Can someone explain to me the advantages/disadvantages of slicks of different sizes? I'm a beginning when it comes to slicks. I've probably had a total of 10-11 passes on 20x8x14 m/t drags.

-Rod

 

taller slicks will give you a taller gear ratio but are much worse on axles. shorter slicks are easier on axles, but shorten your gears and will spin easier with lots of power.

 

well choosing the right slick size first deals with the Slixck height your car can probably push. a basic bolt one and some internal mods can push the 20" tall slick, but will probably overpower it pretty quickly as you increase in HP. so the next step is a 22", you would step up to a 24" as you go TURBO or reach 250hp or more.
as far as width, most of us honda guys will use 8" wide tires, but as you increase in HP, you want more traction and some choose to bump up to 8.5 to 9"
if you are not pushing enough HP, the wider slick may not be that great at the top end and you may lose HP.

 

The Bigger the contact patch, the more traction you get! Taller tire = longer gears, but bigger contact patch, smaller tire = shorter gears, but narrower contact patch.


[Modified by redcxhatch, 7:07 PM 11/17/2002]

 

i always thought the taller slicks would be easier on the axles because the extra sidewall absorbs alot of the initial shock of a launch.



[Modified by D-Man, 8:23 PM 11/17/2002]

 

Thanks for the responses guys

-Rod

 

Geez, I have to write a magazine article on this subject.

Did I mention it is due by Turkey day?????