beadlocks are they necessary?

when do they become necessary?

Good question, I know a guy that runs 8.50's in the 1/4 without rimscrews. I think alot has to do on how you are setup.

if you run tubes screws are a must, if the rim is wider than the tread screws are a must. Beadlocks are not really needed until you have big big power IMO, but they wouldn't hurt much on a lower powered car, might cost a slight bit of 60' just due to the weight.......but that could be offset from the advantage they give. If your gonna do it get both sides done..................main factor is the cost.

Regardless of when they are actually "needed" or not, they sure do make it damn easy to swap out slicks anywhere you might be in little or no time. Sure beats working your ass off (or paying someone) to knock a slick bead loose from a conventional rim.

We had one local Outlaw Pro Mod guy that didn't use any beadlocks or rim screws on a conventional rim at all. Instead he use the inner wheel liners the Top Fuel & Funny car guys used to use years ago.

richter69 wrote:if you run tubes screws are a must, if the rim is wider than the tread screws are a must. Beadlocks are not really needed until you have big big power IMO, but they wouldn't hurt much on a lower powered car, might cost a slight bit of 60' just due to the weight.......but that could be offset from the advantage they give. If your gonna do it get both sides done..................main factor is the cost.

big power? would that include 1072 hp? in a 2400 pound car? I am concerned about Mahoney's rear tire blow out at over 170 mph.

yes ..... it definetly helps the stability of the sidewall/slick...i saw wade's car ..a total loss ...sure does suck

why did it blow out?

no one has said yet. he didn't have bead locks. I thought it was distorting the tires too much on launch but I am still a rookie and may be wrong
it was a beautiful car well made