drag radial choice -- Nitto VS BFG

[wildhare]

I took my 99 z28 to the track for the first time last night. One thing for sure is I'm gonna need more traction.

So I've got it narrowed down to either Nitto or BF Goodrich drag radials.

Does anyone out there have an opinion either way?

Just FYI I'd prefer not to have to get them smoking hot to make them work.

I drive to and from the track but I have a spare set of wheels so I will also have a set of street tires for every day. I'll change tires at home so the DRs will only get minimal usage on the street.

Other suggestions?

In case anyone is interested, my best 1/8 mile time was 8.83 at 82 mph on a box-stock z28 with LS1 and street rubber. No modifications to the car yet, just bought it and drove to the track. My calculations convert an 8.80 to around a 13.50 quarter mile time, does this seem about right?

TF

[Knight]

I'm currently running Mickey Thompson street slicks and they do a great job. I've heard good things about the BFs as well - never ran them though. Just watch getting to much traction with a stock rear - 10 bolts don't like the power. If you have an a4 it'll be better but you could still have problems. Blew mine apart 3 times when I first started. Sometimes it's better to have a little slip until you can beef up the rear end.

[wildhare]

I have an A4 and I'm aware that the 10 bolt is a weak link.

My plan is to just run it until it expires and then install a 12 bolt.

Any other thoughts on drag radials?

TF

[Mr. Luos]

For drag use....BFG > Nitto

[bills98ta]

I'm a M/T drag radial fan. Plus you might try LCA relo brackets !

[FASTEDDIE Z]

I also went 8.8 in the 1/8 1st time out (stockish). 1/4 was 13.4 -13.5 @105-106 mph . I have a set of 315 nitto 555r's (D/R's) . The work well . Havent tested them at the track yet . They do ok in rain too . If you get caught in it . The BFG's dont do well AT ALL !

[Firebirdjones]

Nitto's aren't that great, but would work on very mild cars.

BFG's are better, and work okay.

For best results, the M/T drag radials are the best thing going. I consistently got better 60 foot times with these over the BFG's.

[nhraformula]

I had nittos and replaced them with BFGs. The Bfgs have better grip, but do slip somewhat

[Hi-Po]

I never really liked my Nitto's. They weren't horrible though. Haven't tried the BFG's DR because the MT ET Streets have me addicted.

[tatertot91]

MT ET Streets have me addicted.

agreed, MT ftw

[Mr. Luos]

I like the MT's as well.
Although I would never run them on a car that sees many street miles. Unless they are on a set of different wheels or swapped on just for the strip.


I run Nitto DR's for the street on the TTII's.
I run Hoosier QTP's (easily outgrip my ET radials, but they should) on the ProStars. Strip only. To and from and VERY little else.

[Hi-Po]

Last summer I said screw it and ran the MT ET's all summer almost. I didnt have the money for a dedicated pair of rims/tires. As long as you dont spin them on dry (street) pavement, they last a decent amount of time.

[wildhare]

I decided to move forward with the BFGs, they seem to be a compromise between the NIttos which last a long time and MTs which are more sticky but very short lived.

So we'll see, I ought to have them in a few days.

Meanwhile, I started working on the chassis. I pulled teh stock lower rear control arms and found that they are terrible, so I ordered a set of BMR tubular lowers. I'm trying to go at this to make it a competitive bracket racer for the least cost possible. If people are inteerested I'll stay with the thread and let you know what I'm changing and how it works.

TF

[Firebirdjones]

I decided to move forward with the BFGs, they seem to be a compromise between the NIttos which last a long time and MTs which are more sticky but very short lived.

So we'll see, I ought to have them in a few days.

Meanwhile, I started working on the chassis. I pulled teh stock lower rear control arms and found that they are terrible, so I ordered a set of BMR tubular lowers. I'm trying to go at this to make it a competitive bracket racer for the least cost possible. If people are inteerested I'll stay with the thread and let you know what I'm changing and how it works.

TF

You will probably be happy with that choice.

[Firebirdjones]

Last summer I said screw it and ran the MT ET's all summer almost. I didnt have the money for a dedicated pair of rims/tires. As long as you dont spin them on dry (street) pavement, they last a decent amount of time.

I also run the M/T's on the street full time. Drive it to the strip etc... I put a few thousand miles on the car a year. Generally refrain from too much nonsense on the street and I get about 2 years out of a set. That's good enough for me. I have another set of stock wheels with stock tires, but the car is just too stupid to drive like that. So the stickies stay on it.

[wildhare]

OK new question.

Is there any trick to installing a line lock when I have ABS? I am planning to put one between the master cylinder and the ABS unit to allow more controlled burnouts.

Do I have to do anything different from a non-ABS car?

BTW I got my BFGDR's, just waiting for the new BMR lower control arms to arrive.

TF

[Mr. Luos]

OK new question.

Is there any trick to installing a line lock when I have ABS? I am planning to put one between the master cylinder and the ABS unit to allow more controlled burnouts.

Do I have to do anything different from a non-ABS car?

Which linelock?

[wildhare]

Which linelock?

Not sure, does it make a difference? I was planning to use the type with a solenoid in the line for the front brakes so it will maintain pressure to the front brakes after you release the pedal for as long as you hold the button down.

I didn't know there was another kind. Enlighten me.

TF

[Mr. Luos]

Certain shops have their own 'designs.'

Hurst has one, as does SLP.
I have mine on with the ABS system, although I have since disabled ABS. Linelock still works.