Drag radials vs all others: pros and cons?

[Daryl]

For rear tires, what are the pros and cons of Drag Radials (DR)? I understand the obvious: that DR’s are designed hook up better under high acceleration, are pretty much worthless in wet conditions, and won’t last as long due to the shallow tread. But, how do they stack up in cornering and/or in grip other than straight line?

I have them on my rear wheels now and. Have to say I actually like the ride quality better. But my DR’s also have a 45 profile versus the 30 on the Nitto 555 G2’s.

 

[Randall Garner]

Drag radials are just that drag racing radial, limited street. What brand you using currently. If they are nitto. Then they last longer than most but are also harder compound. Many of the other drag radials don't have adequate tread to drive to and from the track. Unless dead dry. Many actually state in the side walls, not for hiway use . Cornering shouldn't be considered an option. Unless again the nitto. And it's up near full rated psig. I know Hoosier and MT DRAG Radials are a no go for daily or even limited street use. The Bridgestone. About the same as a nitto, for limited street

 

[Daryl]

Well, I’m running the Nitto 555 R2’s, but will likely swap one set for 285/40x17 rears (probably Nitto 555 G2’s, or other based on recommendations?). Even then, I’d be wondering since the fronts are 275/40x17, should I just do all 4 same size and be able to rotate? Either way, I’ll need 17x9 rear wheels to fit the 285/40’s or the 275/40’s.

 

[Daryl]

305/45’s just look like fat balloons I’ve decided. Every shop I stop at comments on how large they are. So, I made a mistake…it happens! :-(

I’m going to go with 285/40’s on the rear. I took off the 305/45’s when I got home and mounted my other set of 275/40 G2’s and drove on them. Just a tad narrow for the rear wheel wells which seem a bit wider than the fronts. Hence, the 285’s instead of the 275’s.

 

[badass98svt]

I run 305/35 18 Mickey Thompson SS Drag Radials. I never noticed a degrade in cornering but I don't push the car to it's cornering limits too often either. They are also just fine on the highway.
Drag radials are a must for anyone making good power and wants to actually put that power to the pavement. With "high performance" tires, my car just spins and skates around on the pavement. Drag Radials are a game changer.

 

[Daryl]

Don’t get me wrong, and as I said before, I’m liking the DR’s and I will definitely hold on to them. Big thumbs up!

 

[96blak54]

I will add that my buddies 1000hp F150 was a game changer with drag radials when before with street tires it would spin with no hope for traction causing the truck to be uncontrollable. The drag radials hold out a little more before being annihilated and offer more control. All this said, he only drives the truck when the pavement is warm.

 

[ttocs]

I know I am looking forward to drag radials because as it is now a slow roll into 2nd and it starts spinning half way through.

 

[Daryl]

Anyone wanna buy a set of R2’s (305/45zr17) with less than 100 miles and no burn outs on them?? LOL

My 285/40zr17 rears are waiting for the 17x9 rims that are supposed to be delivered today so when I take it to the shop Monday it’ll have the rear tires I’m going to run on it and the speedo/odo can be calibrated correctly.

 

[Daryl]

285/40zr17 rears. Matching wheels finally arrived!

 

[Daryl]

Thanks, Joe! I’m really happy with the fitment. Front and rears come just up to the wheel wells. (thumbs up!)