Are you looking for new drag slicks for your vehicle? You likely want tires that give you a great ride. They should effectively grip the road, keeping you safe on the track. They also need to fit your vehicle properly. You also likely want tires and rims that look great. These are some tips to help you find the right drag racing tires for your vehicle.
Consider Your Suspension and Brakes
When you drag race, you typically need to make modifications to your vehicle. You may start with an Edelbrock AVS2 800 carburetor, but you also likely upgrade your brakes and suspension. Your tires need to fit the new assembly properly. This is especially important if you desire smaller wheels on an older-model vehicle, such as a late-model muscle car.
Your first step should include taking measurements. You need the wheels to clear your brakes.
Choose the Right Tire Type
Drag racing requires you to drive hundreds of miles on the track in a single day. Your tires need to maintain excellent performance and have the ability to handle the work. Your tires will take significant abuse from the harsh conditions of the track. You need tires made specifically for drag racing, also called drag slicks.
Evaluate the Tire Traction
The traction on your tires determines the amount of friction they have on the road. This friction is what moves your vehicle. Tread patterns provide traction for various weather patterns and road conditions. Some move water away from the tire.
Drag racing tires tend to be slicks without a tread pattern. They have a softer rubber than road tires, which gives them more grip but sacrifices durability. In addition, they can become sticky when they heat up, increasing their traction.
Consider Tire Width and Contact
Wider tires don’t necessarily translate to greater contact with the road. Some wider tires provide you with a better grip, but you should consider more than just width. You also need tires with large sidewalls. The tire sidewalls allow for flexibility, especially when you accelerate hard. This allows them to increase your traction and the amount of the tire that grips the road.
If you plan to drag race in an older vehicle, you may need to change your rims, using a smaller wheel that can reduce the tire weight and give you the sidewalls you need.
Identify Where You Plan To Drive
If you plan to trailer your car to the track, traditional drag racing slicks will work well. However, if you plan to drive your vehicle to the track, you may need something different. Drag radials work well on city streets and the track. They are still soft with low tread ad thicker sidewalls and radial construction, making them safe on the road and at high speeds on the track.
These tires are not great for extensive road driving, however. Therefore, you can also swap your wheels when you get to the track, but you will need two separate sets of rims and tires, one for the road and one for the track.
Converting a vehicle for the track can take time. You need the right wheels and tires, and you may even get a trunk mount battery kit to balance your vehicle. However, finding the right slicks is a good first step.