Small Tire vs Big Tire?

[Eric Merryfield]

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

In the lower SSGT classes, say GT/MA and below, are you at a disadvantage if you chose to run a Stocker style small tire, instead of a big tire, back half converted entry? I’m wondering about success ratio in eliminations as opposed to qualifying performance.

I would like to see theories, not specific examples of rides built one way or the other. More like, “Why would you go one way versus the other from the get go?”

Well, if you have good weight transfer, as a stocker, then you will have good weight transfer footbraking as a low hp superstocker with the same 9 inch radial tire.......GT/MA and down is going to be slower than A/SA, B/SA, and likely most of C.....if you are starting out from the get go, I would go small tire for best relative performance assuming you are footbraking, no real investment and make that weight transfer great versus good(relocate that battery, etc), and you shouldn't have any elimination traction issues that can be controlled. If you go the transbrake route, well now you are simulating a stick stocker......if you want to run 9 inch radials with transbrake it could get dicey, wider tire wouldn't hurt. Or a bi plias but then you are giving up some performance. Thats my thought on it. If you are thinking of converting the Mustang the only thing you might need to add would be a set of wheelie bars....if you get the cam and convertor, and gearing just right! Eric