Drag rims and tires?????????

[Woodyslo93]

I would like to know what size rims and tires I should buy for my 2000L. I want to run a narrow rim up fron and a good size set of slicks in the back. I want these for track use only and will put my stock rims and tires back on when I drive home. Can anyone help?:jawdrop:

[roger]

Originally posted by Woodyslo93
I would like to know what size rims and tires I should buy for my 2000L. I want to run a narrow rim up fron and a good size set of slicks in the back. I want these for track use only and will put my stock rims and tires back on when I drive home. Can anyone help?:jawdrop:

Hi Woodyslo93. I'm not sure about up front with the weight issues involved (3000+ lbs on the front axle). I run the stock tires but at 50-55 psi to reduce the footprint. In the rear the only tire I've seen hook CONSISTENTLY is a true slick (Hoosier). I've tried BFG Drag Radials and MT, E/T Streets, and have spun badly with both. The problem is you have to run a 16" wheel in the rear to clear the 13" rotors, and the selection of tires in 16" isn't the best. Some have resorted to grinding down the rear calipers (substancially!) to allow use of a 15" wheel and then you have the ability to run all kinds of tires because thats the standard slick rim size. I personally don't recommend that because while most haven't had any issues, that's too scary for me.

Running the 16" BFG's or MT E/T Streets the diameter is small on both. Diameter is 26" with the E/T Streets, I can't remember offhand with the BFG's, but it was similar. This gives you more effective gearing, but also allows you to 'blow off the tires' easier because of that torque multiplication. My experiences with both tires were on a 10" rim, so it had the opportunity to get as wide as footprint as possible. I think the BFG"s had a 8' or 10" wide footprint (actually a Mustang/Camaro tire), and the E/T streets were an 11.5 (26x11.5x16) width. Neither had enough to hold the torque to the ground. One thing about using the shorter tires is it seemed to hurt MPH on the timeslip. The 28" tires on the true slick allowed the MPH to climb up 1-3 MPH.

With the Hoosier 28x10.5x16 on a 10" rim you get a big enough footprint that they HOOK. I know one person who went with the wider Hoosier 28x14.5x16 DOT QTPRO's but they have a 12" footprint so you'll need a custom 12" wide wheel--not cheap. He hasn't actually bought any wheels yet, so I don't have any results to tell you about how effective (or ineffective) they worked. I don't remember the offset on my wheels (went together with a friend and bought two sets; he spec'ed them out, and actually the offset is a little too much--they stick out a hair).

With the slicks mentioned I use 13-13.5 lbs air and need to have screws installed into the sidewall so the tires don't turn on the rims--they WILL turn on the rims running that pressure.

Also, anytime running slicks, install a driveshaft loop. Launching a big, heavy truck repeatedly is a tremendous shock to the drivetrain. You're running a 2000 L, so its got a steel driveshaft, but with the 01/02's, they run aluminum driveshafts, which are weaker, so it becomes more important with those....

One thing you'll want to look at is some sort of traction bar setup. Personally I use some homemade spring clamps 3/8" thick x 2" wide x 5" long, drilled for 1/2" bolts 5" long. Much cheaper than full-time traction bars and I install/remove them as I'm changing tires (about 2 min per side). If you go this route, they go on the forward side of the axle on the spring, clamping all the leafs together.

Hope this helps...

[Woodyslo93]

I'm totally an amature My wife is about to drop $700.00 to $800.00 on my truck for X-mas. I know this is just the start and not at all impressive to most of the guys on this site, but it is my start. I think I'm giong to get a 90mm mass air, flip chip, K&N, and 4lb lower pulley. But I don't know where I can get this all for this amount. I know then to get some impressive time slips I'll need slicks and traction bars. Maybe by June. Thanks for all your help.

[roger]

Originally posted by Woodyslo93
I'm totally an amature My wife is about to drop $700.00 to $800.00 on my truck for X-mas. I know this is just the start and not at all impressive to most of the guys on this site, but it is my start. I think I'm giong to get a 90mm mass air, flip chip, K&N, and 4lb lower pulley. But I don't know where I can get this all for this amount. I know then to get some impressive time slips I'll need slicks and traction bars. Maybe by June. Thanks for all your help.

Hey, $7-800.00 isn't anything to sneeze at...gotta start somewhere! A chip, (cone) airfilter and a 4# lower pulley is right in that range. It will give you close to a 50 HP boost (conservative). You might be able to get a 90mm Mass air with all the other stuff, but it will be close. Yes they help. If you get the mass air, you'll need to make your chip burner aware of it, because the fuel tables are different. One thing is for sure--with all those goodies on there it will be a whole different animal :D

Also, if you ever do a hispeed flyby (100-130 mph range), tell your chip burner also. Most are calibrated for the 1/4 mile, and the hammer is down for a longer time with the hi speed runs. It causes some chips to lean out and that's where the problem is.

Good Luck!