Ok, just bought some ET Streets mounted on a couple '97 Z wheels. The wheels look clean and the tires seem to have some tread left.. Not sure what to look for..

The questions I have specifically are:
1- Are tubes needed for these? (26x11.5x16) (one has air in it and does not have a tube inside but the wall states that the tire is meant for tubes)

2- How much tread is enough and how much is not enough to make a few passes?

3- How much air should I run when I take them to the track?

4- How much should I spin them? Should I back up near the waterbox then roll forward and spin?

5- How loose will it feel on the top end if there is only 18psi in the tires?

6- I am going from stock radial tires to these.. will the initial jolt of a 2800+ rpm launch be that much of a shock to me? I have launched an AWD Subaru at 4000 rpm and that was violent, will this be the same?


Thanks for any help or insight you can offer.. I just want to be really safe when I get out there.. car is still bone stock.. yes I have thought about the rear end.. I am not too worried yet.. hehe

 

1- Are tubes needed for these? (26x11.5x16) (one has air in it and does not have a tube inside but the wall states that the tire is meant for tubes) No ... you can run 'em without tubes and many do.

2- How much tread is enough and how much is not enough to make a few passes? As long cord isn't showing you can run 'em. The tread consists of the 3 groves, if any of the groove is showing you're great shape ... after that around the outside edges you will notice holes ... these are the wear indicater holes, once they're gone you need to check your tires very carefully after every run .. if you see or feel cord you're done.

3- How much air should I run when I take them to the track? de[nds upon your supension. You want to run as much air as you can and dead hook ...somewhere between 17 HOT and no less than 11. But be carful down low, the rear will wiggle on you and it will feel like the car is walking, but it ain't. Also, the general myth is if you are not hooking to just continue to lower your pressure ... there is point where your optimal traction is, with your suspension and the track conditions ... above or below that point you'll start to see your 60s going away

4- How much should I spin them? About 5-10 seconds of smoke, depending upon how long you were sitting since your last run.Should I back up near the waterbox then roll forward and spin?Back up in and through the water box, then roll foward to the edge of the water

5- How loose will it feel on the top end if there is only 18psi in the tires? 18 psi won't be loose at all, and probably too much pressure to show any real traction improvement over DRs

6- I am going from stock radial tires to these.. will the initial jolt of a 2800+ rpm launch be that much of a shock to me? Can't really speak to a stick, you won't be lifting the front end, but you might notice your hood torqueing over a little I have launched an AWD Subaru at 4000 rpm and that was violent, will this be the same? I'm sorry, not trying to be domestic centric here, but I really can't reconcile Subaru and violent launch in the same sentence ... You could be in for a shock

Have fun and Good Luck

 

thanks that really informative!

I knew somone on here would be able to help me out!
Looks like i am in good shape as the tires seem to be in decent shape..


i'll let you all know how it turns out when i get to the track..

damn rain needs to stop now!!!