Tire selection for high horse power, help.

[BB_Mike]

I have a 18"x10" rim out back of a 1971 chevelle. I can fit up to a 12" section width safely.

I'm new to high horse power on the street. 700-ish to the wheels by way of a turbo power adder. I can manage the power to some degree, but traction is important. It's a 540" motor with twin 75mm turbos. Car will see a good bit of street use around town. for the dragstrip it will have dedicated tires.

With my horse power levels do I just get an MT ET Street varient and avoid water? With this I am concerned about a appearance because ET Streets just look like they belong on drag cars, and the front tires always clash. Any pictures/cars out there to prove me wrong? I am always open to changing my mind at least 5 times over. :D

Example of an ET street radial II that I like:

The sizing is a bit crude and appears to jump around the size I'd prefer.


Or, do I get something with tread like the Mt Sportsman S/R in size 28X12.00R18LT for $245 each ?


Any other full tread tire suggestions? I would like to have a front tire that compliments the back. The fronts will be 9" wide wheels.

[Neil B]

At 700rwhp, the drag radials are the only way to fly. I run 315-30-18 ET Streets on my 670rwhp Corvette and they will hook in 3rd gear at 60+ mph most of the time. In cold weather, be careful because no tire will hook on the street with that kind of power. I ran the ET Streets on the Power Tour long haul through tons of rain. Just slow down and don't overdrive the conditions.

[69496]

The tire I would check out that I am also curious about is Nitto's new NT05 drag radial. It is supposed to be stickier than there 555R drag radial. What attracts me to them the most is the sizes they offer. They have a 315/40/18 that would be a perfect size for a 71 Chevelle with big power. It has a 12.6" section width and is 28" tall. If it is a little too wide maybe the 305/45/18. It has a 12" section width and 28.9" tall.

[BB_Mike]

Thanks for the help fellas!

[Roadbuster]

I like my R888s. Very sticky tire but I don't run near that level of power. Something else to consider if you are considering running at any of the PT events: they are all now seem to want a 200+ tread wear rating to compete.

I have the R888s in a 305/35R18 on 18x11 on the rear of my 68 GTO.

Jon

[The WidowMaker]

didnt vegas69 run the r888's at rttc? if so, thats your tire. his car hooked REALLY well. not 200+ though if thats going to be a concern.