Slick size??

Hello everyone,
First off here is what I drive:
84 F150: 3800 pounds
351W bored .30
9.88:1
Trick flow twisted wedge heads
Edelbrock performer RPM intake
Bigs 780VS stage 3.
HYD. Roller cam
5.30 intake lift with 221 duration
5.41 exhaust lift with 225 duration
Carter mechanical high volume fuel pump
C-6 trans with 2400 stall (will be getting a 3500 stall very soon)
9 inch 31 spline with Detroit locker 350 Richmond gears
Caltracs

My question is what is a good slick size to run and what size wheels would you recommend. I have a truck rear-end with a 5X5.5 bolt patten so racing wheels from what I have found is out of the question. I'm looking for your expertise on this. Thank you all.
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You'll want as much gear as possible at the track with a truck that heavy.

A buddy of mine with a half ton Chevy put a set of 26x8.5 slicks on his. They worked great. Looked a little funny with the short tires, but his truck (like yours) needed the shorter tire to be geared decent for track use.

You could put some low profile tires on an old set of wheels for the front if you want it to look level. [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Good Luck!
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So what you are saying getting a tire say 29 inches tall would make my gearing too high to be able to launch good. Even with a 3500 stall?? I tried some 26 inch slicks with my old set up and did look very funny. I guess if its fast who cares what it looks like. Keep the advise coming. Thanks
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Assuing a 28" tire normally, a 26" tire will give you an effective 3.76 ratio. A 29" tire will give you a 3.37 effective ratio. The converter should be designed to get the engine up on the cam and you gear should be picked to keep the engine in whatever that range is for max ET. Being that you may still need to drive around, compromise is what you end up with.

Another thought: 3500 stall with a tall tire and a 3.5 gear means that you'll be under the stall rating of the converter most of the time, even on the highway. That means extra heat being generated. If it's a true 3500, be sure you put a big trans cooler on it.

Thanks for the advise.

I have a B&M super cooler and a transmission pan with the cooling holes though it. Do you think this will be enough to keep the transmission fluid cool with a 3500 stall?

I think on the slicks I will look for some 26". I know it will look funny but what you've said makes good since. Thanks very much.
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