I know this has been discussed but I found the search function completely useless.
Basically I have a traction problem at the drag strip. I had this problem with the stock tires and needless to say I have the same problem with my KDWs. No surprise here, theyre not a drag tire, I just didnt expect them to be worse than the stock Pirellis.
So I started looking for some DRs but I cant find anything in the size I want.
I was planning on using the stock 17 x 8 rims for the track.
I have 4.10 gears so I didnt want to go with a diameter less than 27". I think the gearing is ok the way it is but more importantly I wanted as much sidewall as I can get.
There is a good selection of DRs in the 15" rim size but those wont fit an S197.
I guess using the stock 17 rim is out because the only tire I can find in a DR is an inch shorter. I am concerned that an inch less sidewall will be a problem at launch.
My next choice would be a 16" rim but sizes are limited there as well. I dont want to go with a tire diameter less than 27".
I am looking for suggestions. Could people who are into drag racing maybe offer some suggestions?

Thanks!

 

What exactly makes you want a DR? If you're going to change out the wheel/tires at the track...why not just get a pair of slicks?

 

Impossible to cram spare wheels in my trunk. They just won't fit. Then there's the problem of storing the necessary tools at the track while I'm racing, ect. I've been that route and it's just a huge pain. I want to swap them at home and drive too and from the track and swap them back. I could also see myself leaving them on for the weekend depending on what kind my driving I might end up doing.

 

I have a set of 275/40/17 Mickey Thompsons that I just but on my car last week. I can tell you they definitely hook on the street and track. I don't think I have them broke in quit yet I was told they needseveral passesat the track to perform therebest. They also seem to handle pretty good on the road to maybe not as good as the F1 Eagles I set in the corner till I get another set of rims for them. The D.Radials will hardly turn over on a hard acceleration on the road.

 

Sounds like the M&H Racemasters will work perfectly for you. They're 28" 275/50/17 fits perfectly on the 17x8 wheels. Otherwise, the MT 275/40/17 fits, too, but is short. You'll need to use 4th gear with that tire.

 

DarkfireGT - That's exactly what I was looking for! The M&H will give me the extra sidewall I'm looking for on the 17" rim.
Thanks alot for your help and to others who offered advice.

 

I use the MT ET streets but they are a tad shorter. I fit both of them in the back of my car and take them to the track by putting my back seat down and sliding one of the tires on a trash bag up onto the backseat, then the other one goes in the trunk on the bag. I also bring a hydraulic jack in the trunk for easy lifting. While I'm racing I chain the street tires and jack up to a pole. Takes a little time, but well worth it since ET streets would be impossible to drive in the rain and down here in Florida, it rains all the time in the summer.

 

i agree with americanspeed, but i fit both of my tires in the truck with 2 helmets and my jack. i chain mine up as well . 10 minutes to change each time. i take my spare out.

 

+1 to the M&H's. I have the 275's now and love them. They are worn out so I have the 325's on order to replace them. They ahve been on backorder for over a month so if you arder the 275's, call and make sure they have them. I also change mine at the track. AmericanSpeed is correct, just put them in bags and 1 will fit in the back seat if you lower it and one in the trunk. I was actually able to fit a passenger in the backseat as well. Surprised me that I could fit all of that in there. lol.

Good luck.

 

Lots of good ideas here. I've been hanging around here since before I got my S197 back in '05 and I've always found people here very helpful. Thank you everyone for all the great ideas!