Wider is better? part 2 Drag racing

[NeilDS]

I have read through the other wider is better post which was more dealing with lateral tire grip. My question is more dealing with straight line acceleration. Here is the scenario, same car so same load on the tire. Would there be a traction advantage to running a 315/35-17 drag radial, on an 11" rim, over a 275/40-17 drag radial on a 9.5" rim. This would also assume the same tire manufacture and compound. With the same load is there and difference in contact patch between the two tires? I know that tire pressure could effect this too.

Neil

 

[patprimmer]

Are the 275s losing traction. If not you don't need any wider.

Wider than you need costs time as it consumes power to turn a heavier tyre and wheel.

Regards
pat pprimmer@acay.com.au
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
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[NeilDS]

Yes the 275s are loosing traction, you really have to walk them out of the hole. I know the heavier wheel and tire will cost some hp but is there really a traction advantage?

 

[patprimmer]

The bigger tyres will give a trtaction advantage, IMHO

Regards
pat pprimmer@acay.com.au
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[NeilDS]

Yes but why? Does it really give you more contact patch on the road?

 

[GregLocock]

Tyres are very non linear. I'd guess that a short wide contact patch is more stable longitudinally (less likely to buckle) than a longer, narrower one.



Cheers

Greg Locock