# How much traction is too much? **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [July 13, 2005, 12:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786 "2005-07-13T12:55:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Z24Challenge](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z24challenge/32/7231_2.png) [@Z24Challenge](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Z24Challenge)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 12:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/1 "2005-07-13T12:55:03Z")
When I assclown on the street and dump the clutch anywhere between 2k and 4k, I spin more than I’d like. When I was at the track last night for my first time, I was slowly getting used to launching the car, and my highest launch was around 2k… and I had ZERO wheel spin. I’m running nitrogen filled street tires, @ IIRC 40psi. The traction was incredible. It made me want to launch harder and harder, but with better traction and harder launches, you can break parts, and my biggest concern, is my axles. So as the title implies, how far can I push my car before I snap an axle? I’m not trying to snap one, but I’d like to know my limits before I have to shell out another several 100 bucks for more new parts. ---
**Author:** ![MaximaSE98](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/maximase98/32/7600_2.png) [@MaximaSE98](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MaximaSE98)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 12:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/2 "2005-07-13T12:57:29Z")
u want just a lil bit of wheel spin that way u know ur launching with enough force to get off the line the best u can…only worry about axles if u run slicks…if ur spinning and not hopping u wont hurt axles as much as u think…to put it a better way DRAG RACING is not good on parts no matter what u do… ---
**Author:** ![Pass\_McGass](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pass_mcgass/32/7616_2.png) [@Pass\_McGass](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pass_McGass)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 12:59pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/3 "2005-07-13T12:59:51Z")
No matter what car you are driving and how much power you are putting down, repetative launches like that is going to break something. A cavalier wasnt really meant to be put up to the abuse that its getting now so id imagine they arent going to last much longer. Is there a big aftermarket in axels for your car? Id suggest getting some stronger ones if you plan on racing it much more. ---
**Author:** ![Z24Challenge](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z24challenge/32/7231_2.png) [@Z24Challenge](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Z24Challenge)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 1:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/4 "2005-07-13T13:02:42Z")
> [@Pass McGass](#): > > No matter what car you are driving and how much power you are putting down, repetative launches like that is going to break something. A cavalier wasnt really meant to be put up to the abuse that its getting now so id imagine they arent going to last much longer. Is there a big aftermarket in axels for your car? Id suggest getting some stronger ones if you plan on racing it much more. There are several options for axles… My car right now puts down between 130-140hp to the wheels. The aftermarket axles I remember, will handle up to 300hp. I believe there is another step up that’ll handle up to 500, but I could be wrong. ---
**Author:** ![MaximaSE98](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/maximase98/32/7600_2.png) [@MaximaSE98](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MaximaSE98)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 1:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/5 "2005-07-13T13:07:41Z")
my theory is worry about them when u break one…if u plan on doing serious power mods u may need to upgrade ---
**Author:** ![Pass\_McGass](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pass_mcgass/32/7616_2.png) [@Pass\_McGass](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pass_McGass)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 1:09pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/6 "2005-07-13T13:09:24Z")
> [@MaximaSE98](#): > > my theory is worry about them when u break one…if u plan on doing serious power mods u may need to upgrade your theory is to buy a heavy auto family sedan, have the chance to buy a different car that youve always wanted, but then settle for that same heavy family sedan instead. ---
**Author:** ![Z24Challenge](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z24challenge/32/7231_2.png) [@Z24Challenge](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Z24Challenge)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 1:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/7 "2005-07-13T13:11:36Z")
> [@MaximaSE98](#): > > my theory is worry about them when u break one…if u plan on doing serious power mods u may need to upgrade That’s what I was thinking… I’m actually going to go take a look to see how hard they are to replace. If it’s not too difficult, I’ll pick up a few spares when the opporunity arises 🙂 I’ve already done the wheel bearings, struts, strut mounts, brakes, etc… The only next step after what I’ve done, would be removing the axle from the transmission and installing a new one. IIRC, it’s fairly easy, you just have to pull the old axle, and put the new one in. EDIT: And I do plan on upgrading, I’d like to hit 9’s this year. I’ve done a 10.90 with 2 people in the car, with a little practice, I figure I can hit a 10.60-10.50. MAYBE a 10.40-10.30. Then with a few minors mods, I SHOULD be able to shave half a second off my time. I think colder air, engine mounts, and underdrive pulleys should get me there. ---
**Author:** ![Jack](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jack/32/7613_2.png) [@Jack](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jack)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 1:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/8 "2005-07-13T13:14:29Z")
I highly doubt your going to snap an axle with a “near stock” car. I’m not completely familiar with Cavys, so I don’t know for sure that the axles are the #1 limiting factor… but I think your clutch will check out long before your axles. I thought your car was new(er)… shouldn’t you have a warranty? ---
**Author:** ![Z24Challenge](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z24challenge/32/7231_2.png) [@Z24Challenge](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Z24Challenge)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 1:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/9 "2005-07-13T13:16:33Z")
> [@Jack](#): > > I highly doubt your going to snap an axle with a “near stock” car. I’m not completely familiar with Cavys, so I don’t know for sure that the axles are the #1 limiting factor… but I think your clutch will check out long before your axles. > > I thought your car was new(er)… shouldn’t you have a warranty? Well it’s a 2001, I already had to replace my struts, mounts AND wheel bearings… that might give you an idea how the quality of the car is. As far as a warranty, the car was purchased used from the dealer I worked at for $6900. I rolled over some $ from my truck, and didn’t think of a warranty myself, nor did the finance people offer one. ---
**Author:** ![MaximaSE98](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/maximase98/32/7600_2.png) [@MaximaSE98](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MaximaSE98)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 1:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/10 "2005-07-13T13:20:45Z")
> [@Pass McGass](#): > > your theory is to buy a heavy auto family sedan, have the chance to buy a different car that youve always wanted, but then settle for that same heavy family sedan instead. what car did u have a chance of buying but didnt… ---
**Author:** ![Z24Challenge](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z24challenge/32/7231_2.png) [@Z24Challenge](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Z24Challenge)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 6:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/11 "2005-07-13T18:34:35Z")
> [@MaximaSE98](#): > > what car did u have a chance of buying but didnt… I think he was asking you… ---
**Author:** ![MonteCarloChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@MonteCarloChick](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MonteCarloChick)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 6:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/12 "2005-07-13T18:54:12Z")
Heavy family sedan/coupe 4L ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 9:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/13 "2005-07-13T21:06:00Z")
> [@Z24Challenge](#): > > I’m running nitrogen filled street tires, @ IIRC 40psi. 40 psi sounds like too much pressure for any street tire. The more pressure you put in a tire the more it wears the center out. Most street tires on passenger vehicles are between 29-33 psi ---
**Author:** ![Z24Challenge](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z24challenge/32/7231_2.png) [@Z24Challenge](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Z24Challenge)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 9:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/14 "2005-07-13T21:11:44Z")
> [@JnJSpdShop](#): > > 40 psi sounds like too much pressure for any street tire. The more pressure you put in a tire the more it wears the center out. Most street tires on passenger vehicles are between 29-33 psi I’ll double check the new tires, my GoodYear RSA’s had a max pressure listed as 44psi. I’ll check them out and see where the pressure is, I might as well have Dunn Tire do it actually, those lazy pricks (Walden Ave. in Lancaster/Depew) Aligned my car, and never straightened my steering wheel. ---
**Author:** ![MaximaSE98](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/maximase98/32/7600_2.png) [@MaximaSE98](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MaximaSE98)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2005, 5:01am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/15 "2005-07-14T05:01:58Z")
just because the tire itself has a max pressure of 44psi dont mean u should run it i would stick to around 33psi…and for Pass McGrass i love my light family sedan…prolly weighs less than ur car ---
**Author:** ![BuickGN](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/buickgn/32/7200_2.png) [@BuickGN](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BuickGN)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2005, 6:14am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/16 "2005-07-14T06:14:40Z")
> [@Pass McGass](#): > > your theory is to buy a heavy auto family sedan, have the chance to buy a different car that youve always wanted, but then settle for that same heavy family sedan instead. nothing wrong with my heavy family sedan, matter of fact its pretty fast too ---
**Author:** ![Jack](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jack/32/7613_2.png) [@Jack](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jack)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2005, 6:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/17 "2005-07-14T06:24:39Z")
Check the inside of your driverside door for proper tire inflation. ---
**Author:** ![TrueBlue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/trueblue/32/7245_2.png) [@TrueBlue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TrueBlue)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2005, 7:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/18 "2005-07-15T07:22:13Z")
On street tires in a cav you’re more likely to either bog or spin, not snap parts. Spinning is obviously better than bogging, you can always feather the clutch to limit the wheelspin, but like Jack says, you’re going to give the clutch a pink slip before the halfshafts go. -T ---
**Author:** ![Daddie](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/daddie/32/7621_2.png) [@Daddie](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Daddie)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2005, 8:06am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/19 "2005-07-15T08:06:45Z")
Umm I’d rather break axles than something else you don’t have that much traction it was not incredible you pulled off 2.4+ 60 foots… 1.8 = incredible Yes, it is achievable with 130WHP ---
**Author:** ![Ninja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/53a042/32.png) [@Ninja](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Ninja)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2005, 11:08am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786/20 "2005-07-15T11:08:37Z")
As someone else had mentioned… Steel has a fatigue life… It will break after repeated abuse… not after some magical launch. Chances are you could launch all day long at the track, and wind up snapping it leaving a stop sign. We snapped a solid steal axle right in half on the UBSAE formula car… it was only after we took it off that we noticed the whole axle had stress marks running through it like a corkscrew… the whole axle twisted to the point of failure. We chalked it up to improper rear suspension setup causing unusually high forces through the axle. But my point is… it was happening over time… [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-much-traction-is-too-much/786.md?page=2)