Drag radials for 16" GNX wheels

[d0n_3d]

I'm having a hard time finding a drag radial in a 16" wheel...Nitto makes a 245/50/16 while BF Goodrich makes a 255/50/16 but both of those are 26" tall tires...I'm looking for a 28" tire...am I just SOL? My 265/50/16 BF Goodrich Radial T/As just aren't cutting it anymore as far as traction! :dong:

[turbodave]

I'm having a hard time finding a drag radial in a 16" wheel...Nitto makes a 245/50/16 while BF Goodrich makes a 255/50/16 but both of those are 26" tall tires...I'm looking for a 28" tire...am I just SOL? My 265/50/16 BF Goodrich Radial T/As just aren't cutting it anymore as far as traction! :dong:
You'll find VERY few options for DR's in a 16" size. After trying to get my car to hook using GNX style wheels, DR's first then moving to MT E/T Streets, I begrudgingly came to the conclusion that trying to get a decent 60' on 16" sticky tires isn't in the cards. There's just not enough sidewall to allow sufficient sidewall flex to allow the tire to work properly.

You'll be MILES ahead getting a 15" wheel of your choice to use for racing and getting decent tires and tire selection for the 15" size.
OH, and BTW traction on 15" will be WORLDS better than 16's

[d0n_3d]

not what i wanted to hear but i guess i have no choice! what if i did get the bf goodrich 255/50/16's? i am only using these for street use...the reason i want drag radials is because i can't get any traction with radial tires from a dig whatsoever or even from a 35 mph roll! would i be sorry getting these just for the street??? will they at least hook better than the radials? one more question, what is the final gear ratio if i run those drag radials with a stock 3.42 rear end???

[jdodman]

It's not a drag radial, but Hoosier now makes the quick time pro DOT rear wheels in 16 inch and 27 inch tall (I believe). Anyway, I have not tried them yet. I am just coming off a season with the MT ET Street Strip in 16 inch on GNX wheels and I was not that impressed.
I am basically at the same place you are. Ditch the 16's and go with 15's or give the Hoosiers a shot.

If you are really after a decent 60 foot, you probably need to avoid the radials all together, and lean more towards a slick.

I read on one of the other BB of someone who had 15 inch with full slicks for the rear (on race day) and 16 GNX for cruising around. He had no problem with mixing the 16 in the front and 15 on the back since the rear was a tall slick. I may try that next season.

[Rob]

I have no problems getting 1.6's out of my Nittos. That was with the stock D5/turbo and now a 3200 Vig/PT51.

ET Streets are taller than either the BFG's or Nitto's.

[TTA850]

I have no problems getting 1.4 60fts(1.47 best)out of 26x11.5x16 ET Streets on stock 16x8 GTA wheels.

Also Hoosier and M/T recently released 27 AND 28 inch tires for 16" rims.I'm looking to squeeze the 28x11.5x16 or 28x12.5x16 under my car for next year.

Steve

[gmgearhead]

I have no problems getting 1.4 60fts(1.47 best)out of 26x11.5x16 ET Streets on stock 16x8 GTA wheels.

Also Hoosier and M/T recently released 27 AND 28 inch tires for 16" rims.I'm looking to squeeze the 28x11.5x16 or 28x12.5x16 under my car for next year.

Steve
You will be better off with 15" more side wall to crinkle,plus a better selection of tires

[TTA850]

You will be better off with 15" more side wall to crinkle,plus a better selection of tires

Your probrobly right,but I can leave as hard as I want and hook as is plus I like running mid 10's in a car that doesnt look(or sound)like it can even run 13's :D

Just a personal preference I guess,I know 15's would be better but then so would skinnies up front instead of the 245/50R16's :nixweiss:

Steve

[MR Buick]

I use these fugly 15" Trans Am wheels w/slicks at the track and I keep my 16"GTA wheels on the front. :zahn: The center looks the same as a GTA wheel but the polished outer lip is narrow because of all the backspace.The offset of the wheel isn't too good for a Regal.I used to use a 5/16" spacer and they didn't rub but now I've got 1 1/4" billet spacers to help my 16"GTA wheels fill my GNX flares better and it makes it better at the track w/ my slicks.Doesn't look the greatest at the track.As long as your fast it's alright if it looks a little funny.However last time I was at the track.Ahh forget it. :bowl2: I prolly wouldn't recommend the 15" T/A wheels unless you want to use spacers.But I would recommend some 15" wheels and slicks at the track.After your done racing throw the 16"s back on and your styling again on the way home. :rock:

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=40bb4ddd-51ed-d1fb-c37a-2018bfc928f1&size=lg

[Captain Mark]

I am currently using Hoosier Quick Time Pros. I cut 1.7 60's with a fairly mild motor. They suck on the street though. I am gonna try the Mickey Thompson drag radials next. Those look like the best thing out. Either that, or the Nittos. I have Nittos on my big block car, and not that happy with them. Good street tire, just OK for track IMO.