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Thread: Need some help figuring out a wheel/tire combo.

  1. #1
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    Need some help figuring out a wheel/tire combo.

    I am currently running a set of Mickey Thompson drag radials 275/40R17 that I purchase 4 or 5 years ago and it's time for a new pair. However, I'm also considering a new set of wheels. Please help me with which direction I should go. Car is a turbo charged 2003 m3.

    I will be driving my car to the strip, so a DOT tire is necessary. I presume my best option is the Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S, no? Is there a stickier tire? I'm not too concerned about longevity.

    Is there a big difference in 60' between a 17", 18" and 19" drag radial? If I went with a 17" wheel, I'd get the 3470 because I don't think I can get a 315 to fit. Or should I buy a 18" wheel and use the 3481 because the tread width is .2" wider? I've always heard that sidewall height is important in drag racing. I presume that is true with the S/S tire? Which would give the great advantage: .5" extra sidewall or .2" extra tread with? If there is any information that I am leaving out, please feel free to inform me.
    95 turbo 330ti. 01 maxpsi m3 e85. 01 m5. 01 m coupe. 03 AIM 996t e85. 06 x3 w/Meyers plow and winter daily. Prussian Motors is hiring!! prussianmotors.com/jobs
    Current e39t LS Turbo swap: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...LS-e39-Touring

  2. #2
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    Long time,no see....16"bias ply of course...where is the 318ti?

  3. #3
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    Long time indeed. No can do on the 16" bias ply though. =(

    ti is in long term storage. I may take it out this fall for a beating and getting back on to Perrys new list.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Is there a stickier DOT tire than the MT ET Street R?

    From what I gather: I may be better off with the 245/45R17 MT Street R tire rather than the 275/40R17 ET Street S/S. Even though the tread width is 1.5" narrower, I hear the R grabs better.
    95 turbo 330ti. 01 maxpsi m3 e85. 01 m5. 01 m coupe. 03 AIM 996t e85. 06 x3 w/Meyers plow and winter daily. Prussian Motors is hiring!! prussianmotors.com/jobs
    Current e39t LS Turbo swap: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...LS-e39-Touring

  4. #4
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    The Hoosier 275/40/17 are much better than the M/T IMO. The Micky's have steel belts and the Hoosiers do not. They are much softer sidewall for launching , and all the traction you would ever need. ......BUT if it rains, your in trouble. They can be driven on the street, but look at the tread pattern you will see what I mean. They are totally stable, but a little more "wobbly" than the M/T.
    I wouldn't want to leave them on the car thats for sure. Maybe pop them on before going and then take them off at home.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
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  5. #5
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    I had my first experience driving on my bald MT drag radials in the rain while coming home from Atco last. The rain only lasted 5 minutes / 3 miles, but.. The rush of the 1/4 mile was nothing compared to driving this car in the rain. Yikes.

    I'm looking for a tire I can leave on and drive around on. I don't really drive this car in the rain, so it's not a big deal. However, I'd like to see a 1.6x 60' as well. =)

    Is this the tire you are referencing Butters?

    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....160830135025:s
    95 turbo 330ti. 01 maxpsi m3 e85. 01 m5. 01 m coupe. 03 AIM 996t e85. 06 x3 w/Meyers plow and winter daily. Prussian Motors is hiring!! prussianmotors.com/jobs
    Current e39t LS Turbo swap: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...LS-e39-Touring

  6. #6
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    The new MT ET street R is supposed to have a much softer sidewall than the old MT ET street. They are supposed to be very much like the hoosier drag radials which have very soft sidewalls. I just switched from the old style MT et street radial to a hoosier but havn't had a chance to get them on the track yet. I can confirm from handling both that the hoosier are way way softer in the sidewall than the old style MT.


    86 325es, 2.8L m50, S476sxe, ProEFI 128 ecu, e85, solid rear axle, TH400 trans, 28x10.5w slicks, zip ties, popsicle sticks, tape
    best time 9.06 @ 151.8 mph, best 60 foot 1.30

  7. #7
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    http://www.mandhtires.com/M-H-Drag-R...7#.V8XB_PkrK1s

    Another drag radial to consider is said to be up there with the hoosier


    -sold...replaced by turbo e36

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by beeasy View Post
    http://www.mandhtires.com/M-H-Drag-R...7#.V8XB_PkrK1s

    Another drag radial to consider is said to be up there with the hoosier
    Another good option.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by bubela View Post
    I had my first experience driving on my bald MT drag radials in the rain while coming home from Atco last. The rain only lasted 5 minutes / 3 miles, but.. The rush of the 1/4 mile was nothing compared to driving this car in the rain. Yikes.

    I'm looking for a tire I can leave on and drive around on. I don't really drive this car in the rain, so it's not a big deal. However, I'd like to see a 1.6x 60' as well. =)

    Is this the tire you are referencing Butters?

    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....160830135025:s
    That's the one.
    My best on that tire is 1.70 60'. Iirc John has cut 1.5's or 1.6's. He is better driver than I.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  10. #10
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    Thanks for the first hand knowledge Perry. That's kind of what I've been reading as well. That the R is super sticky. Mickey Thompson said I should go with the 245 R over the 275 S/S even though the tread width is 1.5" smaller.

    The M and H, as good as the hoosier ahy? Know anyone on here running this tire?

    Who is John that may have a 1.5 60' on the Hoosier tire? I'd love to hear more about his set up/tire size. That's pretty convincing.

    I really appreciate everyone chiming in here, thank you.
    95 turbo 330ti. 01 maxpsi m3 e85. 01 m5. 01 m coupe. 03 AIM 996t e85. 06 x3 w/Meyers plow and winter daily. Prussian Motors is hiring!! prussianmotors.com/jobs
    Current e39t LS Turbo swap: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...LS-e39-Touring

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by bubela View Post
    Thanks for the first hand knowledge Perry. That's kind of what I've been reading as well. That the R is super sticky. Mickey Thompson said I should go with the 245 R over the 275 S/S even though the tread width is 1.5" smaller.

    The M and H, as good as the hoosier ahy? Know anyone on here running this tire?

    Who is John that may have a 1.5 60' on the Hoosier tire? I'd love to hear more about his set up/tire size. That's pretty convincing.

    I really appreciate everyone chiming in here, thank you.
    I've ran the M&H in 15" form . they stick like crazy as well.

    John = CES
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  12. #12
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    Whoa.. I just went to the CES website, and they said their fastest run was on a 18" Toyo R888 street tire.. With a 1.73 60'. That's pretty awesome.

    I also saw that I am listed on their front page. =)
    Last edited by bubela; 09-01-2016 at 09:04 AM. Reason: i'm an idiot
    95 turbo 330ti. 01 maxpsi m3 e85. 01 m5. 01 m coupe. 03 AIM 996t e85. 06 x3 w/Meyers plow and winter daily. Prussian Motors is hiring!! prussianmotors.com/jobs
    Current e39t LS Turbo swap: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...LS-e39-Touring

  13. #13
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    I like the sound (and size) of the M&H tire. I root for an underdog and may go with the 275 17" M&H if I find some good info on it.
    95 turbo 330ti. 01 maxpsi m3 e85. 01 m5. 01 m coupe. 03 AIM 996t e85. 06 x3 w/Meyers plow and winter daily. Prussian Motors is hiring!! prussianmotors.com/jobs
    Current e39t LS Turbo swap: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...LS-e39-Touring

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Butters Stoch View Post
    That's the one.
    My best on that tire is 1.70 60'. Iirc John has cut 1.5's or 1.6's. He is better driver than I.
    [/IMG][/URL]
    255/50/16 Hoosier vs the 275/50/17 which would pull a better 60 ft??



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by crazyyardie View Post

    255/50/16 Hoosier vs the 275/50/17 which would pull a better 60 ft??

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I think with drag radials, its the driver that pulls the better 60'. Once heated enough, they stick like glue and your not spinning them what so ever.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  16. #16
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    1.87 60 ft is the best I've got


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by crazyyardie View Post
    1.87 60 ft is the best I've got

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I think its just seat time. My best is 1.64 I think. You gotta really blast out the hole. It happens real dam quick. But others are much better. John (CES) and Mike (MaxPsi) are unbelievable drivers.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Butters Stoch View Post
    I think its just seat time. My best is 1.64 I think. You gotta really blast out the hole. It happens real dam quick. But others are much better. John (CES) and Mike (MaxPsi) are unbelievable drivers.
    I'm on concrete .
    More seat time maybe.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  19. #19
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    If traction is what you want the et street r is the tire for you! I've pulled consistent 1.30 60 ft times with a 255/60 15 et street r but I don't recommend them for street use. They're not stable on any bit of a wet surface and asphalt tears them up pretty quickly. I went thru a set in about 3 weeks with some street/strip use

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bke36Is View Post
    If traction is what you want the et street r is the tire for you! I've pulled consistent 1.30 60 ft times with a 255/60 15 et street r but I don't recommend them for street use. They're not stable on any bit of a wet surface and asphalt tears them up pretty quickly. I went thru a set in about 3 weeks with some street/strip use
    How would those be on a manual ?
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  21. #21
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    I was looking at the MT ET Street R as well:

    P305/45R17 / 28X12.50R17

    11.7" Section Width
    10.5" Tread Width
    28.1 Diameter
    88" Circumference

    I'd love to run this tire I just don't know that I could jam it under the e46 m3.
    95 turbo 330ti. 01 maxpsi m3 e85. 01 m5. 01 m coupe. 03 AIM 996t e85. 06 x3 w/Meyers plow and winter daily. Prussian Motors is hiring!! prussianmotors.com/jobs
    Current e39t LS Turbo swap: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...LS-e39-Touring

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by Butters Stoch View Post
    How would those be on a manual ?
    Never used them on the manual but I do know they have softer sidewalls that a regular drag radial so is imagine they'd be a little easier on the driveline but ultimately a full slick is what worked for me on a manual

  23. #23
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    man live risky, put a 215 under it and ride haha no im just kidding. i haven't seen anyone fit anything bigger than a 275 with out extensive modding

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