It’s easy to put off upgrading your tires, especially if you already run a high-performance tire full-time. There are some really good reasons to upgrade to racing tires if you are spending time at the track, though. There are also some good reasons to upgrade from entry-level slicks to high performance racing tires after a big investment like a new LS3 engine.
1. Better Performance at the Track
If you’re looking to move up places and make a better showing at track events, racing tires are a must-have. They’re designed for controlled environments with high racing speeds. They’re also built for the higher heat caused by the increased friction from racing speeds.
2. Safer Handling at Higher Speeds
Track tires are designed to give you better control at speeds that everyday tires like your vehicle’s OEM options won’t even tolerate. For track environments, they are even higher performing than high performance all terrain tires you might use for street racing or everyday driving when you tend to rack up miles. That increased control means you are safer, not just placing better.
3. Time To Specialize
Some tires are meant for street racing. Some are best for events that call for consistent performance across multiple laps of a maintained track. Then there are drag racing wheels designed to do their best with the stresses of sudden acceleration.
If you have been running entry-level racing slicks or high-performance all-terrain tires, it might just be time to develop your vehicle in the direction of your favorite events. There is also something to be said for maintaining multiple sets of tires and rotating to the best one for any given competition.
4. Help Your Performance Tires Last Longer
Great street tires might be able to handle the speeds you push at the track if you’re shopping the cutting edge of current design, but you’ll run them down quickly. Even when they can tolerate racing speeds, they’re meant to run closer to everyday driving speeds most of the time. Investing in a good set of racing slicks means you get to reduce the wear on your daily driving tire set so it lasts longer.
5. Support Your Engine Upgrades
If you increase your vehicle’s performance by increasing its engine output but you still have stock tires, brakes, and suspension, you can’t actually make full use of its capabilities. Even if the engine puts out more power, you simply don’t have the control to channel it. Upgrading those key components alongside your engine and fuel system upgrades will let you get the most out of everything from your new crate engine to your EFI conversion kit.
Plan Your Build, Build Your Plan
There is no one best way to approach your upgrade goals when you’re shaping a car for higher and higher performance. The key is a balanced rotation between power, handling, increased safety, and support functions like fuel delivery. It’s not a bad idea to wait a little while on racing tires, especially if you have been testing your upgrades on the street. Sooner or later, though, it’s going to be the best way to get the performance you want from your car. Ask yourself, is it time?