18x10.5 to 17x10.5 worth the effort?

[eLeSthree]

My MH Racemaster 325/40/18 tires have either come to end of life, or I am now over powering the tires. Looks like a little of both.

Should I try the MT ET Street R 305/45/18 before I ditch the 18s.
I have a lot of coin tied up in this new TMS motor I just bought, and cant afford a 15 inch conversion at the moment.

So its either sell the 18s, buy 17s and ET Street Rs, or just put some ET Street Rs on my 18s.

Kinda leaning towards the 18 because its 29 inches tall vs the 17 at 28.1. Maybe the taller tire will help soften the hit.

[2NASSTY]

I would lean towards moving to the ET Street Rs. I went from a 325/45/17 Racemaster to a 325/35/18 the MT.

Sixty went from 1.7 down to 1.5 on the Street Rs. How did the Racemaster perform for you at your power level?

I'm thinking slicks next.

[eLeSthree]

Originally Posted by 2NASSTY

I would lean towards moving to the ET Street Rs. I went from a 325/45/17 Racemaster to a 325/35/18 the MT.

Sixty went from 1.7 down to 1.5 on the Street Rs. How did the Racemaster perform for you at your power level?

I'm thinking slicks next.

I'm still on the stock SS rear everything. Only have BMR craddle bushings.
I have no plans on trying to 60' the car at the moment.

It's not a drag car yet, but with the new motor coming, gutted interior, its slowly becoming one. ZL1 rear in my future.


So you lost a little sidewall when you switched to the R, and lowered your 60'. Wow. Thats nice.

At 850whp, they spun a little in second, but went straight (after cradle bushings). At 950, they spin in second and dont recover, I get sideways. Even when warm.

I'm thinking i need some BMR bars, alignment, tires and stick with 18s for now.

[frankwjr]

what psi? any tire slip on the rim? when I went to 17" and Hoosier DR2 was a world of difference.


with out any basic rear suspension mod's you not planting the tires enough and the 60' is prob the best way to test how well the suspension is working.


and with that power I would want a lpw rear diff cover for added insurance.


good luck!


PEACE

[eLeSthree]

Originally Posted by frankwjr

what psi? any tire slip on the rim? when I went to 17" and Hoosier DR2 was a world of difference.


with out any basic rear suspension mod's you not planting the tires enough and the 60' is prob the best way to test how well the suspension is working.


and with that power I would want a lpw rear diff cover for added insurance.


good luck!


PEACE

For clarity, I'm not racing at a drag strip. No 60' times available.
I tried from 20psi all the way down to 16psi. 3rd gear, spinning starts at 5000rpm.

I'll look into those covers, thanks.

You think those tires are toast?

(not slipping on the rim)

[stratman2SSRS]

Save your money for the 15's

[Vegas Bound]

Swap for the 17s and go 315/50*17 with MT ET Street R. 29.5" tire on a 17" wheel. Win/win.

[eLeSthree]

Originally Posted by Vegas Bound

Swap for the 17s and go 315/50*17 with MT ET Street R. 29.5" tire on a 17" wheel. Win/win.

This is what I was thinking. The taller tire might hurt my 60' if I was at the drag strip, but for the higher speed roll racing im doing, I think the taller tire (with more profile) might be the answer to traction, and also help mph up top.

Found a local guy who has the same darkstar in 17x10.5 and wants to trade. Currently has ET Street SS in 305/45/17, but I will get the R in 315/50/17 once the new motor is running.

[eLeSthree]

Well the trade fell through. I'm sticking with an 18 inch wheel until I finish the new motor and have some funds for traction.

I want to try the R's. Only question is which tire height is better for 1100whp roll racing.
The 325/35/18 is 27 inches tall and the 305/45/18 is 29 inches tall.

I've always preferred the shorter tire, but never had to hook this much power. Guess I'll try the 29...

[Vegas Bound]

Depending on your front tire height, don't forget the fuse pull. Your ABS will freak out.