[vtirocz]

Originally Posted by GearheadSS

The problem with magazine tests like that is they weren't done on the same day, by the same driver, under the same conditions. Magazine tests like that have zero effect on my tire buying decision.

We don't know if the tires were new or if they had already been thrashed after a few hot laps. Magazine cars usually go through several tests by a lot of different people.

ALL magazine tests that I've seen showed the same trend though. I'd agree if it was one single datapoint, but the accelerations results (even between different magazines) are consistent. Also, the test site is consistent for the instrumented acceleration tests (at least for MT and C&D it is) and the same drivers conduct the testing. Typically it's Chris Walton for MT and the C&D test sheets list the driver (usually one of 3 drivers), but I don't see those sheets posted anymore. The day would definitely be different, but if you look at the link I posted above, when they tested the 2016 Camaro SS, it recorded the exact same (down to the tenth) acceleration time after break-in and at 40k (obviously different days), so results are consistent.

[GearheadSS]

Originally Posted by vtirocz

ALL magazine tests that I've seen showed the same trend though. I'd agree if it was one single datapoint, but the accelerations results (even between different magazines) are consistent. Also, the test site is consistent for the instrumented acceleration tests (at least for MT and C&D it is) and the same drivers conduct the testing. Typically it's Chris Walton for MT and the C&D test sheets list the driver (usually one of 3 drivers), but I don't see those sheets posted anymore. The day would definitely be different, but if you look at the link I posted above, when they tested the 2016 Camaro SS, it recorded the exact same (down to the tenth) acceleration time after break-in and at 40k (obviously different days), so results are consistent.

Wider tires will increase acceleration in most cases. If they didn't help overall performance, then all of the world's car manufacturers wouldn't put wider tires on their max performance models.

[vtirocz]

Originally Posted by GearheadSS

Wider tires will increase acceleration in most cases. If they didn't help overall performance, then all of the world's car manufacturers wouldn't put wider tires on their max performance models.

I tend to agree with this, but the data for this specific comparison shows a significant benefit in lateral grip/handling #s and really no measurable difference in straight line acceleration.

[foshjowler]

Originally Posted by vtirocz

The original poster asked specifically about the benefits of going from the SS rear wheel/tire (275 section width) to the SS 1LE rear wheel/tire (305 section width). There's a ton of data on this now from all the magazine tests that have run both cars. I don't think I've seen ANY instrumented tests where the SS 1LE was measurably faster in a straight line (which is what the OP is inquiring about) than the SS. If you have data that suggests otherwise (specifically between SS and SS 1LE), please share it.

Here's one example of comparison data showing the acceleration times virtually identical, despite the 1LE being on a stickier compound:

2016 SS manual tested by Car and Driiver:
0-60: 4.0
1/4 mile: 12.3 @ 118mph
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...m-test-review/

2017 SS 1LE tested by Car and Driver:
0-60: 4.1
1/4 mile: 12.4 @ 116 mph
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...d-test-review/

I wonder if the extra rolling resistance from the wider/stickier tires had anything to with the slightly slower times of the 1LE. I'm also willing to accept that .1 second and 2 mph is within a certain margin of error, especially since I assume these weren't done on the same day at the same time.

Maybe straight-line acceleration just isn't the SC3's forte, because conventional wisdom would say that a wider and stickier tire should result in better launches.

[vtirocz]

Originally Posted by foshjowler

I wonder if the extra rolling resistance from the wider/stickier tires had anything to with the slightly slower times of the 1LE. I'm also willing to accept that .1 second and 2 mph is within a certain margin of error, especially since I assume these weren't done on the same day at the same time.

Maybe straight-line acceleration just isn't the SC3's forte, because conventional wisdom would say that a wider and stickier tire should result in better launches.

I think the 0.1 difference is definitely just run to run variation and I would classify those two results as the same. My only point is that there didn't seem to be any significant measurable difference between the two tires. As mentioned, lateral grip is a different story where there's a huge difference.

[Apex Wheels]

Tire compound is far more important than size in this case. If you like your current wheels, consider grabbing a more performance oriented compound in the size you need. If you want to change up the look, now is the time to and grab wider wheels and tires.

Something that is often overlooked is selecting the correct compound/type of tire for the driving that you'll be doing. Many of the popular max performance summer tires do not work well on the street in temps under 60-70*. They will spin under full throttle unless warmed up to temp. If you are just driving around town and majority of your trips are under 30 minutes, consider a less aggressive summer tire or even some of the newer high performance all seasons. They will be in their optimal temp range more of the time.

Tires are like brake pads, there is no single pad or tire that can do everything well. There will always be a compromise. Determine where and how you want them to perform best, and then look for something in that category.

[Markoz28]

I’m a person that wants the most of all aspects. I would go with a 305 that has a good compound like a PS4S. I like the way wider tires look. Going with a 275 will make your car look like a base model. The wider tire will put more contact to the ground but again the tread pattern has a lot to do with that as well.

For reference I have a 325/30/20 Toyo R888R. This is the widest tire I feel I can safely run on the car. The width makes the car look amazing! The compound is 100 so pretty soft so it hooks better than any street tire I could find. My car tho make 780whp and 800wtq so I need all I can get. This might be too big for you as the added mass will make the car have to use more power in order to turn them.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by APEXRaceParts

Tire compound is far more important than size in this case. If you like your current wheels, consider grabbing a more performance oriented compound in the size you need. If you want to change up the look, now is the time to and grab wider wheels and tires.

Something that is often overlooked is selecting the correct compound/type of tire for the driving that you'll be doing. Many of the popular max performance summer tires do not work well on the street in temps under 60-70*. They will spin under full throttle unless warmed up to temp. If you are just driving around town and majority of your trips are under 30 minutes, consider a less aggressive summer tire or even some of the newer high performance all seasons. They will be in their optimal temp range more of the time.

Tires are like brake pads, there is no single pad or tire that can do everything well. There will always be a compromise. Determine where and how you want them to perform best, and then look for something in that category.

For traction, yes. Tire compound and alignment specs will have the biggest traction benefits.

For lateral grip and cornering, is where going wider has the biggest benefit. The 1LE is meant to be the track version of the SS, track means corners and higher lateral G's. Also with wider tires, you can also dial in more negative camber.

As others have said, wider is better for handling, not straight line increases.

[MrChrisLS3]

Originally Posted by Kerry

I have an ss I have compared tires wider is better. Put the 255s on the back and the 275s on the front and tell me it dont spin way more. Some people, O well Im done with this. Different cars different days is no comparison. Tell me why they put wide tires on a drag car? Why bother at all? Have a nice nice day and enjoy spinning lol. Thats ok the questions are rhetorical ha

Totally missing the point. Let's simplify, would you rather have a 305 all season tire, or a 275 drag radial? Which to you think will provide better traction at launch on a drag strip?

Now, yes, if we're comparing tire width assuming the same compound, i.e. a 275 dr and a 305 dr, then yes, the 305 would be better.

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by Kerry

I have an ss I have compared tires wider is better. Put the 255s on the back and the 275s on the front and tell me it dont spin way more.

Have you actually run your car that way - as part of an instrumented comparison test - or are you just guessing/assuming solely because 275 is a bigger number than 255?

Tell me why they put wide tires on a drag car?

Does it matter if drag car tires are wider because the compound is softer or if the compound is being made softer because the tire is made wider?


Norm

[MrChrisLS3]

Originally Posted by foshjowler

I wonder if the extra rolling resistance from the wider/stickier tires had anything to with the slightly slower times of the 1LE. I'm also willing to accept that .1 second and 2 mph is within a certain margin of error, especially since I assume these weren't done on the same day at the same time.

Maybe straight-line acceleration just isn't the SC3's forte, because conventional wisdom would say that a wider and stickier tire should result in better launches.

Originally Posted by vtirocz

The original poster asked specifically about the benefits of going from the SS rear wheel/tire (275 section width) to the SS 1LE rear wheel/tire (305 section width). There's a ton of data on this now from all the magazine tests that have run both cars. I don't think I've seen ANY instrumented tests where the SS 1LE was measurably faster in a straight line (which is what the OP is inquiring about) than the SS. If you have data that suggests otherwise (specifically between SS and SS 1LE), please share it.

Here's one example of comparison data showing the acceleration times virtually identical, despite the 1LE being on a stickier compound:

2016 SS manual tested by Car and Driiver:
0-60: 4.0
1/4 mile: 12.3 @ 118mph
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...m-test-review/

2017 SS 1LE tested by Car and Driver:
0-60: 4.1
1/4 mile: 12.4 @ 116 mph
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...d-test-review/

Originally Posted by vtirocz

I think the 0.1 difference is definitely just run to run variation and I would classify those two results as the same. My only point is that there didn't seem to be any significant measurable difference between the two tires. As mentioned, lateral grip is a different story where there's a huge difference.

I too would call a .1 difference a wash for the most part. If it were a consistent result it be mainly the result of the wider tires in front, which on the non driven wheels equates to rolling resistance in a straight line. Also considering the slight increase in mass and weight of the bigger wheel/tire combo.

In a straight line you want maximum traction on the driven wheels, and minimum resistance on the non-driven wheels. That's why when you bought a new Dodge Demon, it came with a set of skinnies for the front.