Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum - Can you run both Drag Radials and Autocross tires?

MaverickZ06 · 12-14-2002, 03:40 PM

Hey guys,

I have a buddy that recently swapped out his 98 C5 wheels for the chrome 01 Wheels. He offered to let me use the old wheels for as long as I want.

I'm thinking about taking them and putting Autocross tires on the front set and Drag radials on the back.. That way I can drag race with them and also run a season of autocross.. My question is, however, will drag radials endure a season of autocrossing? If not, could I use strictly autocross tires for both autocross and drag racing? Would autocross tires hook well at a track?

Thanks
-Cliff

GaryZ06 · 12-14-2002, 06:03 PM

I'll take a shot at this.....You do not want DR's to autocross with due to they have soft flexible sidewalls......which is not good when turning but I am sure some of the more experienced guys will chime in with a more detailed answer.

Mark Olson · 12-14-2002, 06:51 PM

Just Don't Do IT!!!!!!!!! Like Gary said, The drags are just what they are drag tires, soft side walls, not the thing for high load corners.

MaverickZ06 · 12-14-2002, 06:57 PM

What about Autocross tires for drag racing application? Would the hoosier slicks hook, or are they too stiff?

McRat · 12-14-2002, 08:43 PM

Using a 2000 Camaro SS, I ran 4th for 2001 AutoX season in our area running Nitto Drag Radials.

Try them. I was very surprised!! Run higher pressure than you would Kuhmo's, say 38-40 for the rear.

Gordy M · 12-17-2002, 04:05 PM

The BFG drag radials are the same compound as their old R1 autocross tires. However, the tread pattern is square rather than rounded on the sides (like the autocrossers). This would greatly change the cornering performance. All things being equal they should be better than stock tires but not as good as hoosiers at all four corner. If you use Nitro's, I am not sure of the compound difference. If you are going to run that set up, be sure to increase the rear camber and try to keep as much tread on the ground as possible. When I used to autocross the R1's, I used 32-35 lbs of pressure.

All things being equal, I would get another set of rear wheels and mount Hoosiers all around and run them for autocross events and put on the DR for the drags.

Hoosiers do not hook up that well for drag racing.