True the added spinning weight could slow the car. But it's also true that one of the benefits of beadlocks (a little stiffer sidewalls) could improve traction & ET's depending on the car's needs.

So there is no way to know for sure if "every" car would/wouldn't benefit from them ET wise. This is one of those deals where you won't know for sure until you try them.

 

My door car was .10 slower in the 1/8th with bead locks. It was a 2200 lb car running 4.90s. A friend of mine had a brand X car that went 4.86 with beadlocks. He took them off (next pass) and installed regular wheels and went 4.78. Passes were within 1 hour of each other and the track temp, air temp, altitiude was very close for both passes. Needless to say he sold the beadlocks on racingjunk the next week.

 

Most time the bead locks are slower .05-.08, but they seem to be smoother.

 

I guess what im asking is are beadlocks worth the extra dollars for piece of mind and safety. I only plan on running mid 8 second times so would they be overkill for this project.

 

Well the more stable sidewall is definitely a safety benefit.

But another big plus with beadlocks is you can easily get the slicks on/off the rim without needing a tire machine like a you do with a conventional rim. The down side is having to remove/install all the many, many beadlock screws to remove the slicks,.......but that's where air tools or a cordless drill really shine.