FWD: Slicks or Drag Radials?

[TimG]

Heres the issue, I go to the track and run 18psi on my big EVO3 16g. The car is tuned very nicely with all the supporting mods necessary. I just have one problem. My best time is 14.04@111mph. It's not a power issue though. I have enough of that. It's a traction issue.

I am running the 1G n/t tranny with a ACT clutch kit combo rated at 308lb-ft of torque. The 1 and 2 gears are insanely short. 3rd is perfect for my power output. 4th and 5th are super long. Technically to put it short, Mr. Civic is beating me all the way to the 330' mark. My tires grip and I'm off.

Our conversation after the race goes something like this: "Hey man, are you on spray?!?" "No." "F*ck, you were like a missle passing me in 3rd gear!" "Yeah, my tires hooked up."

So I'm running z'ed rated tires. Hard as a rock and I need something stickier. Now, I want opinions between drag radials and slicks. Pros, cons. Length of life, reliabilty, sizes needed, brands, etc. Remember my clutch is at it's maximum holding spot (any more psi and my clutch slips). Also, I'm running an untested, for anything above 135HP, tranny.

 

[pinknuggit]

from what i've researched, the N/T tranny is the same strength as the turbo tranny, just with a weaker bellhousing. The gearing is shorter, closer to AWD gearing.
For traction, you might look to invest in a LSD and stiffer poly motor mounts. In my old Hawnduh integra, both virtually eliminated most of my traction problems.

 

[TimG]

I already have rock solid motor mounts. I spin both tires evenly. I have videos of some runs. It's not as if only one wheel is spinning.

 

[pinknuggit]

well i'll be damn..

I really don't know. logic would assume that slicks would be your best bet, but if you run any import class events at the track, slicks willl throw you in a different class.
Personally, i'd put some drag radials on so I wouldn't have to change wheels each time i go to the track. but that's just me.

 

[IMMORTALSPYDER]

I'd go with drag radials.

 

[highpsi93tsi]

If you drive the car ALOT on the street I'd go buy some 15" 24"X9" Slicks for the track only and use what you have now for daily driving. If you dont drive it much and when you do, you want to boost it everywhere I'd invest in a set of the new mickey thomson dragradials, there pretty much a soft sidewall radial with a slick tire outter area. They're "cheater" radials. Nothing like that from BFG or Nitto. There pretty much DOT slicks that wont get you a fine for having radials on the back when you get pulled over. Slicks are bias and that means you need bias on the back too and bias plys suck shit.

 

[stage2eclipse]

I have a 92' GS-T. it has the stock 14b turbo, but it dynoed at 412 fwhp and 370 trq. i know what you mean about traction problems. first of all, i once had a non turbo tranny in my car . it is much weaker than the turbo tranny as well as the gears being shorter than the turbo tranny. i know this because i completely stripped 3rd gear on only 10psi. i would really try to swap your tranny out of a turbo car. you will have to change your clutch and flywheel setup, because they are different diameters. but the turbo tranny is a LOT stronger. you can also tell just by lifting them up. the turbo tranny probably weighs 25 or 30 lbs more than the n/t. in conclusion, the best setup for you would be a turbo tranny with the act 2600 pressure plate and street disc, the limited slip, and either some bf goodrich drag radials or the new mickey thompsons' the mickey thompson are bad ass. just make sure that they are gonna fit under your wheel wells.

 

[ClipseT96]

You said you spin both tires equally, so what lsd are u running?

I'd go w/ some BFG G-Force drag radials or Falken Azenis. If you honestly had enough power to utalize slicks you better upgrade your axles, cuz once u hook they will snap.

 

[94Talon2]

I can't believe you only ran a 14 but 111mph . What act do you have? I have the act2100 on my n/t trany and it's only good for 242lb ft. If you have that type of power, I would get slicks for the track, With traction and that type of power you should be around 13 flat.

btw, i sent you a pm

 

[450whpGSX]

what's the difference between slicks and drag radials?

 

[mavisky]

fyi - timg went awd now. got tired of fighting the spinning i guess. i've got the azenis and i have been having alot better luck at the track lately. hoping to get down to a 2.0 this upcoming spring (stupid tracks will all be closed before i get mine back on the road)

 

[FourG63 97GST]

I'm rolling on the Azenis , think I can get it down to the 2.0s also.
on my old tires I was doin consistant 2.5s now I run consistant 2.1s
now too see how long they'll last, I'll be happy with 6-7 months. time will tell
slicks would be nice if its not a street car