Small Tire vs Big Tire?

Dave Turner · 11-27-2023, 06:36 PM

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?”

L.Fite · 11-27-2023, 09:33 PM

Well...
If the car hooks consistently with a small tire, why would you want to tote the extra weight and/or rolling resistance of a larger tire?

GTX JOHN · 11-27-2023, 10:18 PM

We run a 9.0/30 or 10.5/30 on our SS/LA and
a 10.5/30 on our SS/KA Mopars when we want
to go fast.

Jason Shepard · 11-27-2023, 11:08 PM

Factory stockers are running high 7's/low 8's on small tires.

Dave Turner · 11-27-2023, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Shepard

Factory stockers are running high 7's/low 8's on small tires.

Yes, no disputing the fact that you can be fast on a small tire, but is it equal to the big tire package in consistency?

MR DERBY CITY · 11-28-2023, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

Yes, no disputing the fact that you can be fast on a small tire, but is it equal to the big tire package in consistency?

Please reread post number 3. That is why seasoned racers keep another pair of slicks hanging on the trailer wall …..

Jason Shepard · 11-28-2023, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

Yes, no disputing the fact that you can be fast on a small tire, but is it equal to the big tire package in consistency?

I personally have not had trouble with small tires once I got my shock settings correct. I adjust launch rpm depending on track conditions. This year i have run 30/10.5 Hoosier and 30/9 Goodyear. I found the Goodyear to be .03 quicker

L.Fite · 11-28-2023, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

Yes, no disputing the fact that you can be fast on a small tire, but is it equal to the big tire package in consistency?

All in the set up...
If you work on the car and get it consistent, it will work.
It mostly depends on what you want to put into in time and testing to make it work...

onefarmer · 11-29-2023, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Shepard

Factory stockers are running high 7's/low 8's on small tires.

but if we had a bigger tire we could easily get more out of them. I had more issues spinning on the top end of the track this year than on the launch. Maybe Pat should make us run 8" tires instead of 9" in lieu of pully adjustments all the time LOL

sst7250 · 11-29-2023, 12:43 PM

Maybe not exactly what you are looking for but we run 29.5x10.5 stiff sidewall M/T's on the NA heads up car. I also run them on my 64 which is 3644 with me in it. The heads up car is 2740 and we have been 1.06 60' with it and it repeats like a bracket car with that tire. My 64 has been 1.20 but usually its 1.3x becuase its tripping it with something other than the front tire.

11-27-2023, 06:36 PM	#1
Dave Turner VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Schomberg, ON, Canada Posts: 1,222 Likes: 1,606 Liked 364 Times in 138 Posts	Small Tire vs Big Tire? 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?” __________________ Dave Turner SS/GT #1153

11-27-2023, 09:33 PM	#2
L.Fite Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 492 Likes: 511 Liked 467 Times in 225 Posts	Re: Small Tire vs Big Tire? Well... If the car hooks consistently with a small tire, why would you want to tote the extra weight and/or rolling resistance of a larger tire?

11-27-2023, 10:18 PM	#3
GTX JOHN VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boulder City, Nevada 89005 Posts: 2,710 Likes: 2,737 Liked 2,404 Times in 681 Posts	Re: Small Tire vs Big Tire? We run a 9.0/30 or 10.5/30 on our SS/LA and a 10.5/30 on our SS/KA Mopars when we want to go fast. __________________ John Irving 741 Stock 741 Super Stock

11-27-2023, 11:08 PM	#4
Jason Shepard Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 108 Likes: 137 Liked 114 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Small Tire vs Big Tire? Factory stockers are running high 7's/low 8's on small tires.

11-29-2023, 12:43 PM	#10
sst7250 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 184 Likes: 9 Liked 45 Times in 32 Posts	Re: Small Tire vs Big Tire? Maybe not exactly what you are looking for but we run 29.5x10.5 stiff sidewall M/T's on the NA heads up car. I also run them on my 64 which is 3644 with me in it. The heads up car is 2740 and we have been 1.06 60' with it and it repeats like a bracket car with that tire. My 64 has been 1.20 but usually its 1.3x becuase its tripping it with something other than the front tire.