R U Serious!!?? Sears found tubes in my BFG Drag Radials!!!

[Stang_ROTY]

After three years and maybe 20 passes at the track, I decided to get rid of my 275/60 15 BFG Drag Radials that helped me to a best 60Ft. time of 1.6 (They were rubbing on the fender and I don't want that anymore). The car launched HARD and even picked up the front wheel a bit. So I was shocked when I went to Sears yesterday after getting her out of storage (and simultaneously getting ready for the body shop for fresh paint) to have my new 235/60 15's put on and they found TUBES in the old tires. My question is...what can I expect from these new...narrower tires and how lucky am I that I didn't have a "problem" at the track with tubes inside drag radials that weren't designed for them?

[Gearhead999]

Don't think it would of been anymore dangerous then without them. Only thing I can think of....is if the tire slipped on the rim at launch it will rip the tire valve out of the tube.

The tubes probably help when the air pressure is low to keep the tire on the rim.

Other then that don't see any problem.

[Stang_ROTY]

Do you think that I'll notice a drop in my 60 ft times going from the 275/60's to the 235/60's?

[Dark_5.0]

Originally Posted by Stang_ROTY

Do you think that I'll notice a drop in my 60 ft times going from the 275/60's to the 235/60's?

You will probably not get close to a 1.6 60ft with 235 DR's

[Stang_ROTY]

Do you think that the tubes helped to bulge the rubber out so far that the tires rubbed on the rear fenders? I took the tires off not because I was unhappy with the way they performed...but I want to be able to ride a passenger without them rubbing. Plus, everytime I took a corner they rubbed and it was just annoying...

[speedytang]

It should not rub even lowered unless your running a 4.5" backspacing. The stock 5.5" backspacing you can run a 2" lowered car usually without a problem. If your running a 5.5" make sure your rear arms are tight and that the bushings are in good shape.

[RED92LX50]

I'm sure you realize this, but - you are going from a 28" tire to a 26" tire. This will throw off your spedometer, and will affect your RPM's/MPH at shift points and at the end of the track (there are calcualtors in the "Analyzer" section of this site).

If you wanted a 26" tire with a wider tread, you could try a 275/50-15. Also, rim width plays a big role in the contact patch of the tire. If you are using the same rims (which it sounds like you are) I would guess that the 275's were very "bulgy" and the 235's will fit the rim better - otherwise, if the 275's fit the rim fine before, then the 235's will be way to narrow.

[Stang_ROTY]

Yes they were...and that bulge was part of the reason the rubber rubbed on the inside and outside (I guess the bulge could have been caused by the tubes as well). My rims were mounted on slicks at one time so they have the holes drilled in them still....and that is probably the reason that the tire shop put the tubes from the slicks into the bigger (older) BFG's. But what bothered me was that the shop never told me I had tubes in there...

But will there be a net effect on performance for better or worse (I guess I'll find out soon enough)? I was told by the Summit tech line that the performance shouldn't be sacrificed when I explained the situation before I bought them...and for the most part they've always been pretty dead-on about their recommendations. Even though the tires are holding pressure now I am thinking about putting the screws back in there because if I drop the pressure to about 16-17 psi at the track than I have a feeling they could leak.

Originally Posted by RED92LX50

I would guess that the 275's were very "bulgy" and the 235's will fit the rim better - otherwise, if the 275's fit the rim fine before, then the 235's will be way to narrow.

[red82gt]

So, you are using a set of rims that were drilled for rim screws with a radial tire? You'll need tubes to keep air in them! Ditch them and get a new set of rims.

[Stang_ROTY]

Yeah...the rims were mounted on slicks when I bought the car. Looking at a new set now, and it seems as if the only thing they have for a lightweight drag car with a 4-lug is the Weld Draglite's. Do you know of any others??

[RED92LX50]

It is my understanding that you never want to run screws with a radial tire - you could damage the cords inside the tire.

As for a wheel option other than Weld, I got some really nice ones from Centerline (for the same price as Welds). The ones I got were Ventura - 15x8 with a 5" backspace (which works perfectly on my stock rear setup) The Welds I was looking at only cam in 4.5" or 5.5" bksp. I am running 275/50-15 MT Drag radials at the track, and they fit fine (well, I have already banged up my fender lips and wheel wells a little to fit other wheels, and my quads are flipped, but still fit).

Here are the ones I got - I liked the 5 spoke design, as they don't clash too much with my fronts (Y2K Cobra R's). But, they are so nice, I am debating getting another set to run up fron too (if they will clear my planned brake upgrade).

http://www.centerlinewheels.com/whee...hicle&data=18#

[Stang_ROTY]

Very, very nice. I would get them but I'd like to have something that is lightweight for the track. Those Welds are the lightest rims I've ever held and I drove the car on the street without any problem. I do like those Centerline's though!!