are part of a trade and information agreement. along with the standards used in europe 'that figure is a circle and "E1" within the circle', can be found on any michelin.

Check out the 'Australian tyre and rim Manufactures Manuel.' This book is used by all Tyre manufactures and resellers in this country.

glen

Nah it aint in Vic. If it was I could have used my DOT'd tyres pictred below. Thay ain't street legal in Vic ;)

protd · 17-02-2007, 11:34 AM

they aint street legal in qld either, i got pinned for using them..

SpoolMan · 17-02-2007, 04:23 PM

M/T drag radials and M/T streets maybe getting confused here.
Drag radial has a stiffer wall than the ET Streets, I wouldn't use a ET street on the road.

ratter · 17-02-2007, 05:20 PM

My mate who is a licenced RWC tester showed the street radials to a Vic Roads tech and he said they are not RWC and based it on the the lack of speed/load rating information on the tyre. It could open up a bigger market for M/T if they put this info on their tyres

Romulus · 17-02-2007, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Jac,

a race tyre should be BARELY adequate for a launch. When you finish the 60ft part of the run, running a tyre too big will COST you power.

Its like running with "big" shoes. The bigger they are they might grip and be comfy, but they will be heavy and consume more energy to turn.

Chris

Valid point. I'm interested in trying the 15" M/T Drag Radial or the 18" Toyo T1R's, over the 275/40/17 M/T's I'm currently using.

The M/T's must be taxing quite a bit of et and mph. They're a big tyre.

Romulus · 17-02-2007, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

Also the Proxes888 looks an interesting tyre.
http://www.toyo.com.au/Proxes%20R888%20Page.htm

888's are great for circuit / motorkhana events, but not for drag racing. The RA-1's are better suited to drag racing.

Do you run the RA-1's or the T1- series?

SpoolMan · 17-02-2007, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M6 XR6T

888's are great for circuit / motorkhana events, but not for drag racing. The RA-1's are better suited to drag racing.

Do you run the RA-1's or the T1- series?

You want to run a 15'' on the back you will have to fit AU Falcon rear brakes.
I use the Toyo RA-1.
Reason I thought the Proxes 888 were worth a look was after Toyo recommend them and reading this.
'' The Proxes R888 is also highly effective for drag racing classes where street-legal tyres are mandatory.''
At the time that was written the RA-1 were not classified as street legal.
http://www.toyo.com.au/David%20Homer%205.htm

CSV_LS1 · 17-02-2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

You want to run a 15'' on the back you will have to fit AU Falcon rear brakes.
I use the Toyo RA-1.
Reason I thought the Proxes 888 were worth a look was after Toyo recommend them and reading this.
'' The Proxes R888 is also highly effective for drag racing classes where street-legal tyres are mandatory.''
At the time that was written the RA-1 were not classified as street legal.
http://www.toyo.com.au/David%20Homer%205.htm

A friend of mine is building a 3 litre turbo alfa romeo gtv race car and he has driven it on the road with the R888's and cannot get it to wheelspin with big clutch dumps and he was running 220rwkw at the time. This car weighs in the region of 1000kg though.

Xtreme F6 · 17-02-2007, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

You want to run a 15'' on the back you will have to fit AU Falcon rear brakes.
I use the Toyo RA-1.
Reason I thought the Proxes 888 were worth a look was after Toyo recommend them and reading this.
'' The Proxes R888 is also highly effective for drag racing classes where street-legal tyres are mandatory.''
At the time that was written the RA-1 were not classified as street legal.
http://www.toyo.com.au/David%20Homer%205.htm

mark arent the r888's what everyone used to run before the MT's became popular?