Choosing the right tire - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

softballnrd27 · 06-07-2011, 09:20 PM

For all you racers, how do you choose the right size tire(slicks)? Compound?
I don't want to just guess and I know there has to be some formula to getting the right size and compound.

Here is some info on my truck so that maybe you can help me out here:
85 swb hopefully around 3600lbs after a diet
390" Stroker LS Iron block in the neighborhood of 450rwhp
AFR 230cc heads(box stock)
Port matched Vic Jr with 1200cfm 4150 style throttle body.
Custom grind cam
th400 backed by a 9" w/3.50 gears(will eventually have a turbo), Yukon locker and 35 spline moser axles.
Stock front suspension with appropriate springs and adj shocks, stock rear supension flipped w/caltracs and adj shocks

Help a brotha out!!

kpeztruck · 06-07-2011, 09:58 PM

With what you have listed here, a 28x10.5 should handle the job. The idea is to have enough tire to hook, without having the extra weight, and height of a tire that is too large. The 28 inch tire will also help with your gear ratio some. Hope this helps. Paul Baxter

KQQL IT · 06-07-2011, 10:00 PM

I love my hooiser drag radials. 325/50 15 1.671 60' foot braked
Hooks great and dead stable at 110 mph
Opinions differ though.
Posted via Mobile Device

softballnrd27 · 06-07-2011, 10:15 PM

kpeztruck-yes it does help, thank you.

kqql it-i looked at those but i think i am going to with a full on slick

djracer · 06-07-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by softballnrd27

kpeztruck-yes it does help, thank you.

kqql it-i looked at those but i think i am going to with a full on slick

If you can get them to work the radials are faster.

softballnrd27 · 06-07-2011, 11:23 PM

I guess it can't hurt to try them then. I thought it was the opposite, but that is why I ask these questions here and not on some of the other boards. Thanks DJ, when is your beast gonna be back on the track?

djracer · 06-08-2011, 07:22 AM

I'm trying to get it to the chassis shop then the paint shop so cross your fingers.

kpeztruck · 06-08-2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djracer

If you can get them to work the radials are faster.

djracer is correct, the radials are faster. But, trickier to hook. I have run both, and can tell you that the slicks are more forgiving on marginal tracks, and when the slightly over-agressive tuner(me) gets greedy.LOL I will try both again when mine is at the track again, but the classes I want to run are 275 radial/28x10.5 tire classes. Paul Baxter

Marv D · 06-08-2011, 10:00 AM

You guys running radials,,,, dude, my hats off to ya. The radial classes are frickin AMAZING. I have a hard enough time getting a great big ol pfhat 14x33 D5 slick to hook consistantly!

softballnrd27 · 06-08-2011, 12:27 PM

I might try the radials 1st just bc of the price tag and not having to run a tube. I didn't realize how expensive tubes are.

swb85 · 06-08-2011, 12:40 PM

You don't have to run tubes in the bias ply's, lots of guys (myself included) don't run tubes. Radials are sweet if you can get them to work, but if you don't, they'll tear sh!t up quick. I tore up a 9" ring/pinion because the radials shook so hard on a poorly prepped track.....they're my "street" tires now.

softballnrd27 · 06-08-2011, 12:42 PM

I am new to slicks so bear with me, even if a tube is recommended you don't have to run one?

kpeztruck · 06-08-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by softballnrd27

I am new to slicks so bear with me, even if a tube is recommended you don't have to run one?

I run 14x32's on my index car without tubes, but I have double beadlocks. I have had friends that ran 28x10.5's without tubes, and used screws. Worked fine, but would leak down over a couple of days. We always stored it on jack stands. I plan to run the 28's on mine soon, and hope to run 5 teens in the 1/8 mile on one fogger. Should be fun.

Paul Baxter

softballnrd27 · 06-08-2011, 01:00 PM

Does the tube keep the bead seated against the rim? Is there another purpose for the tube? I really would hate to put screws in a brand new wheel.

swb85 · 06-08-2011, 02:31 PM

The tube supposedly makes the tire more consistent and stable on the big end. To me, it's just more rotating weight.

At the power level you'll be at, you shouldn't have problems spinning the tire on the rim so you shouldn't need screws. I make around 700rwhp in my camaro and don't need screws yet. If you run tubes, you absolutely have to run screws to keep from shearing the valve stem off if the tire were to slip on the rim.

softballnrd27 · 06-08-2011, 04:34 PM

Ok I think I am getting it now

KQQL IT · 06-09-2011, 12:28 AM

325/50 on a 10" wheel
Hoosier Dot radial
Posted via Mobile Device

06-07-2011, 09:20 PM	#1
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Choosing the right tire For all you racers, how do you choose the right size tire(slicks)? Compound? I don't want to just guess and I know there has to be some formula to getting the right size and compound. Here is some info on my truck so that maybe you can help me out here: 85 swb hopefully around 3600lbs after a diet 390" Stroker LS Iron block in the neighborhood of 450rwhp AFR 230cc heads(box stock) Port matched Vic Jr with 1200cfm 4150 style throttle body. Custom grind cam th400 backed by a 9" w/3.50 gears(will eventually have a turbo), Yukon locker and 35 spline moser axles. Stock front suspension with appropriate springs and adj shocks, stock rear supension flipped w/caltracs and adj shocks Help a brotha out!! __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

06-07-2011, 09:58 PM	#2
kpeztruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Canton, GA Posts: 229	Re: Choosing the right tire With what you have listed here, a 28x10.5 should handle the job. The idea is to have enough tire to hook, without having the extra weight, and height of a tire that is too large. The 28 inch tire will also help with your gear ratio some. Hope this helps. Paul Baxter

06-07-2011, 10:00 PM	#3
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,257	Re: Choosing the right tire I love my hooiser drag radials. 325/50 15 1.671 60' foot braked Hooks great and dead stable at 110 mph Opinions differ though. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

06-07-2011, 10:15 PM	#4
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Re: Choosing the right tire kpeztruck-yes it does help, thank you. kqql it-i looked at those but i think i am going to with a full on slick __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

06-07-2011, 11:23 PM	#6
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Re: Choosing the right tire I guess it can't hurt to try them then. I thought it was the opposite, but that is why I ask these questions here and not on some of the other boards. Thanks DJ, when is your beast gonna be back on the track? __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

06-08-2011, 07:22 AM	#7
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,892	Re: Choosing the right tire I'm trying to get it to the chassis shop then the paint shop so cross your fingers. __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

06-08-2011, 10:00 AM	#9
Marv D Registered Truck Offender Join Date: May 2008 Location: hells training ground (aka Ariz) Posts: 3,118	Re: Choosing the right tire You guys running radials,,,, dude, my hats off to ya. The radial classes are frickin AMAZING. I have a hard enough time getting a great big ol pfhat 14x33 D5 slick to hook consistantly! __________________ Still playin with trucks, even at my age! When you're dead, it's only a problem for the people around you, because you don't know you're dead. .....It's kinda the same when your STUPID. I just did my taxes and reviewed my SS statement. Thanks to the current administration it looks like I will only have to work till noon on the day of my funeral.

06-08-2011, 12:27 PM	#10
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Re: Choosing the right tire I might try the radials 1st just bc of the price tag and not having to run a tube. I didn't realize how expensive tubes are. __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

06-08-2011, 12:40 PM	#11
swb85 On a budget like Fred Sanford Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 2,031	Re: Choosing the right tire You don't have to run tubes in the bias ply's, lots of guys (myself included) don't run tubes. Radials are sweet if you can get them to work, but if you don't, they'll tear sh!t up quick. I tore up a 9" ring/pinion because the radials shook so hard on a poorly prepped track.....they're my "street" tires now. __________________ '85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD

06-08-2011, 12:42 PM	#12
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Re: Choosing the right tire I am new to slicks so bear with me, even if a tube is recommended you don't have to run one? __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

06-08-2011, 01:00 PM	#14
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Re: Choosing the right tire Does the tube keep the bead seated against the rim? Is there another purpose for the tube? I really would hate to put screws in a brand new wheel. __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

06-08-2011, 02:31 PM	#15
swb85 On a budget like Fred Sanford Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 2,031	Re: Choosing the right tire The tube supposedly makes the tire more consistent and stable on the big end. To me, it's just more rotating weight. At the power level you'll be at, you shouldn't have problems spinning the tire on the rim so you shouldn't need screws. I make around 700rwhp in my camaro and don't need screws yet. If you run tubes, you absolutely have to run screws to keep from shearing the valve stem off if the tire were to slip on the rim. __________________ '85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD

06-08-2011, 04:34 PM	#16
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Re: Choosing the right tire Ok I think I am getting it now __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

06-09-2011, 12:28 AM	#17
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,257	Re: Choosing the right tire 325/50 on a 10" wheel Hoosier Dot radial Posted via Mobile Device __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

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