Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial
Unlock serious straight-line performance with a DOT-legal drag radial you can run on the street. The Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial uses a sticky compound and low-void tread to put down a broad contact patch for hard launches and repeatable grip. Steel-belted radial construction maintains high-speed stability and predictable handling on the drive to and from the track. If cutting better 60-foot times without sacrificing street manners is the goal, this tire delivers the street and strip balance enthusiasts want, provided the setup and pressures are dialed in.
Key features that make the ET Street Radial hook
Built for straight-line traction, the ET Street Radial pairs a soft, high-grip compound with a wide, low-void tread to create a stable footprint at launch. Steel-belted radial construction improves on-road stability and steering feedback compared with bias-ply options, and the DOT stamp lets you legally drive to test-and-tune nights. Tuned sidewall compliance helps absorb the hit without feeling vague around town. Warmed and aired to your combo, it delivers confident bite, clean rollout, and consistent passes.
Real-world performance and setup tips
For street use, begin at the door-jamb recommendation and adjust only within safe limits to preserve stability and even wear. At the strip, many rear-drive cars respond in the mid-teens to low 20s psi, with heavier vehicles often needing a touch more pressure for stability. Do a short, controlled burnout to clean and warm the tread, and avoid excessive heat that shortens life. Expect best bite after a couple of heat cycles, apply throttle smoothly to prevent spin, and tune pressure in small increments while watching 60-foot times. Grip drops in cold or wet conditions, so drive conservatively and avoid near-freezing temperatures.
Sizes and fitment guidance
Popular ET Street Radial sizes for street and strip builds include 275/60R15, 305/45R17, and 315/50R17. Verify wheel diameter, approved rim width, overall diameter, and section width against your available space at ride height and full compression. On lowered or mini-tubbed cars, measure inner frame and outer lip clearance carefully. Match rear tire diameter to your gearing and transmission so the engine carries the powerband through the traps, and confirm the manufacturer's spec sheet before ordering.
Pricing and how to buy
Pricing for the ET Street Radial varies by size and wheel diameter, and larger or specialty fitments typically cost more. Plan on a matched rear pair, fresh valve stems, and professional mounting and balancing. Check date codes for fresh inventory and verify load index and speed rating meet your needs. If you split time between street and track, weigh expected tread life and climate, consider road-hazard coverage if offered, and schedule a post-install alignment to protect your investment.
ET Street Radial vs. ET Street R and S/S
The ET Street Radial aims for the street and strip sweet spot, combining DOT legality and streetable manners with drag-focused traction. ET Street R leans harder toward track performance with a stickier compound and minimal tread void, which usually means faster short times but less wet-road confidence and shorter life. ET Street S/S tilts toward daily use with more tread and improved wet stability while still working at the strip. Choose based on how often you race, the weather you see, and whether you drive or trailer the car.
ET Street Radial vs. ET Street R
If every tenth counts, the ET Street R typically offers more bite at the hit thanks to a stickier compound and ultra-low-void tread. The trade is reduced wet traction and faster wear. The ET Street Radial maintains better road manners and stability while still delivering strong launches when warmed and aired correctly. For cars driven to the track that may encounter damp pavement, the Radial is often the more versatile choice.
ET Street Radial vs. ET Street S/S
ET Street S/S adds more tread pattern and wet-road stability for frequent street use, yet it can still deliver at the drag strip. ET Street Radial leans further toward dry launch performance with a wider, lower-void footprint. If your commute or weather is varied, the S/S usually offers broader usability. If maximum dry hook with DOT legality is the priority, the ET Street Radial is the more focused option.
Installation, break-in, and care
Have a shop experienced with drag radials mount the tires to protect the beads. After installation, perform a gentle heat cycle, bring them up to temperature during a moderate drive, then let them cool completely before hard passes. At the track, use a brief burnout to clean and warm the tread, since long burnouts can glaze the surface and cut life. Check pressures cold and hot with a quality gauge, re-torque lugs after 25 to 50 miles, store the tires cool and dark away from ozone, and avoid extended use in cold or rainy conditions.
