Which is better drag radials or slicks?
A true slick is usually bias ply and it cords form as x pattern all the way around the tire. A radial’s cords go directly from one side of the bead to the other. As far as drag racing goes, the radial will help keep you more stable while a slick will allow you to launch much harder.
What size slicks do I need?
Determining What’s What
For racing tire sizes, try this formula: nominal diameter times tread width times bead diameter. Example: A 32.0 x 14.0 x 15 is a 32-inch tall, 10-inch-wide slick that goes on a 15-inch diameter wheel. Measurements are from an inflated tire under unloaded conditions.
Are slicks DOT approved?
M&H Racemaster Cheater drag race slicks are designed to get traction for your high-horsepower street vehicle. These tires are DOT-certified and feature wrinkle wall construction.
Do drag slicks need to be balanced?
Should my Mickey Thompson slicks be balanced? Yes. We suggest static or Bubble balancing. Dynamic or Spin balancing, a bias ply slick will work best only if the slick does not deform.
Can you daily drive on drag radials?
Street-legal, DOT-compliant drag radials walk the line between a tire you can drive every day and one that will provide top tier performance in the quarter mile on a prepared surface.
What is the biggest drag slick made?
Mickey Thompson is well-regarded as the innovator of drag radial race tires, and the new 31-inch ET Street S/S is one of the world’s largest.
What is the best tire pressure for drag racing?
“For drag radial tires, such as our M&H Racemaster, you should never run below 24 psi on the street, and keep pressures above 15 psi at the track. The normal range of pressures, depending on the vehicle’s weight and suspension setup is 15-20 psi.” Weight is the biggest factor.
Is a taller tire better for drag racing?
Tires that are wider or have a larger diameter create a bigger footprint, but many people tend to forget the second part. Taller tires will in fact place more tire area (front to back) on the racing surface.
Can you drive with slicks on the street?
Slicks are simply not meant for street use. Take a freeway offramp at normal speed and go through some sprinkler puddles, and it could ruin your day. On a prepped track they’re great, but not on public roads. You need to get them warmed up properly, or else they’re worse than street tires.
Are Taller tires better for drag racing?
When should I replace my drag slicks?
The carcass of the tire can sometimes start to break down while there is still plenty of tread on the tire. When your 60 and 330 foot times start to slip and become more inconsistent, consider replacing your tires.
Are drag slicks directional?
Mickey Thompson bias ply drag slicks are NOT directional. New tires, that require a certain direction of rotation, will have rotation arrows on them. Mickey Thompson radial tires are directional. They will have arrows on the sidewall showing the intended direction of rotation.
How long do drag radials last?
Owners of drag racing cars estimate that they get anywhere from 15,000-30,000 miles on their street drag radials. Street drag radials are constructed differently than typical tires. They have a slightly smaller sidewall width and thinner tread. This helps them achieve higher speeds while maintaining a smooth ride.
Can you drive with slicks in the rain?
For light rain, slicks will not be as fast but they are manageable. For moderate to heavy rain, slicks have no tread pattern to move water so they provide no traction.
What does a taller tire do for drag racing?
How do you get more traction in drag racing?
Spin the tires just long enough for them to generate steady, even plumes of smoke, and then move on. This technique helps get the most life and traction from your expensive drag slicks. Remember to rotate your slicks weekly. Not everyone drag races on slicks.
How much air should be in a slick?
ET DRAG PRO DRAG RADIAL AND PRO BRACKET RADIAL
| VEHICLE WEIGHT | TIRE SIZE | AIR PRESSURE |
|---|---|---|
| 2,500 TO 3,000 LBS | UNDER 30″ DIA | 16 P.S.I. AND UP |
| 2,500 TO 3,000 LBS | OVER 30″ DIA | 8 P.S.I. AND UP |
| OVER 3,000 LBS | UNDER 30″ DIA | 16 P.S.I. AND UP |
| OVER 3,000 LBS | OVER 30″ DIA | 12 P.S.I. AND UP |
What is considered a big tire drag car?
A big tire car as defined by this competition is any tire larger than a 10.5W. Big tires give you the advantage of great traction, but with the penalty of all the weighty rubber and rolling resistance.
What causes tire shake on a drag car?
For the uninitiated, tire shake is simply a point at which there’s not enough tire speed, nor not enough tire speed. The tires are both trying to grab the race track and attempting to spin all at once, and the result is a balled-up tired that’s out of round and typically square-off at the contact patch.
Do slicks provide more grip?
Slick tyres are tyres with minimal tread. Their surface is smooth, without grooves, so they have high levels of grip and more direct rubber contact with the ground. This generates more power, which helps cars accelerate to crazy speeds in elite sport. While this is exactly why slicks might appeal to everyday drivers…
What is the best rim size for drag racing?
The best practice is to go with a smaller wheel for performance and as much tire as you can fit to get the most traction possible. On average, you will see the best results with wheels for the front that are in the 15×3.75-inch range or larger, and in the rear a set of wheels in the 15×10-inch range is ideal.
How do you know when slicks are worn out?
There are wear indicators on the surface of the tire, they look similar to a drill hole, when it is to the bottom or non existent, the slick is worn out, also check for even wear across the surface from side to side.
What PSI should drag radials be at?
Mickey Thompson says its ET Street drag radials should not have less than 11 psi of air pressure for racing use. For tire sizes smaller than P275-50R15, pressure should be between 12 and 16 psi. Larger tires (P295 and up) should have air pressure set between 11 and 14 psi.
Are slick tires faster?
For years, race car drivers have known that slick tires offer the most grip, best performance, and fastest times.
What are the advantages of slick tires?
Slick tires are well-suited for cycling on roads and flat surfaces. As slick tires offer less resistance, you can travel more efficiently. Bike commuters may prefer reaching work without having to break a sweat. Despite having less tread, slick tires do not significantly increase your risk of slipping on wet roads.