Need Help with Rims/Tires Question?

[N/A Cobra]

I plan on making some trips to the track for the first time this spring, and would like to have some decent tires to run on. I have a 96 Cobra with 4.30s so traction is a problem with on current cheap Kuhmo tires. I was thinking about getting 2 more 96/97 Cobra rims and mounting a set of DRs on them and just swap them on when I plan on heading to the track since I can't afford to buy new DRs every 5k miles. Would this be a good idea? Also, what should I go with, Nittos or BFG?

And, I have never taken any of the wheels off my car...do I need a special anti-theft lug key, I heard something about a key before and I don't have one.

Thanks for all the help in advance!

 

[missouri_guy197]

You can get Nitto DR's in a 275/40/17 size and they'll fit perfectly on stock wheels...But, if you are going to go that way and use them just for the track just get some 5.5" backspace 15x8" Weld Prostars and put some 275/50/15 BFG DR's on there to really get some traction at the drag strip...I used that combo at the track a while back before I got my ET Streets although I mounted my tires to some cheapy steel wheels I got from Summit...

as for the lug key, if one of your lugs has a little star on the end, you'll need a key, if not they should just come off with a regular lug nut wrench...

 

[N/A Cobra]

...

as for the lug key, if one of your lugs has a little star on the end, you'll need a key, if not they should just come off with a regular lug nut wrench...

Where can I get a lug key?

 

[N/A Cobra]

You can get Nitto DR's in a 275/40/17 size and they'll fit perfectly on stock wheels...But, if you are going to go that way and use them just for the track just get some 5.5" backspace 15x8" Weld Prostars and put some 275/50/15 BFG DR's on there to really get some traction at the drag strip...I used that combo at the track a while back before I got my ET Streets although I mounted my tires to some cheapy steel wheels I got from Summit.

I would prefer to use the stock rims, because I want the car to look the same when I swap rims/tires because I will probably play around sometimes with the DRs on. Will I get a better hook from Nittos or BFGs? And what are the average prices on Drag Radials?

 

[missouri_guy197]

Nittos usually last a little longer and fit a stock rim(275/40/17 size tire) better than the BFG's but they take a little longer to heat them up to get them really sticky, also they handle pretty well on the street also and aren't bad in the rain...The BFG's don't last as long, but they are really sticky and don't need much of a burnout, but don't get caught in the rain with them...

For the 275/40/17 Nittos, I think they run about $170/ea and the BFG's in a 245/45/17 size are about the same, maybe a little less...Go to http://www.discounttiredirect.com for the best prices


Not sure where to get a lug key at if it's not with your car...My lugs don't need a key...

 

[6000FTSVT]

I perfer the nittos swear by them 275/40/17 I got about 9,000 miles out of mine depends on how many miles you drive or how much cash you want to spend. nittos had ehough hook to break axles on my 01 IRS if you want a seperate set of tires and your patient M/T is coming out with radial slicks for 17" rims this summer awsome hook from the testing I saw and DOT legal. lock nut problem, only option I now is take a socket one size too small and beat it on with a hammer then remove as normal. socket of choice is a 6 sided impact. will need to buy new locking nuts if desired.

 

[DoubleONegative]

I perfer the nittos swear by them 275/40/17 I got about 9,000 miles out of mine depends on how many miles you drive or how much cash you want to spend. nittos had ehough hook to break axles on my 01 IRS if you want a seperate set of tires and your patient M/T is coming out with radial slicks for 17" rims this summer awsome hook from the testing I saw and DOT legal. lock nut problem, only option I now is take a socket one size too small and beat it on with a hammer then remove as normal. socket of choice is a 6 sided impact. will need to buy new locking nuts if desired.

a couple of questions

1. Will the 275/40/17 fit on the stock 17X8 01 Cobra rims?
2. What RPM were you launching at?
3. How many launches before they broke

I was all about getting some DRs for my 01 but now i am kinda nervous after reading your post.

 

[missouri_guy197]

275/40/17 Nitto DR's will fit the stock 17x8" rim perfectly...

 

[cold96snake]

a couple of questions

1. Will the 275/40/17 fit on the stock 17X8 01 Cobra rims?
2. What RPM were you launching at?
3. How many launches before they broke

I was all about getting some DRs for my 01 but now i am kinda nervous after reading your post.

If you 275's than i'll have to get 315's for my 17x9's

 

[6000FTSVT]

a couple of questions

1. Will the 275/40/17 fit on the stock 17X8 01 Cobra rims?
2. What RPM were you launching at?
3. How many launches before they broke

I was all about getting some DRs for my 01 but now i am kinda nervous after reading your post.

yes they will fit run about 26 lbs
launch about 4800 with 3.73
lots of launches, came out of the water box doing about 70 mph hit the track bite and SNAP!!! no more go never broke on the line from a dead stop

 

[2k1Cobra]

I barely fit some 315's on my stock 17x8 and I launch at about 3-4k with 4:10's and I haven't had problems yet. Past 4k, I'm loosing traction all over again.