Drag Rims/Tires

[cpearson1342]

So I'm going to be building my rear end over the winter with 31 spline diff/ axles and was trying to look at what exactly I should get in terms of drag wheels. Just as a little background, I have a 2003 mach swap with engine, tr3650 trans, and mach rear end and currently have 275/40R18 tires on a 18x10 rim (45mm offset) without too much issue. Most likely close to 300 rwhp.

My first question is slicks or radials as I've done a lot of research on it, but never actually used either and what size would I need to not have any traction issues?

Second, what type of rim (size, offset) should I use? I'd prefer to go with something as cheap as possible without affecting performance too much.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[three valve fox]

I run a 15x10 with a 6.5 inch back spacing but I also have sn95 length axles. as far as tire with a stick shift I would go slick

 

[cpearson1342]

Right now they stick out about as much as I'd like to go, less would be fine but no more. Do you think a 16x8 rim with a 28x10 tire would work with no problem and look alright aesthetically, it says the min rim size is 8. Also will a regular aluminum alloy rim work or has to be something more specific to racing? Thanks for the input

 

[three valve fox]

28x10 would work great and should look good as far as the rim I have seen people do both but you can pick up race stars for a pretty good price.

 

[cpearson1342]

Sounds great. Like I said though, unless I get a really good deal on some drag rims I'd rather go the cheapest route possible. Which in this case is some 16x8 3000GT rims with something around 45-50mm offset which will give me a perfectly centered wheel. My biggest concern is whether or not cast aluminum wheels will cause any problems or not, as long as they won't I'll most likely pick up some and the slicks by the end of the winter/ spring.

 

[hipoman]

I've seen cheap wheels with slicks all the time at the strip. Ive also seen some break at the lug area. With a slick you will find the weak link.
As far as rim size, a 10" is the better way. It allows the tire to have its designed patch on the pavement. Wheel ofset you get with measurements. Slicks are good for stick cars but if u drive it on the street go with drag radials.

 

[hipoman]

I forgot i use a 10" with 28-10 slick. Stick car , strip only.

 

[cpearson1342]

Might just go with radials so I can still race my friends at the track and use them on the street a little. I've got some 17x10.5 saleen rims that I may go with for it

 

[hipoman]

Best of both worlds. Get info on what works good with your combo stick/auto etc...

 

[Speedtospare]

I have the exact same setup as you, even the rims. You SVE drifts should be from the 05+ cars and will be 7.25 backspacing. The 6.5 sticks out too far and wont work.

My setup is mach 1 with eaton swap and T-56, built SN95 rear with 4.10 gears. Car leaves at 5500 RPM on a Drag radial, 6000+ on a slick. 275/50/15 drag radials amazing everywhere but slicks are much better if using at the track only.
My drag setup is 15x8 Drag star eith 5.5 backspacing (common rim) with Hoosier 26x10.5 slick. Makes enough power to pull the wheels. If your running a 10" wide rim you should really be about 7.25" backspacing or 43mm offset.

Just as an FYI. With only the Mach 1 engine tuned making 302whp 301 TQ it broke the axles launching at the track.

bad picture but you can see the rear tire and how it fits. BTW I have way too much pressure in the tires. It was at 15 PSI. Needs to be around 12 PSI.

 

[Speedtospare]

Oh stay away from uni lug rims. There a PITA, get direct drill.

Here the rear rims specs required for a SN95 rear car with 10" wide rims.

I have also run 17x9.5" rims 6.95" backspacing with 275/40/17 Mickey Thompson drag radials.

 

[Speedtospare]

 

[Speedtospare]

 

[Speedtospare]

and the 18x10 with SN95 rear and 7.25" backspacing

 

[cpearson1342]

Thank you for all the info, I do have all the components to swap to 31 spline rear, so I'll be doing that before I get anything stickier.

 

[surefootedpony]

Im running 15x10 american muscle draglites with 6.5 bksp. 275/50/15 tires. Car has minitub.

 

[surefootedpony]

here are a couple pics

 

[ModFoxMustangs]

@Speedtospare can you fix your broken images

 

[cpearson1342]

Im running 15x10 american muscle draglites with 6.5 bksp. 275/50/15 tires. Car has minitub.

Looks good, I'm thinking I might just keep my 18's and get some 295 toyo r888's. I'm possibly planning to make a larger flare on my quarters so it will be able to tuck under and have no rubbing issues. Not too much more, less than in these pics, and not rivet on fiberglass either, should almost look stock, just extending the current flare.