Notices
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance EFI | GEN I/GEN II/GEN III/GEN IV Engines |Small Block | Big Block |

Drag Radial Sizing Help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-04-2005, 08:20 PM
  #1  
13 Second Truck Club
Thread Starter
 
nativetexan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: East Texas
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Drag Radial Sizing Help

I need some advice. I am wanting to get some drag radials to mount on some stock 16" aluminum wheels I recently picked up. My truck is putting out about 300hp and 320 ft/lbs (dyno) and was hooking up pretty good with the stock 20s at the track last weekend. 60' times were right around 2.20 sec. I still have the stock 'verter with no plans to update it for a year or so. What do you think? Should I go with 26" diameter or 28" diameter drag radials?
Old 03-04-2005, 08:37 PM
  #2  
TECH Junkie
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: memphis tn
Posts: 3,019
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I would run the 26" drag radials to help with the gearing especially with a stock converter.With 28" and a stock converter you'd probably bog out of the hole due to no wheelspin.What gears are you running?
Old 03-04-2005, 08:41 PM
  #3  
13 Second Truck Club
Thread Starter
 
nativetexan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: East Texas
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I have 3.73 gears and my tire height is 31" or so.
Old 03-04-2005, 08:41 PM
  #4  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
James B.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: 33.91° -117.48°
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

26" is really short. It's going to look very odd. Even the 28's are small. Keep in mind that the larger the diameter the tire is the better traction you can get off the line because more rubber to concrete contact is made, but the smaller tires will give the axles better leverage to get the truck moving. The smaller tires will net you a quicker 60-foot time if you can get them to hook up. Personally I would choose the 28" ones just based on looks. 26" would look a little too SotB for my taste.
Old 03-04-2005, 08:48 PM
  #5  
TECH Junkie
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: memphis tn
Posts: 3,019
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

The 26" tires might look funny but the increase in gearing will make a considerable difference in accelaration after the 60' mark.With 26" tires he will cross the 1/4mile line pulling hard in 3rd gear instead of struggling to reach the powerband in 3rd.Besides,I doubt his drag radials will be used on the street.
Old 03-04-2005, 09:48 PM
  #6  
On The Tree
 
BooBsRGR8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

2 or 4wd??
Old 03-05-2005, 07:44 AM
  #7  
11 Second Truck Club
iTrader: (31)
 
bluecajun5.3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Breaux Bridge, LA
Posts: 5,861
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i would go with the 26" tall drag radials, like everyone else says, it will help your gearing to get out of the hole.
Old 03-05-2005, 08:53 AM
  #8  
13 Second Truck Club
Thread Starter
 
nativetexan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: East Texas
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BooBsRGR8
2 or 4wd??
2wd.

"The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 5 characters.
Old 03-05-2005, 09:26 AM
  #9  
TECH Junkie
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: memphis tn
Posts: 3,019
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

With either size drag radial you will see an increase in gearing.What that does is increase the average hp produced by the engine during your 1/4th mile run by keeping the engine in the powerband a higher percentage of the time.You will see a reduction in your 60' times due to the increased traction of the tire compounds as well as increase mechanical force applied due to the decreased tire diameter.Going to a smaller diameter tire lets you increase your gearing at the track without paying a penalty in increased fuel consumtion on the street.
Old 03-05-2005, 09:41 AM
  #10  
On The Tree
 
BooBsRGR8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I saw an old POS ford v6 truck at the track with passanger tires on the rear running 16s. Cheaper than gears, looks goofy as hell though. Will 26in DR really give you enough traction???


Quick Reply: Drag Radial Sizing Help



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:34 PM.