Small Tire vs Big Tire?

[Jason Shepard]

Originally Posted by onefarmer

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

I have no doubt you could get more out of them with bigger tires. I was just pointing out that you dont need big tires to make a fast car work

[Frank Castros]

How about a low horsepower stocker and I'll use U/SA as an example. Will a car like this benefit by using a tire smaller than a 9x30?

[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

[Eric Merryfield]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

How about a low horsepower stocker and I'll use U/SA as an example. Will a car like this benefit by using a tire smaller than a 9x30?

The Gremlin uses a 26 X 9 bias plias in T/SA.....9 x 30 would allow for a lower rear gear, not sure I would pick up much there even with the radial, I have run a 26X9 radial MT in the car, seemed exactly the same.....now the new 26 X 8ish bracket radial from hoosier might just be the ticket for best et.

[Jeff Stout]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

How about a low horsepower stocker and I'll use U/SA as an example. Will a car like this benefit by using a tire smaller than a 9x30?

I wanted to try. Only found 9x28
Someone had 8x26 but afraid a gear change is needed.

[onefarmer]

Originally Posted by L.Fite

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...

He gave you the best advice you got. As we know it is possible to get a fast heavy car with 9" tire to go down the track, it is not with out a lot of effort. The lightest, least resistance tire you have that will hook up on launch will out qualify a heavier tire combo. When your putting the number on the window how much of that extra ET that the smaller tire combo is worth it when your going rounds late in the day and track prep is not good. A larger tire should be more consistent as the track fades away. I would prefer a bigger tire for more consistent times versus what you give up on ET. Less weight = faster times / bigger tire = better chance of consistent ET.

[Doug Hoven]

When I was running the Nova with a 6 cyl. in U or V/SA, I ran a 26in tall tire on the back. Some research showed that tire weight may have a bit of effect especially on a slower car. I tried a set of 235/60r15, roughly 26x9 radial M/T et streets I had laying around. Then I ended up running goodyear 26x8 bias plys. Even though they are bias ply, they only weigh 16lbs a tire, versus about 25lbs for the radials I had, so they were a bit faster. Oddly enough, when the track prep was iffy(test and tune nights mostly), the car would go faster, especially when it would turn the tire about a quarter to half turn off the line. I was also crazy enough to run at most 30psi in the 26x8 bias plys if I really was "going for it."

[Frank Castros]

Southeast Gassers Association Super Stock uses this Spec tire.
Hoosier Tire # 18950 7x29 91" Bias

[James Perrone]

Originally Posted by Doug Hoven

When I was running the Nova with a 6 cyl. in U or V/SA, I ran a 26in tall tire on the back. Some research showed that tire weight may have a bit of effect especially on a slower car. I tried a set of 235/60r15, roughly 26x9 radial M/T et streets I had laying around. Then I ended up running goodyear 26x8 bias plys. Even though they are bias ply, they only weigh 16lbs a tire, versus about 25lbs for the radials I had, so they were a bit faster. Oddly enough, when the track prep was iffy(test and tune nights mostly), the car would go faster, especially when it would turn the tire about a quarter to half turn off the line. I was also crazy enough to run at most 30psi in the 26x8 bias plys if I really was "going for it."

You forgot to tell him you ran a27inch front tire!
With a26 inch tall in the back
Doug BigWheel Hoven.