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18" drag radials
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
Yes
I super highly recomment the MT ET Street Radials 2's. They come in a couple fitments for 18" (245/40R18 will prob be what you want). I have always had great luck at Discount Tire by haggling a little bit. They are sticky enough to take my domestic to 10's...I even run the MT DRs on my bike with great success.
FWIW, I wouldn't put a free pair of Nitto 555 DRs on my car.
FWIW, I wouldn't put a free pair of Nitto 555 DRs on my car.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
Yes
Because of the gearing in your car, I would recommend going with as short of tire as possible in order to get a better launch, your gears really aren't deep enough to take advantage of a 28"+ tire; that's the only reason I recommended the 245. Not having an LSD, locker, or spool will mean that you can take full advantage of both tires, but every little bit helps.
To calculate tire size: Divide the "big" number by 25.4, then multiply that by the aspect ratio, multiply times 2 (because there is tire on the top and bottom...lol), and add the rim height. Example for a 285/40/18 - 285/25.4=11.22 (width in inches); 11.22x.4=4.48; 4.48x2=
8.97; 8.97+18=26.97 - So that is approximately a 27x11.5x18.
MT makes the following sizes for 18"
245/40 - 26x9.5
315/30 - 26x12.5
265/40 - 27x10.5
305/35 - 27x12.5
345/35 - 28x13.5
305/45 - 29x11.5
Additionally, a company called M&H makes a drag radial in 275/45R18 and is a 28x10 equiv.
I would probably choose the M&H, they are also a great tire.
Both the M&H and MT are not really designed to be a DD tire, and they are not good in wet weather. That being said, I did get almost 10k miles out of my MT's and made regular trips to the strip. In my experience the BFG, Nitto, and Goodyear DRs do not provide as good nor as consistent of a result.
Usually the best prices come from either Jegs, Summit Racing, or Discount Tire.
Also, if you have the ability to have a second set of wheels just for your drag tires, I would recommend going with a 17" intead of an 18" for a few reasons:
1) The tires are easier to find
2) There are more sizes offered in a 17, and prices are cheaper
3) You can find 17" MT's used fairly easily
4) Taller sidewall does better for launching...there's a reason very few 9/10 sec cars have low profile tires.
5) You can fit a wider range of widths on a given rim, due to the taller sidewall.
For years I used 255/50/16 (26x10.5) MT ET Street Radials and had no problems running consistent mid 10's, so you don't need a huge tire.
If I can help you in any way, just send me a PM.
To calculate tire size: Divide the "big" number by 25.4, then multiply that by the aspect ratio, multiply times 2 (because there is tire on the top and bottom...lol), and add the rim height. Example for a 285/40/18 - 285/25.4=11.22 (width in inches); 11.22x.4=4.48; 4.48x2=
8.97; 8.97+18=26.97 - So that is approximately a 27x11.5x18.
MT makes the following sizes for 18"
245/40 - 26x9.5
315/30 - 26x12.5
265/40 - 27x10.5
305/35 - 27x12.5
345/35 - 28x13.5
305/45 - 29x11.5
Additionally, a company called M&H makes a drag radial in 275/45R18 and is a 28x10 equiv.
I would probably choose the M&H, they are also a great tire.
Both the M&H and MT are not really designed to be a DD tire, and they are not good in wet weather. That being said, I did get almost 10k miles out of my MT's and made regular trips to the strip. In my experience the BFG, Nitto, and Goodyear DRs do not provide as good nor as consistent of a result.
Usually the best prices come from either Jegs, Summit Racing, or Discount Tire.
Also, if you have the ability to have a second set of wheels just for your drag tires, I would recommend going with a 17" intead of an 18" for a few reasons:
1) The tires are easier to find
2) There are more sizes offered in a 17, and prices are cheaper
3) You can find 17" MT's used fairly easily
4) Taller sidewall does better for launching...there's a reason very few 9/10 sec cars have low profile tires.
5) You can fit a wider range of widths on a given rim, due to the taller sidewall.
For years I used 255/50/16 (26x10.5) MT ET Street Radials and had no problems running consistent mid 10's, so you don't need a huge tire.
If I can help you in any way, just send me a PM.
Last edited by FormulaZR; May 6, 2009 at 09:39 AM.
