Maximizing rear wheel traction

[Intrepidman]

I took the WS6 out a few times this week (the first times since I've owned it...which has been for about a month) but I can't get any traction.
I've noticed that its very "tail out" whenever the roads are wet or there is any sand or dirt on the pavement.....pretty normal I figure.

But trying to launch this last week, I just can't get it to hook up. My best 0-60 time was 6.15 with massive wheel spin and 6.20 launching slowly and not getting on the gas at all until 2nd gear. (No, I don't have a track or any way to tell what my 60' times are) I just have a measured 0-60mph and 1/4 mile

The car has WAY more in it, but only if it hooks up, the threshhold of tire spin vs acceleration is such that getting 0-60 under 6 seconds just isn't possible. Granted, it is COLD here, only 50 degree days and the sun was under cloud cover everytime I tried to run. I think I've got decent tires, Goodyear F1's with almost full tread and I had them at about 30psi all around. (I'm sure a pound or two less rear, few pounds more front would have been better, but oh well)

But is there a way to keep the ass end of this beast planted...hell, I nailed it the other day comming out of a merge lane onto the highway at 65-70mph and when it shifted down it went tail out. I would have figured this car for having better traction than that (A4 trans, zero mods)

Anyone have any input??

[Mr. Luos]

Better tires.

And warmer weather.


Suspension helps, but I think it more related to weather than anything. At 50 degrees I am all over the road on drag radials.

[bills98ta]

LCA Relocation brackets will help some...

[Z28_06374]

Cold weather and street tires means no traction...Nitto drag radials work real good on the street.

[Orcus79]

Welcome to owning a WS6. I have the same joys. Even more fun with a 6 speed. Only real way to solve it is to down grade into an all season tire with lots of siping. also going a bit narrower will help.

Even then this is a fair weather dry/warm pavement car. get w beater for winter and save the car.

[Black 99 Bird]

I agree the weather is killing you. But the F1's are not the best tires. For a cheap trick, throw some airbags under it. Should help some.

[RaSScal]

Hotter tmps, and slicks.

[jc99ls1ss]

MT ET Streets, BMR LCA's and Torque Arm. Just wouldn't drive in a heavy rain with DR's. If so be very carefull!!!!

[Mr. Luos]

Hotter tmps, and slicks.

MT ET Streets, BMR LCA's and Torque Arm. Just wouldn't drive in a heavy rain with DR's. If so be very carefull!!!!

Seriously guys?

Tires that will last 5-6K miles (if that) is the best recommendation?

I agree with suspension, but no need for a torque arm on that car. The LCA's and relocation brackets would be helpful though.
If the thread starter wants a sticky tire that is good on the street and can last...then he should get Nitto DR's. They will last 15-20K miles if not raced or beat on.

[bills98ta]

Or, Maybe an extra set of rear wheels for the sticky tires !

[RaSScal]

DRs suck, I never got mine to work. ET Streets and another set of regular tires.

[Gundlach9]

+1 Nitto DRs

[Midnight02]

You could expect to get 12K - 15K out of a set of Nitto 555R drag radials. The traction on a relatively stock A4 on the streets is MUCH improved over that of a normal street tire.

Weather is also is VERY big factor here. Cold temps = cold pavement = cold tires = less traction. When it's hot in Atlanta and I've been driving around for a while I can find traction in most of second gear (6-speed with 3.90's, drag radials and 500+ rwhp), however on a cool night I'm still spinning at points in third.

[99w69kitt]

+2 nitto drags they hook awsome 150 shot of the line no problems

[qwk93ta]

I did not like Nittos at the track, they are pretty good on the street. I now have Hoosier QTPs for the track and Fuzions for street use. For me it's more important to hook at the track.