Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

Yes I did look at the PBR, but as cad said they don't appear to be a better option on a marginal track.

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

What shocks out back?

To make the radials work to the best they can a "GOOD" double adjustable shock is advisable.

Granted radials may struggle when the sun is beating on the track or the prep is poor, but some racers just don't take the time (or understand a radial setup) to sort the chassis tuning to make the tire work. It's usually more than bolting the tire on and setting the tire pressure. Weight out back is really a last resort when nothing else has worked.

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

Rear suspension is ladder bar and Strange adjustable socks and coil over springs. I'm no expert by any stretch, but I have a pretty good handle (knowledge) on the rear chassis set up. Like I mentioned, on a well prepped track my car 60ft in the low 1.40's. Car weighs 3555 race ready and has less than 550 hp. I run 4.56 gear and a 9 inch Dynamic converter.

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

You have a pretty good handle on the rear chassis for bias slicks or radials? How much experience do you have in setting up the car for radials. Planting a radial is a good bit different than a bias. A single adjustable shock ties your hands when it comes to tuning for a radial.

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

I thought I had a handle on it with the radials until a few weeks ago...lol. All my best 60ft times have come with the radials on well prepped tracks. I'm still learning as I go, the car has only had "good" parts on it for the last two years. Up until then it was a low power car with a worn out loose converter and junk shocks and springs. So I'm definitely learning as I go.

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

Well good track conditions will make everyone trying a radial a hero. It's when the track gets hot or lack of prep that tuning skills will show.

I'll clue you in on one thing. Radials need to be hit hard to plant then held down to allow the car to gain speed. This means loose rebound and semi-firm compression.

If you smack a bias as hard as you need to hit a radial the bias balls up, goes out of round and won't accelerate.

Best way to tune the chassis is to put a GoPro under the car looking at the tire/shock/suspension.

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

Thanks for the info

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

Here's a video on a 275 DOT radial.

https://youtu.be/wiml81LoSa4

Slow motion version of the same run. Watch the timing of the shock extension.

https://youtu.be/wiml81LoSa4

Car detuned for a different class, different tire, different shocks, different IC, different ride height. Again, note the shock position in relation to the frame rail and the timing of how and when the chassis separates.

https://youtu.be/53DB6ZQNoZA?t=21s

Good luck.

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

Don't overlook your front suspension. If I don't jack the front end of my stocker up and let the weight off the front springs, I will have to put new springs in once a year.

Re: How do i get a radial slick to hook on a marginal track
 

No springs on the front of my Mopar. I run Calvert shocks and the rest of the front end is stock.