I've been looking into picking up some drag radials. I don't have much experience with them, since my drag racing background is with AWD cars slow enough to stick to street tires.

So, my real question is: Is it worth getting some 17's to throw drag radials on, versus my Track's 18's? I realize rim size can make a big difference for real slicks, but does it matter that much for DRs?

Also, should I just forget DR's, and go straight for slicks on some smaller wheels? I should probably mention that my goal is low 12's on a 100 shot.

 

Depending on what you want, the answer varies.

If you want to drive to the track, drag race, then come back on the same tires, get the drag radials. Drag radials can also be used to daily drive, so you can have traction anywhere at any time.

If you can put up with changing your tires at the track, then get the slicks. Both the drag radials and slicks should be enough to help you reach your goal, but slicks will make it much easier on multiple levels other than just greater grip.

For drag racing, smaller wheels are almost always better as the tires' sidewalls act as cushions to soften blow to the components from the launch and help with the traction by squatting, not to mention less weight with smaller wheels. So, to answer your original question, 17" wheels will be better than 18" wheels.

Your goal is similar to mine (low 12s). What I would recommend is to get some cheap 15" or 16" wheels (I have cheap steelies) and get a pair of slicks.

 

+1, if you are realy going to use them for the track, the bigger the sidewall the better. If you have stock brakes, you can get a set of wide 15" rims for cheap!!

 

Thanks guys.

I have the Track Brembos. I believe I read somewhere else that I can't fit 15's around these, and I would basically have to swap brakes back and forth. When looking for slicks, I found it almost impossible to find anything outside a 15. Need to do more research in this dept.

 

Practice drag racing on street tires. When you are running better than 14.0 seconds, come back and we will discuss tires.

 

can anyone post some links or pics or some cheap 15's I would like to start getting into the drag scene, but I am a newb...Sorry if it has already been posted, just came across this thread as I was beginning my reading.

 

Practice drag racing on street tires. When you are running ...

oh never mind.

 

appreciate the idea...why do you suggest that?

 

So that you learn how to launch, shift, modulate throttle, etc., before stepping up to "cheating" with tires. The better you are on street tires, the better you'll be on sticky tires.

 

gotcha...I have got pretty much everything but the launch down...which is the hardest part, so technically I dont have shyt.

 

9 out of 10 350Z racers race once, are disappointed, and never go back. Like autocross, get it right on street tires before you move to competition tires. Besides what is the point of spending $400 for wheels and tires, and deciding that you hate drag racing.

 

LOL. Once you get past the first 60 feet the rest takes care of itself.

 

That is actually the best advice yet. I'd personally say 13.8 or faster stock and 13.5 or faster for modded. Learning to launch well on street tires before getting stickier tires will only benefit you in the long run. Drag racing isn't just about how fast you can get to the finish line, but about consistency. If you can't repeat your best run, then it was pure luck.
Read above.

 

i appreciate the advice guys, well I guess all that is left is to hit the track

 

How is 12.XX seconds working out?

 

to the op... mickey thompson makes a drag radial in 18 inch sizes.. MT ET street 2

 

Our track is closed until April, actually :-/. I also keep going back and forth on nitrous versus doing something thats a little more permanent (sc, turbo)... hard to weigh the cost:benefit ratio, lol. Looking into piecing together a turbo kit for less money now, but not sure its really feasible.

I agree that hitting 14.0's before doing anything else is a good idea. My first time out, the best I could hit was 14.5 @ 100. Excuses: So cold I was blowing the tires off in 2nd, having to let off. First time launching a RWD car at the track. Our track sucks and is notorious for high times. Swamp gas from venus reflected off the moon and blinded me.

I'm sure I can get into the 13's though, atleast before it gets hot, anyway... which means I have a month, because Kansas seems to go straight from winter to summer.

 

Just keeping my eye on you.

 

absurdparadox,

Where are you from and what track? I would love to see your runs if you are locally (Kansas City).

 

I'm down in Wichita, actually. This is at Kansas International Dragway (formerly Wichita International Raceway).

Why are all drag strips "international"? lol