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

[racerAL]

Thanks for your input Ed I appreciate it. But you have me a bit confused on what you said about my shock setting. I'll admit that I'm new to the whole adjustable shock deal and I'm learning as I go. My understanding was that if I wanted to soften the hit on the slick I should soften the shock. Is this incorrect? I had the shocks set to the tightest setting with the radials and a much higher launch rpm at Norwalk a few weeks ago and the car worked great. Then without changing anything I took the car to my local track and the car spun badly at the hit. Doing what I thought was correct I softened the shocks and took out 800 rpm from the launch and it was better but still spun. What am I missing? Am I going about it totally wrong?

[GUMP]

Originally Posted by racerAL

Well if I'm only going to get 50-60 passes out of the radials, I'll switch back to a bias ply slick. I have a new set Goodyear 4457's that I tried early this year and they were even more touchy than the Hoosiers. I think I'll try to sell them and get a set of bias ply's. I was hoping to get more input from the racers that use these slicks.... Surely every track you guys race on isn't prepped to perfection. Thanks countrypuppy and Jim Perrone for ur input. Im going to add weight in the trunk and take some timing out of it and hopefully I can get it to not spin. I've wasted 3 points races messing with this issue. I'll have me a set of bias ply's on it as soon as I sell the Goodyears.

Radials are always less forgiving than a bias ply. I have over 100 passes on the 4457's that are on my COPO and they are not close to being done. They do not like a big burnout. What tire pressure did you try? I run 20-22 PSI. I agree that weight should help.

[racerAL]

Originally Posted by GUMP

Radials are always less forgiving than a bias ply. I have over 100 passes on the 4457's that are on my COPO and they are not close to being done. They do not like a big burnout. What tire pressure did you try? I run 20-22 PSI. I agree that weight should help.

I've been at 21psi..but I haven't tried anything different in the heat. I was pretty sure I didn't want to go lower and was afraid to go much higher. I'll try 22psi tonight at test and tune.

[Lenny5160]

I wouldn't run a bias slick if they paid me to.

I run Hoosier 9" radials on a 10" wheel. Burnout is extremely minimal. I do not use a line lock. Low gear just to get them spinning, then shift to high.

Weight in the trunk is definitely good. I think I have a couple hundred pounds back there.

I run 17 psi but, honestly, it is only for even wear with my combo. I've been from 16 - 26 and have never seen a difference in performance. Half the time I don't even check them once I've made a couple passes.

It did take some work initially once I got some decent HP. You'll want to make sure the front end moves freely.

I've never counted passes, but I'm sure I get 150 on the Hoosier C07 tire.

Stick with them and you will be better for it! I love hearing others complain about a tricky track. As long as I don't go up in smoke, I know my 60' time will be within .01 of the previous run.

[Dion Hildebrandt]

Originally Posted by Rusty Davenport

Not trying to steal the thread but more than one person told me the M/T radials might get 30 passes at best-----I bought a set------not sure its going to make thirty with ten to go-----anyone else comment on M/T lifespan ????

On my 3500 pound H stocker chevelle I am lucky to get 40 passes on a set of M/T Radials, they hook great just not long lasting.