Slick Question

[GotSomeRust]

Maybe dumb questions, but the other day I was looking at some Goodyear slicks (30x9x15) at Jegs. Some say "Radial Construction" and some don't. What's the difference besides the compound (4, 4A, 4B)? Why would someone use one vs the other? Thanks...

[ytnova]

In general, radials are stiffer in the sidewall area and of radial(steel) belt contruction, they also run more air pressure which decreases rolling resistance. The others are bias ply and have a softer sidewall. The stiffer slicks (radial or stiff sidewall) work better on heavy cars and typically 60 foot a little better, ie. they don't wad up on launch like the bias plys do, but better quality shocks are usually needed to control the bounce back effect while launching.

[GotSomeRust]

Thanks for the info. What is the average for air pressure in a radial construction slick?

[GotSomeRust]

Also, can someone tell me which would be better for my application? 83 Cutlass, SBC, PG, 5000 stall, 514 gears, 11.2s/11.3s. I'm guessing the car weighs about 3,000 with me in it.

[ytnova]

Just a guess on the air pressure in a radial slick, but I would think they act like a dot drag radial and I usually start about 15-16 psi, going higher if they car weighs more. As far as what is best for you, kinda personal preference, dot drag radials don't recover like like a true bias ply slick does, you have to come all the way off the throttle and then get back into it, a bias slick you can somewhat drive through the spinning. Radials also don't seem to get that slick wiggle (they drive better at high speed)on the big end like a bias ply does and the sidewalls don't wear out as soon. I would assume a radial slick would react like a dot radial. I think some of the other guys on here run a radial slick, maybe they can shed some better light on the subject.

[Bob West]

I run 18-19 psi in my Hoosier radial slicks 30x9x15 on a 10" rim. I set the air pressure when I get to the track before I unload the car. They are a very stable tire but you need marginal to great track prep to hook, poor prep with any torque and you'll blow em off.