slicks on stock 5.0?

895.0LX · 03-11-2009

is it stupid to put slicks on a stock 5.0? i hear all kinds of different opions. some people say thats one of the first things you should get to get your 1/4 times down a good amount and other people say there is no need for them on a stock 5.0 stang. can someone let me know if its dumb or not? i dont know if this matters but its a 89 5.0 lx 5 speed. thanks

302Feen · 03-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 895.0LX

is it stupid to put slicks on a stock 5.0? i hear all kinds of different opions. some people say thats one of the first things you should get to get your 1/4 times down a good amount and other people say there is no need for them on a stock 5.0 stang. can someone let me know if its dumb or not? i dont know if this matters but its a 89 5.0 lx 5 speed. thanks

You don't need full drag slicks on a stock or even mildly built 5.0. What you WOULD want is a set of drag radials... Mickey Thompson, Nitto, BFG just to name a few...

roostracing · 03-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 895.0LX

is it stupid to put slicks on a stock 5.0? i hear all kinds of different opions. some people say thats one of the first things you should get to get your 1/4 times down a good amount and other people say there is no need for them on a stock 5.0 stang. can someone let me know if its dumb or not? i dont know if this matters but its a 89 5.0 lx 5 speed. thanks

slicks is one of the first things i buy to improve my et's...i recommend some 3.73's to take advantage of the launch....

it is NOT a bad idea...some may argue about having your rear end built for a hard launch on slicks...mine is built BUT ive launched many cars on stock rear ends with no problems at all on slicks (87-93 5.0 cars...they have a narrower rear end compared to other year models)...look at my time in signature

rj8806 · 03-11-2009

While slicks will improve your E.T., you will break something on a stock setup. Slicks are made to bite. Bite creates shockload throughout the drivetrain. Shockload is what breaks stuff. On a stock 5.0, the u-joints are on it are a 1310 which is rated at 400ft/lbs. The T5 5 speed(assuming you are a 5 speed), is rated at best, 300 ft/lbs. When slicks bite and shockload goes up thru the driveline, something is going to break. It may not happen on the first launch or even the 2nd one, but it does weaken parts like the u-joints and tranny on just the first launch. Eventually, you will break something.

If you are planning on running full racing slicks, you really need to beef up the rear end, axles, u-joints and transmission to prevent possible breakage. Drag radials are a better option, IMO. They bite harder than street tires but not as hard as full on racing slicks. The chances of breaking something due to shock load on drag radials are diminished as compared to wrinkle wall slicks.

Good Luck.

Richard
Tech Support
Tremec TKO, T45 & T56 Transmission Systems

**RLG34750** · 03-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 895.0LX

is it stupid to put slicks on a stock 5.0? i hear all kinds of different opions. some people say thats one of the first things you should get to get your 1/4 times down a good amount and other people say there is no need for them on a stock 5.0 stang. can someone let me know if its dumb or not? i dont know if this matters but its a 89 5.0 lx 5 speed. thanks

I would not advice using slicks on a stock vehicle....

primarily because the stock parts are not capble of handling the driveline shock which equals broken axles....

my advice would be go with a drag radial......

895.0LX · 03-11-2009

ok great thanks a lot guys. how much will will i pick up in the 1/4 mile with drag radials?

Doc_G · 03-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 895.0LX

ok great thanks a lot guys. how much will will i pick up in the 1/4 mile with drag radials?

Depends on how well the track is prepped, how well you heat them up, and what air pressure you plan on running them at.

895.0LX · 03-12-2009

can we just say everything is like average? or is there no real telling untill you just do it

rugedraw · 03-12-2009

I've launched plenty of foxes on slicks with a stock rear with just a gear swap and had no problems. I would just reinforce the torque boxes; asides from that, you should be good to go until you are making a lot of power.

roostracing · 03-12-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by rugedraw

I've launched plenty of foxes on slicks with a stock rear with just a gear swap and had no problems. I would just reinforce the torque boxes; asides from that, you should be good to go until you are making a lot of power.

i agree with ya...ive raced fox bodies with full slicks....5k launches...stock rears....NEVER broke anything or seen one break...my cousin had an 88 gt with a 347...stock rear with 4.30's...went 12.2's on 5k launches and NEVER broke...350 rwhp

if it was a 99-04 stang id tell you DO NOT run slicks on stock rear end...ive seen those break all the time!!!

If you have the extra money build that rear end...if you dont i think you'll be fine...

your tranny will take a dump before your rear end will...

**RLG34750** · 03-12-2009

well i beg to differ i snapped an axle launching on slicks @ 3700 rpm

i just say slicks on a stock rear is a crap shoot.....

DRIVIN_MUSTANGS · 03-12-2009

I ve owned 7 different foxes from 87 to 93 all with man trans and the only thing I have ever busted are transmissions. I currently use a set of goodyear slicks and I have a set of BFG Drag radials and if you want to help assure a good run every time, run slicks. You are out there beatin your car anyway, just run it and when it breaks, fix it. My 87 with 127,677 mile on it that I have now, has the following mods, Sub-frame connectors, 3.73 gears, cold air intake, and slicks. I have had to replace the input and output grear clusters 3 times in 2 years with 35 1/4 mile runs and daily drivin to boot. I also replaced U-joints every year for good measure.

895.0LX · 03-13-2009

so it sounds to me like it doesnt matter if there slicks or just drag radials. what size slicks can i fit on my 5.0. the rims are 15's. i dont know how wide they are. normal stock size

**RLG34750** · 03-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 895.0LX

so it sounds to me like it doesnt matter if there slicks or just drag radials. what size slicks can i fit on my 5.0. the rims are 15's. i dont know how wide they are. normal stock size

they are a 15 x 7

you can put a 10.5 slick on the those .....

roostracing · 03-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 895.0LX

so it sounds to me like it doesnt matter if there slicks or just drag radials. what size slicks can i fit on my 5.0. the rims are 15's. i dont know how wide they are. normal stock size

id go with a slick...how wide is your wheel...is it a 15X8...if so i d recommend a 26 x 8.5 x 15 ET Drag

i have 15x10's 6.5 bs....and i'm running a 26x10x15 ET Drag

weld up your torque boxes at the very least...

mine are welded up, i have full length subframes, and managed a 1.64 60 ft like that....check out your bushings in the stock control arms and see how they look...