#1  
Old 07-18-2019, 02:14 PM
RocktimusPryme's Avatar
RocktimusPryme RocktimusPryme is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bedford, IN
Posts: 2,173
Default What size drag radial can safely be run on a first gen?

My car has new 5 leafs at stock height. It has an X body 8.5 so its slightly narrowed. I currently run a 245/60R15 and they fit about perfectly with the Nova rear. They stuck out a bit on the factory 8.2

Im looking to buy a set of drag radials, but most are offered starting at 275/60 in 15 inch rims. That is an inch and a half bigger in width. Will that fit? MT does offer a 255/60 which would fit fine, but I like the BGF and Nitto models a little better than are reported to have longer lives.

The other issue with the 275 is I wanted to just grab another 15x7 Rally II (I already have a spare) and put the drag tires on those. I think the 275 would require an 8 inch wheel.

Im also open to a different size rim if that makes it easier. If I bought some 16s at a swap meet are my options better? 14" wheels are probably a no go with my aftermarket rear discs.

__________________
1967 Firebird 462 580hp/590ftlbs
1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Swapped in Turd of an Olds 455
Owner/Creator Catfish Motorsports
https://www.youtube.com/@CatfishMotorsports
  #2  
Old 07-18-2019, 02:41 PM
Lee's Avatar
Lee Lee is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Crosby, TX (East of Houston)/Texas/USA
Posts: 2,059
Default

I ran 275/60 BFG and MT drag radials on my '67 'bird. I had a set of aftermarket 8" wide Rally II's.

The MT's are WAY stickier than either the BFG or Nitto. I drove 4.,400 miles on the Power Tour with the MT's, after a 100 or so passes at the track, and still drove around on those same tires for another year or so. As long as you refrain from doing stupidly long (and unnecessary) burnouts, they have decent tread life.

__________________
'73 T/A (clone). Low budget stock headed 8.3:1 455, 222/242 116lsa .443/.435 cam. FAST Sportsman EFI, 315rwhp/385rwtq on 87 octane. 13.12 @103.2, 1.91 60'.

'67 Firebird [sold], ; 11.27 @ 119.61, 7.167 @ 96.07, with UD 280/280 (108LSA/ 109 ICL)solid cam. [1.537, 7.233 @93.61, 11.46 @ 115.4 w/ old UD 288/296 108 hydraulic cam] Feb '05 HPP, home-ported "16" D-ports, dished pistons (pump gas only), 3.42 gears, 275/60 DR's, 750DP, T2, full exhaust

My webpage http://lnlpd.com/home
  #3  
Old 07-18-2019, 03:32 PM
RocktimusPryme's Avatar
RocktimusPryme RocktimusPryme is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bedford, IN
Posts: 2,173
Default

https://www.dragzine.com/tech-storie...-drag-radials/

I was looking at that and also if we are honest, price a little. The nittos are supposed to not only last longer, but are more reasonably priced.

I don't have subframe connectors yet so I don't particularly want to slick hook hard. Ive heard stories of first gens rippling the backhalf if you hook super hard without them.

__________________
1967 Firebird 462 580hp/590ftlbs
1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Swapped in Turd of an Olds 455
Owner/Creator Catfish Motorsports
https://www.youtube.com/@CatfishMotorsports
  #4  
Old 07-18-2019, 07:41 PM
Lee's Avatar
Lee Lee is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Crosby, TX (East of Houston)/Texas/USA
Posts: 2,059
Default

I've ran Nitto, BFG, Goodyear, M&H, and MT drag radials.

On my '03 Mach 1, using Nitto 555 DR in the same size as stock, I went from 13.33 to 12.99. I think it would have gone .79 with MT's. My old 67 Firebird would run 1.7x 60' times with the BFGs and a 2500 stall. After upping the stall to around 3200, the BFGs would no longer hook - but with the MT's it went as quick as 1.53.

The Goodyears were excellent, but they no longer make them. M&H is very good, but expensive.

__________________
'73 T/A (clone). Low budget stock headed 8.3:1 455, 222/242 116lsa .443/.435 cam. FAST Sportsman EFI, 315rwhp/385rwtq on 87 octane. 13.12 @103.2, 1.91 60'.

'67 Firebird [sold], ; 11.27 @ 119.61, 7.167 @ 96.07, with UD 280/280 (108LSA/ 109 ICL)solid cam. [1.537, 7.233 @93.61, 11.46 @ 115.4 w/ old UD 288/296 108 hydraulic cam] Feb '05 HPP, home-ported "16" D-ports, dished pistons (pump gas only), 3.42 gears, 275/60 DR's, 750DP, T2, full exhaust

My webpage http://lnlpd.com/home
  #5  
Old 07-19-2019, 01:20 PM
92GTA's Avatar
92GTA 92GTA is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,068
Default

I'm rocking these on my 69 when trolling the ricers on weekends and at the strip:

https://www.mandhtires.com/M-H-Drag-...s/26-11.5-15LT

__________________
1969 Pontiac Firebird
  #6  
Old 07-19-2019, 01:29 PM
RocktimusPryme's Avatar
RocktimusPryme RocktimusPryme is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bedford, IN
Posts: 2,173
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 92GTA View Post
I'm rocking these on my 69 when trolling the ricers on weekends and at the strip:

https://www.mandhtires.com/M-H-Drag-...s/26-11.5-15LT
Yeah, Im sure those are better in terms of traction ability. But I want them at at least have some inclement weather ability. I try to plan ahead, but the weather does its thing sometimes.

ET streets are probably as aggressive as I go. Im starting to lean there and just eat the extra $150. They make a size that Im confident I can get onto a 15x7

__________________
1967 Firebird 462 580hp/590ftlbs
1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Swapped in Turd of an Olds 455
Owner/Creator Catfish Motorsports
https://www.youtube.com/@CatfishMotorsports
  #7  
Old 07-19-2019, 01:43 PM
Keith Seymore's Avatar
Keith Seymore Keith Seymore is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Motor City
Posts: 8,183
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RocktimusPryme View Post
https://www.dragzine.com/tech-storie...-drag-radials/

I was looking at that and also if we are honest, price a little. The nittos are supposed to not only last longer, but are more reasonably priced.

I don't have subframe connectors yet so I don't particularly want to slick hook hard. Ive heard stories of first gens rippling the backhalf if you hook super hard without them.
Good link; thanks for posting that.

I've already made my tire purchase(s) but it kind of confirmed the direction I went.

K

__________________
'63 LeMans Convertible
'63 Grand Prix
'65 GTO - original, unrestored, Dad was original owner, 5000 original mile Royal Pontiac factory racer
'74 Chevelle - original owner, 9.85 @ 136 mph besthttp://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/
My Pontiac Story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524
"Intro from an old Assembly Plant Guy":http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926
  #8  
Old 08-03-2019, 09:45 PM
69FIREBIRD76MM's Avatar
69FIREBIRD76MM 69FIREBIRD76MM is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: so. cal
Posts: 1,188
Default drag radials

yiu can safely run a 8" 4.5 b.s. with 275 60 15's on first gens, I run a 295-55-15 mickey Thompson drag radials with 15x10, 5.5" b.s.

  #9  
Old 08-03-2019, 10:03 PM
RocktimusPryme's Avatar
RocktimusPryme RocktimusPryme is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bedford, IN
Posts: 2,173
Default

I think im going to get the 255/60 mickeys. I want to be able to run on the stock rally IIs.

__________________
1967 Firebird 462 580hp/590ftlbs
1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Swapped in Turd of an Olds 455
Owner/Creator Catfish Motorsports
https://www.youtube.com/@CatfishMotorsports
  #10  
Old 08-04-2019, 09:09 AM
TAQuest TAQuest is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Bay City, Michigan
Posts: 1,000
Wink

Quote:
Originally Posted by RocktimusPryme View Post
https://www.dragzine.com/tech-storie...-drag-radials/

I was looking at that and also if we are honest, price a little. The nittos are supposed to not only last longer, but are more reasonably priced.

I don't have subframe connectors yet so I don't particularly want to slick hook hard. Ive heard stories of first gens rippling the backhalf if you hook super hard without them.
Get some subframe connectors. WTH are you thinking? lol You hate that car or what? Show her some respect!

  #11  
Old 08-04-2019, 09:35 AM
RocktimusPryme's Avatar
RocktimusPryme RocktimusPryme is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bedford, IN
Posts: 2,173
Default

Im working on it, you gotta understand this car was a compete zombie rising lol. It needed everything. But yes, subframe connectors before slicks. I have them in my Summit shopping cart.

__________________
1967 Firebird 462 580hp/590ftlbs
1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Swapped in Turd of an Olds 455
Owner/Creator Catfish Motorsports
https://www.youtube.com/@CatfishMotorsports
  #12  
Old 08-04-2019, 02:19 PM
TAQuest TAQuest is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Bay City, Michigan
Posts: 1,000
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RocktimusPryme View Post
I think im going to get the 255/60 mickeys. I want to be able to run on the stock rally IIs.
When I first picked out a set of drag radials I ended up with 235's because of the diameter. Worked for my gearing on the car I used at the track.
Ran a few different height tires on my test strip with a stopwatch to get an idea of what worked best in a quarter mile. An inch makes a big difference.

  #13  
Old 08-04-2019, 09:37 PM
RocktimusPryme's Avatar
RocktimusPryme RocktimusPryme is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bedford, IN
Posts: 2,173
Default

Diameter is also a concern and why I think the 255/60s are my best bet. I’m rocking 3.08s so I can actually drive the car on the highway. A super tall tire would make that worse.

I have 235/60s up front so the 255/50 would be shorter than that and look silly. My street tires are 245/60s

__________________
1967 Firebird 462 580hp/590ftlbs
1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Swapped in Turd of an Olds 455
Owner/Creator Catfish Motorsports
https://www.youtube.com/@CatfishMotorsports
  #14  
Old 08-04-2019, 10:39 PM
Firebob's Avatar
Firebob Firebob is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: El Sobrante,CA, USA
Posts: 2,179
Default

You have an advantage fitting wide tires on the back of a 67 over a 69 because of the round wheel opening. You have to jack the 69 way the hell up to get something decent wide under that fender lip.

__________________
Robert

69 Firebird-462/Edel round ports/currently running the Holley Sniper/4sp/3.23posi/Deluxe Int/pwr st/vintage air/4wl disc( a work in progress-always )

http://youtu.be/eaWBd3M9MN4
  #15  
Old 08-04-2019, 11:10 PM
69FIREBIRD76MM's Avatar
69FIREBIRD76MM 69FIREBIRD76MM is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: so. cal
Posts: 1,188
Default first gen tire fitment

15x10's, 5.5" back spacing, mickey Thompson 295-55-15 drag radial. plenty of room.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	20181220_121720.jpg
Views:	275
Size:	49.7 KB
ID:	517089  

  #16  
Old 10-11-2021, 12:05 PM
grivera's Avatar
grivera grivera is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Just south of Baltimore
Posts: 4,907
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 69FIREBIRD76MM View Post
15x10's, 5.5" back spacing, mickey Thompson 295-55-15 drag radial. plenty of room.
Is this on a stock suspension?

I know - Holy thread revival!!

__________________
Will Rivera

'69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:03 PM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017