tubes and drag slicks

[party340]

Do you have to run inner tubes with slicks?

[dwc43]

Originally Posted by party340

Do you have to run inner tubes with slicks?

Yes, in most cases. Check your tire manf. they will tell you if you need them or not. IT's mostly a safety issue running such low pressures. We even use them in oval track cars for the same reason. Just baby powder the inside of the tire so the tube wont stick to the tire and your ready to go. You still need to run your rim screws too. If you'll check for slicks for sale at like SummitRacing where you can see a big list as one time you will see that most require tubes.

[dave571]

I'm going to say no tubes are needed


Most of the guys in my area don't run tubes(including me). When you get the slicks, use a paint brush and some green bottle dish soap. "Paint" the inside of the tire with the dish soap, and let it dry. Do a couple of coats. It won't leak and if the tire spins on the wheel, then bolt it on.

[cageman]

Dish soap huh, Ill have to try that on my hoosiers, they leak bad.

[TK]

The only slicks I ever had reccomended tubes, and I just baby powder'ed them. Tubes, Are becasue slicks are soft, and leaky, I hear...............

I wil run tubes, unless the manufacture said not to.

[Cudadrag]

I ran/run 11 to 15 inch slicks at 10-14 psi (depending on tire) and never run tubes. With today's radials tubes are not even a consideration. In the past tubes were needed but I truly believe them days are all but over.

IMHO I beleive tubes just add weight. When was the last time the Pro's used tubes?

We have had this arguement many times here. I still like my girls tubeless.

[Mr.Abuse]

Tubes?? You Don't need no stinken tubes!!
Sure, The tire co's are going to tell ya you need 'em.
They're In the biz of selling tires and tubes..
And if you don't buy 'em, What the he!! are they gonna do with'em??

[BDS 871 Cuda]

Just say no!
No tubes here.
At $50-$80 each, you can put that money to better use.

[party340]

Awsome. No tubes it is. Another quick question. Do I need to run a pinion snubber with SS springs or will the springs alone be ok? The car is a 4 speed with 14x8x24.5 slicks.

[Mr.Abuse]

Definetely use a pinion snubber..You should also weld 1/8 inch plate over the factory snubber plate..I'd recommend 1/2 inch clearance between the plate and snubber..

[Slingshot383]

OK, here is The Deal with tubes and slicks. #1 they give more reliability. #2 they help with tire growth (free mph downtrack). #3 at low tire pressures (5psi or so) and a hard launcing car that really wads the tires, it is possible to pinch them. #4 if tire slips on rim, possible to break valvestem. #5 they slightly increase unsprung weight.