DOT Approved Drag Slicks

[jsttry]

Gday all, am toying with the idea of some DOT approved drag slicks for street meets (which are allowed in the NT). I've seen the M/T ET Streets and some Hoosier's are DOT approved. What would people recommend for strip use? Although I like the idea of a radial the Nitto's are too expensive (compared to an average of around $300 for ET Streets).

Also, any good places to buy drag slicks in Australia? I've been directed to http://www.rocketind.com and http://www.vpw.com.au already.

[v8 ute]

The M/T ET Streets are very popular.

I know of a couple of guys that use them one does mid tens and the other does low nines they drive to the track on them run their cars then add some more air and drive home on them.

the low nine sec car does 8.9's on full slicks and 9.2's on ET streets.

Don't drive in incliment weather tho'.

[jsttry]

I didn't think they were allowed to be used on public roads. Oh well, learn something new every day.

[vxls1]

The M/T ET Streets are very popular.

I know of a couple of guys that use them one does mid tens and the other does low nines they drive to the track on them run their cars then add some more air and drive home on them.

the low nine sec car does 8.9's on full slicks and 9.2's on ET streets.

Don't drive in incliment weather tho'.

Do you need front runners to use these tyres?

Also given the overall diameter etc of these tyres would you need some serious hp to get benefit from them over drag radials?

Thanks

[jsttry]

I've been told front runners are recommended, but I know of a 270rwkw ute that has run with 205 15" RE82's on the front without too much hassle.

Depends on how comfortable you are I guess.

[v8 ute]

I'm not so sure "how" legal they are, but none the less these guys drive on them.

Front runners are recommended as they aren't much different to slicks in construction.

Drag Radials are good just not available in sizes that might suit an application.

[ADV51]

When they say DOT approved it refers to the US. Not sure how legal they are here. But if tread depth is above the correct specs and the tyres are rated for Highway use. Should be legit.

[K31000]

I just spoke to a friend who said M/T have a new 17 inch drag tyre out for road use. He said Haddad Race Cars in melbourne have them.

[MNR-0]

DOT approved means nothing here in OZ. For them to be road legal they must be speed rated. Theres only one I know of that is. Thats the BFG Comp T/A Drag Radial.

[ROARZ]

I just spoke to a friend who said M/T have a new 17 inch drag tyre out for road use. He said Haddad Race Cars in melbourne have them.
Could you speak to your friend again and post up some more details? Model number, specs, pricing would be awesome.

[ROARZ]

Anyone have experience with the Hoosier?
Rim: 17
Size: P245/50D-17
Tread Pattern: D
Sectional Width: 244
Outer Diameter: 676
Rim Widths: 7.5 - 8.5

I also see that BFG have a G-Force TA now: P205/40R17. BFG says the G-Force is a "new and improved", but can anyone comment on G-Force vs Comp?

For those running bigger brakes on the back, the 17" wheel is a minimum, so trying to find a "slick" or "drag street" tyre that will go on a 17" is the trick. The 40 profile on the BFG is a draw back for me, as it limits my top speed in 4th (with the M6 gearbox). The taller the profile, the better chance I've got at hitting a high MPH.

[jsttry]

Come on guys, heaps of you run slicks...where do you get them from?

[v8 ute]

Come on guys, heaps of you run slicks...where do you get them from?

Try Jesse @ U.S. Automotives ph.(07) 3341 3544.

He is well priced and efficient.

[VX255]

hoosiers are available from Max dumsey - mdmotorsport.com.au - good service and good prices also - phone 0296791990 - quick o/n delivery

[jsttry]

Thanks guys, I'll give these places a try.

[TheHeat]

DOT approved or other 'slick' tyres are not approved in Australia for driving on public streets. They are 'approved' for racing at tracks only...if you want to chance it, pump them up and drive home and get caught its your problem. But dont complain if you are invited to present your car at the local Motor Vehice Registry for a full inspection because it was gone over with a fine tooth comb. If you do the right thing, you wont get hassled.

[jsttry]

DOT approved or other 'slick' tyres are not approved in Australia for driving on public streets. They are 'approved' for racing at tracks only...if you want to chance it, pump them up and drive home and get caught its your problem. But dont complain if you are invited to present your car at the local Motor Vehice Registry for a full inspection because it was gone over with a fine tooth comb. If you do the right thing, you wont get hassled.

Well that rules that idea out. I know the 'slick' tyres aren't legal but I was hoping because these had some form of tread they were like the Nitto's and could be used on the street and would save me having to change tyres at the track. I've been told they're old technology now and the M/T ET Street's are better anyway.
http://www.mrjj.net/hosted/pics/mtstreetr.jpg

[TheHeat]

The ones in you pic could be driven on the street as they have a tread. I think they are Bridgestones arent they? The MT ET Streets dont have a tread but for drag 'street racing' they have to be rated. Hence the DOT (Department of Transport) approval. For all intents and purposes they are simply a 'grooved' racing slick thats the difference. MIckey Thompson make a treaded racing tyre and as far as I know, the treaded version could be driven on the street. No slicks or tyres without tread can be driven on public streets because they are dangerous in wet conditions.

[jsttry]

Nope, that pic is a M/T ET Street Radial
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/strip_et_street_radial.html

Kind of similar style to the Bridgestones though

From the website....
SOFT DRAG TIRE COMPOUND FOR SUPERIOR TRACTION ON THE DRAG STRIP
D.O.T. APPROVED, STREET LEGAL
LOW VOID DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN ELIMINATES FEATHERING
SPECIAL SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION FOR QUICK LAUNCHES
WARNING: ET Street Radial tires have passed D.O.T. requirements but have reduced tread depth and compounds designed for racing. Due to the reduced tread depth these tires should be used on dry pavement only and are not suitable for normal highway use!

[Drizzt]

Hi Jsttry

A couple of suggestions, What about American Racing semi slicks available from VPW? a mate has a pair on his car and they have grooves through them as well. He drives with them on the street and I'll probably do the same for mine when I get around to it.

Ummm Hoosier Street Master Semi slicks as well? This same mate of mine had them on his car on the street before the Amercian Racing ones.

If you're really that concerned, why not try Toyo Proxy RA1s? They a wet/dry threaded semi comp which people seem to be getting really good results with. I believe Chris (redsv8) ran a 1.63 60 ft on these.



Drizzt

[jsttry]

Any idea what your mate thought of the American Racing vs Hoosier's?

There is a supercharged ute up here with the American Racing tyres on. He was running 19" street tyres on the front and said it felt really out of shape over 150km/hr so I assume they'd need front runners, or at least a smaller tyre on the front end.

[Drizzt]

My mate reckons the Hoosiers and AR were the exact same thing. He ven thinks they came out of the same factory... Only difference between the two is price. My mate cut a 1.3 60 ft on the AR in street trim and a high 1.2 60 ft with the hoosiers.


Drizzt

[Plums]

There is a supercharged ute up here with the American Racing tyres on. He was running 19" street tyres on the front and said it felt really out of shape over 150km/hr so I assume they'd need front runners, or at least a smaller tyre on the front end.

If you're running rags on the back you really should run rags on the front too. Rags and radials are not a good mix, been there and I'm not a fan.....