I was wondering if there would be much of a difference launching with 17" as opposed to launching on stock. I have heard that smaller rims are better to get good 1/4 mile times but i know that my 17" potenzas are way grippier than my stock setup. I also have springs and coilovers. I'd appreciate any help.

 

get better tires on your stock rims......nitto 555's or something, use them as your drag radials

it is ezier and faster to launch on smaller rims because u have alot more tire and it weighs less.

17's are heavy and are wrapped in lesss rubber (height wise)

when u race u want to lower your tire pressure soo that u have more contact patch on the tires......like slicks.....when u see the pros use em, they look FLAT! when they launch the whole tire flexes and bounces up....

 

I disagree with BoM!!!

did you ever try to ride a bike with a flat front tire? its very hard and you go very slow! well its the same for your car! dont run low air pressure it will slow you down!!!

 

Actually low tire pressure if proven to help, only to a certain extent though, you don't want your tire to look flat!! I think people only lower like 5-10 pounds?

 

so which one is it? Will I really launch better on my stock set with low pressure than with aftermarket rims and tires?? That just doesnt sound right. I thought aftermarket was supposed to be better than stock. although I do understand about the diameter of the wheel hurting your speed but wouldnt the wider rims and tires more than make up for that?

 

have u ever draged raced? have u ever had a powerful car and dragged race...?
the launch is crucial......mess that up and your whole ET will be slower....oh yeah this is cars not little bicycles son.

one tenth quicker on the 60' is equal to two tenths in the whole 1/4 mile ET

though it is true that a higher psi on tires will net you a higher mph
but i'd rather have total traction then to be trying not to spin my tires nonstop.

people who run slicks usually have tons of power. and i've seen many of them who run their slicks at 6psi....but their running a 120shot and will never get traction if it was higher...he still spins 3rd

ideally u just need really good tires and a good suspension


[Modified by BoM, 12:45 PM 1/17/2002]

 

take off those heavy assss wheels when you race . . . put the stock 15's back on and just get grippier tires.
the reason people let air out is becuase it helps alot to get traction off the line .
dont let that much out though . . i run my slicks anywhere from15-18 lbs, depends on the weather.