Drag radials - BFG vs. MickeyT vs. Hoosier

[dhardison]

I'm researching drag radials and have narrowed it down to the three choices below (all are 255 / 50R16). Any opinions as to which brand I should choose? Reasons why/ why not to choose a certain brand?

[69ratfed]

I was down to Orlando Speedway for the National Street Car Shootout in October of 2005. As the drag radial class was running there was a guy that broke the record on a M/T drag radial. I forget his ET but the MPH was over 200. I'm running the Nitto drag radial. Just wanted to be different. They hook my 454 to the ground.

[dhardison]

Thanks! I've also heard good things about the M/T DR. It's good to hear that the Nittos work as well. Are you running the NT555R? What size?

[ProdigyCustoms]

World Street Finals in Orlandio is the only place the Mickey's are legal in drag radial because they are so good. My frined owns the local speed shop and sold the crap out of the Mickey's when participants showed up and found out they could run them.

[dhardison]

Thanks Frank. Sounds like M/T is the way to go.

[nitrorocket]

That Hoosier sure does look like it would get good grip, That is what I am trying next after my BFG's.

[fast Ed]

Some input from my experience ... the M/T radials have a stiff sidewall, which I'm sure would help stability on a quick car. But with a manual trans, and IRS, it's tough to launch it hard without the risk of breaking stuff. With bias-ply M/Ts, I could dump the clutch at 3,500 on my T-Bird SC (which is around 350 lb./ft. torque at the wheels, and 3,800 lbs.) with no problem.

On a solid-axle car, I don't think it should be as much of a problem. Something to bear in mind though. The Hoosiers have a softer sidewall AFAIK. M&H is making drag radials now too, I'm trying a pair of those for this season. However, they don't have 255/50/16, only 275/55/16, which are about 28.0" tall.


cheers
Ed N.

[NvrDun71]

No personal experience here but I have heard nothing but good about the M/T's. I have heard they wear really fast on the street tho......

[stevehoj]

Cannot go wrong with Mickey's or M&H drag radials.

I went with M&H, due to size issues.

I have Nitto 555R's on my 01 Lightning, no comparison to above for pure straightline traction........but a much better all-around street tire.

[dhardison]

Thanks for all the info guys! These drag radials are going to see very limited street duty and will probably just be bolted on at the track. I'm having a pair of M/Ts mounted tomorrow.

[Steve68]

I'm looking to try the DR's but I like the ET streets!

[rocketman]

I prefer M/T's

[Moose]

got a set of 17" M/T drag radials and they hook very well on the street and track..

I've had BFG's and they do not compare to the M/T

[JoshStratton]

I say go with the cheapest ones possible. You are going to need a LOT of em.

[69ratfed]

Yes, I'm running the NT555R 245/40/17 on a 17x9 Billet Vintec Dish.

Thanks! I've also heard good things about the M/T DR. It's good to hear that the Nittos work as well. Are you running the NT555R? What size?

[camaro608]

M/T there the best

( my opinion)

[dhardison]

I bought the lowest cost wheels I could find (Wheel Vintiques 66 Series, 16 in.x 8 in., 5 x 4.5/4.75 in. Bolt Circle, 5 in. Backspace) and had the M/T drag radials (P255/50R16) mounted today. Not the lightest combo, but the tires are so soft you can almost pick a rubber booger with your fingernail.


I can't wait to see how they perform behind:

[JoshStratton]

Buaaaahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Like I said:

I say go with the cheapest ones possible. You are going to need a LOT of em.

[NvrDun71]

I bought the lowest cost wheels I could find (Wheel Vintiques 66 Series, 16 in.x 8 in., 5 x 4.5/4.75 in. Bolt Circle, 5 in. Backspace) and had the M/T drag radials (P255/50R16) mounted today. Not the lightest combo, but the tires are so soft you can almost pick a rubber booger with your fingernail.


I can't wait to see how they perform behind:

............they don't stand a chance. Motor Looks awesome Dan

[dhardison]

I guess the Mickey Thompson DRs were the right choice for best traction.......

Oh SNAP!