Radial slicks with a stick

[Kenny Bomar]

Would anyone who is doing it share some of the information on how to do it ? I’ve heard launch at a higher rpm to get more spin ? I know some are using them and claim a tenth quicker than bias

[Jim Caughlin]

Works 4 out of 5 runs and then blows the tires off when you least expect it but usually during eliminations.

[MR DERBY CITY]

Trial and error. Results may vary..

[Robin Lawrence]

Not from experience but from what I have been told by a few people that have.

Launch at lower RPM.
Radials dead hook. If they spin they don't recover.
Shock settings will change as the sidewalls react differently.

My bias tires crush the sidewalls at the 5800 RPM Launch. I have to control the release or bounce of the sidewall with tire pressure and rebound in the shocks.

The only reason I would like to use a radial is because it's fast. I have been on many tracks that start to go away in later rounds. With the bias Tires My 60' will fall off but they don't blow the tire off. I can attempt to dial up when I see others spin.

I have a twin 7" billet clutch that is very adjustable. I have tune ups to dead hook or get early wheel speed. I am optimistic that on a good track I can make the radial work.

I am more worried about shock settings than clutch or launch RPM.


Always interested in hearing others experiences

Robin

[james schaechter]

Originally Posted by Kenny Bomar

Would anyone who is doing it share some of the information on how to do it ? I’ve heard launch at a higher rpm to get more spin ? I know some are using them and claim a tenth quicker than bias

Hi Kenny, it is not plug and play. I would say you should have a modern clutch and very good double adjustable shocks as a starting point.

Testing is the only way to see what works. Not all cars react the same, so other than stated directionally correct advice, testing is key.

If you don’t have the clutch and suspension, I wouldn’t try it. If you figure it out, it can pay dividends.

[Kenny Bomar]

Originally Posted by james schaechter

Hi Kenny, it is not plug and play. I would say you should have a modern clutch and very good double adjustable shocks as a starting point.

Testing is the only way to see what works. Not all cars react the same, so other than stated directionally correct advice, testing is key.

If you don’t have the clutch and suspension, I wouldn’t try it. If you figure it out, it can pay dividends.

Hi Jim thanks for the info I have the black magic Defiant clutch would it be compatible? What shock would you recommend? Thanks again

[James Hensler]

Steve Kent was the only A/H guy I know who have tried to run radials. Would be good for a couple of passes and then blow the tires off!

I spoke to an engineer from Goodyear at last years PRI show and this is what he told me.
The M/T radial slicks could be made to work but so far the Goodyears can’t. He said the 1st 1/2 the Bias and Radial would run the same numbers but the 2nd 1/2 the radials shine and are good for a whole 1/10th. He also said the setups would be radically different and they have had test sessions and so far the Goodyears won’t work. Unfortunately M/T discontinued the radials that I ran so I made the switch to the 2070’s

[Dwayne Scheitlin]

Markus Svensson from Sweden runs radials on his A/S car. He would be the one I would talk to.


Dwayne

[james schaechter]

Originally Posted by Kenny Bomar

Hi Jim thanks for the info I have the black magic Defiant clutch would it be compatible? What shock would you recommend? Thanks again

Hi Kenny. I am aware of the black magic stuff but can’t speak to them. I would say to talk with Cale about that and talk to a shock expert such as Fast shocks, but at least if you have a double adjustable set up you have something to start with.
I run radials often on the superstock and stock eliminator cars I have. Tire selection can be an issue but I think if you look at the stockers you can see similar cars as yours getting down track.

If you have everything else optimized then it might be the next thing, but if you aren’t there yet, it could be a lot of effort. Also keep in mind track temp getting hotter in the summer can make it difficult compared to a bias ply.

I was having a hard time getting bias plies so I left the radials on to preserve my bias plies, but I did learn enough to keep them on now in most track conditions

[GTX JOHN]

I have seen several stockers that work and are consistent
with radials. I believe they all have Youngblood clutches out
here that I have noticed.