16x8 rims for drag radials

[PAracer]

Could anyone tell me what the backspace is on a slicer rim? I measured 4.75". Does that seem right? The reason I ask is that I am looking for a 16x8 rim to use for drag radials. What I have found is this: http://www.circleracing.com/Merchan...e_Code=CR&Product_Code=11680&Category_Code=16
How much backspace can I get away with before I run into problems with strut interference? 5.25-5.5", or more?

I plan to use a 255/50-16 BF Goodrich tire. I don't plan to drive to the track with them on the car, so I'm not too concerned about the tires sticking out of the fenders.

Price is a concern for me, this is why I'm not buying something fancy. $80 per wheel and $140 per tire is all I am willing to spend for something that will see less than 25 miles of use a year.

EDIT: I see that Nitto also has a 16" DR that is a little shorter than the BFG. 245/50-16 to be exact. That is another viable option for a similar price.

Please insert opinions below...

 

[drivinhard]

Mike back when I used to drag race the 89, once I started using slicks, radials seemed to be a waste of time. You could find some cheap 16x7 or 7.5" wheels and put on some Hoosier QTP 26x16x9.5 on there. Because the SHO has so much rearward weight transfer, you can't plant them into the track hard, so don't worry about any "violent" drivetrain backlash. I found the opposite, the radials were much harder on the drivetrain, vs with the slicks. Just have a good clutch, and good axles.

I sold them to Josh T. when I got done with them, and it's what put his car into the 12's

 

[PAracer]

Believe it or not, this is being done to my 93 ATX. The stripper 92 will never see a drag strip. I suppose that your saying the flexible sidewall of a slick tire absorbes the shock of a hard launch.

Are these tires the ones that Josh had mounted on gen III rims? Were you using a tube with those tires?

 

[K-Dawg]

I think MT's new DR is available in a 255/50/16. I've heard that they're even better than the Nitto DR which I've had and heard of nothing but good experiences with.

I might have to get a set of those Circle Racing wheels for autoX.

 

[PAracer]

Based on what Mark has said, I may go with the Hoosiers on Gen III rims or some other cheap aftermarket rims.

$80 for a 16x8 rim is hard to pass on even though they are a little heavier than a slicer. Circle also makes the 16x8 in aluminum for $280. The shipping weight of the alum. wheel is 14.3 lbs. Let's hear it for REAL racing wheels