I would like some opinions on rear tyre choices for street and occasional strip applications. For now I will be running Michelin XZX 145s up front on Flat 4 BRMs (same wheels for rear (15x5.5).

Down the track when I can save enough dough, I'd love to find some Ercos (bubble fronts would be ince albeit elusive) and hence slicks (6in rear)....but in the meantime I need a tyre which can do the job for both purposes.

It will be for my 54 oval. I am still researching g'box ratios (swing axle) and have a lot of learning/reading to do yet.

If it makes any difference, my (very basic preliminary) plans include running my type IV with turbo (single throttle body) and EFI, whilst trying to keep budget in check. I thnk Rod (raz34) runs a 205/70 Bridgestone in street form?

Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks
Alan

Before I bought my M&H street/drag tyres, I ran a set of 205 70 15 BF Goodrich Touring TA's,
They are nice and tall, like a slick and work ok for Drag racing.

I would agree with Dave, and say that a 205/70 is a good choice.
These should fit under a stock guard with short axles(as you have).
You can always step up to a slick or tyre like Dave's M/H later.
As for gearing, you will need to shorten them up a bit with those tyres ,
but may like to try a stock ratio box first to see where you are at.
I have a few ratios that you might like to try later.

Allan, just do it once,get sum cheap rims ( steel,old mags )and put slicks on them and street tyres on others. Slicks are quite cheap (Hoosier $260each )and will last years!
If you are concerned about tranny just pump them up (22). Don't do things twice.

How often is it that everyone is giving the same advice, I agree,DO IT ONCE !!!!! My biggest regret is not setting up a goal on what I wanted in a car,and doing just that with no compromises. It will take you longer,but when you get done you will have spent alot less money.
Mike

I'm totally in agreeance with regards to doing things once (have learnt the hard way many times!). I still plan to get slicks at a later stage, but seeing as the car will see street use, I still need to figure out which rear tyre to run initially for street use (with all 36hp of power - I don't think I'll be able to light them up just yet).

Apart from the Goodrich that Dave B has used, any others that people have had experience with? (205/70)

Rod Richo has run 12s on his Bridgestones.

Al,
I'm sure Morgan Smith has run over 100mph on 175's.
If the track is prepped well and you have'nt got ridiculous hp a street tyre should be fine for your first exploratory passes. As long as it looks good . Most of my early runs where on 205/70's . My 12sec pass on street tyres was when I was testing the 2-step and not driving too well. I would love to test the limit of the 205's . Also no burnout required which eliminates another bit of stress.

Cheers guys. Rod, do you run Bridgestones as your street rear tyre?

Yes , I think they are called B70's . Pete runs them on his Kombi as well. I choose 205/70's after reviewing many Hot VW issues and they seemed to be the hot set-up. They are very close in diameter to my slicks.Dave can word you up on tyre diameters final gearing etc and trap speed .

Thanks Rod, I have to have an indepth chat with Dave about gearbox ideas. Although I won't be able to progress too far with any work/purchases for a while until funds permit, I'll at least use this time to plan as well as possible!

i would ring a dealer about nankang tyres i know a lot of people who have bought them cause they
are cheap but found out there not bad in the perormance side either(myself included)

did some homework on radial slick tyres today and found that the Mickey Thompson starts at the smallest size of 235's . The Hoosiers start at the smallest size of 225's but have a 50 series sidewall . Neither of these 2 tyres will fit under stock guards . The Bridgestone touring TA's start at 205/70R15 and were not recommended as a tyre suitable for drags due to heavy duty sidewall construction and I am going tomorrow to have a look at a set of Pirellis that are 205/65R15 and told that they are more suitable . Will let you know how they are .

Hey Wayne,
The MT's are a good tyre, but they start at 235 and don't fit. That is my problem with running a radial. I don't think that any other type of radial will handle 250 kw at the wheels(unless you turn the boost down) LOL

MH street/stip tyre from Vintage might work fine .Yanks
have had good results with them .( vw )I think they 7 or 7 1/2 because they fit under a stock guard.

Also wheel off set is to the inside you will fit 8 to 8 1/2 wide tyre ,had that on my 66 bug ,with stock guards

(Mickey Thompson ) .BFGoodrich also makes drag radial .Yanks have run 7 sec's on both of these brands in Mustang Radial racing class.

Most brands of this type of tyre all have 50 series side wall ,but you will find they are still TALL !Check final ride and growth highth.Tread width is normaly thinner then on tyre .

Has ANYONE SPOKEN to Ray Box about DYO class yet with slicks !!!!

Think Toyo does one but very new to Australia .

[ Edited on 20-12-2006 by Dak-A-Tak ]

The M & H street/drag tyres, are still available from Vintage in Sydney 02-9789-1777 theres a few sets left

The M&H are not a radial are they?

The mustangs are using a 10.5'' MT. Their AWSOME e.t's has a lot to do with the half tubb rear ends, and more chrome M through the chassis rail so technically they are not chassis cars.................They are also Auto's with (most) using Neal Chance adjustable converters(not welded together). BUT still insane!!!!!!!

Mike Moran has gone 6's with 10.5'' MT 177mph Half track and 234mph over the 1/4

WOW!

Need to borrow my tyres Nick?

GOOD- ONE !!Wayne !! I'm glade you spoke to Ray,this is good news for you guys.