10.5 vs. 10.5W

Can anyone here tell me the width difference between 10.5 W slicks and regular 10.5s? Thanks!! Ted

MOSTLY SECTION WIDTH.

Never used them myself so can't say for sure, but was always told the 10.5W has a stiff sidewall too.

Thanks!

The W slick is 13.6 section width on a 29.5 tread width is 11.2

29.5 non W stiffwall is section width 13.2 and 10.2 tread width
a regular 29.5 is 13.1 section width and 10.2 tread width.

Hope this helps. This is with Mickey Thompson

But a 31 x 10.5W, the section width jumps up to 14.5 and tread width goes to 10.8

10.5W comes in both flavors. Regular and stiff wall

Mine are 31x10.5W...

those are the big ones, not as big as the 33 jumbos but only come one way.
31 x 10.5W, the section width jumps up to 14.5 and tread width goes to 10.8

The sidewalls bulge out as you know. There is no option with that size slick.

A lot of NSS guys run the W because it is a wide tire, more than 10.5, but still has the 10.5 sidewall designation that is required.

The W is a big tire, for sure.

I've run both the 10.5 and 10.5W, the W is about an inch wider, pretty much the same as an 11.5 tire which I have also run. If you don't need the 10.5 designation there is no advantage from running an 11.5 tire.

Thanks! I am thinking about going to a plain 10.5... If I can get a driver..

This can be confusing. Mickey Thompson has several flavors of 10.5W slicks:
28x10.5W tread width 10.9"
29x10.5W 11.2
31.25x10.5W 10.8
33x10.5W 11.2
Section widths vary but can be adjusted by using a narrower rim than suggested by the tire manufacturer. This comes as a caveat - cupping of the tread with less contact patch. There's nothing wrong with a non-W slick but run a 10-12 rim width with the the tallest tire having the tread width you desire. A 29" diameter tire with 10" tread with has a larger contact patch than a 28" diameter slick with the same tread width. Same applies for a W tire. The NHRA stockers run the tallest 9" wide slick they can fit for this very reason. You need to do the math for tire diameter that matches your desired maximum safe piston speed and finish line RPM. Rim offset for clearance combined with section width is at your discretion. Also a stiff sidewall is probably best for a heavy or high horsepower ride. I run a 31.25x10.5W non stiff in 2675# Coronet, on a 12" wide wheel,but only to meet the 10.5 NSS tire tread limit. In all honesty I don't need more tire. It runs 9.30's with a very mild engine. Don't over tire - it's just more unsprung weight. If l you find that a regular 10.5 or 10.5W is too soft, you can always add tubes rather than go to a stiff tire.

Keep the W's if they fit.

[i][/i]

Isn’t that a hard call to make without knowing rim width?

M/T 33X16 10.5W's here! They actually measure about 11-3/4 on the tread. Fantastic tires! I used to not like the look of them but that has done a 180. Love them!

Pretty sure Ted runs a 10" wide rim. I'd rather run a 12" wide rim on that tire. I'll take the stiff sidewalls all day long, as the sidewalls will take the most beating, and be long gone before the tread is.

I have a 10" wheel and run tubes. It's a real PITA to take the tires off and I would like somebody to drive a couple of no prep events for me.

I ran both the stiff w, and the standard 10.5. No debate for me on which one is the best. The w tire is better by far (as far as down track handling and traction) I felt that the standard sidewall did launch pretty comparable to the w. Never worked to much on chassis for the standard tire. Didn’t really care for the sway down track.
I would suggest keeping the w... especially considering the fact that you are planning on using it in a situation that is likely to cause some “track induced” yaw!

I run the 31x10.5w on 10" rim with tubes. Been 1.240 footbrake. I also tested the 10.5x29.5s. Not much difference. Car is very stable at 150, no sway. 13.5 psi
Doug

My buddies run 29x10.5W tires on 10" wheels.I have the same tires stretched on to 12" wide wheels and they look huge under my car. Much more sectional width on 12" wheels.