BillBoards and MY TEST DRIVE!!! Way different!

[Fred Z]

I have been a Roadster owner for the last 6+ years. I built a nice, very high end FFR. I went with all the best equipment possible with the exclusion of tires. I read and read and read every thread and asked many folks what worked best for the ride, but also the look. I went with BFGs as they last, look and drive as good as most. This is with exception to anything other than 15" dia tires. I had helped in the beginning getting Avons on board but never went with them as I just wanted more bulging sidewalls for the look.
Recently I redid my car, putting a brand new body on with the Paint job by the "Batman", Jeff Miller. Car is sweet but missing something. Which brings me to the BB's. I heard and read how they ride weird, hunt the streets and flat spot and more. It kept me away until now. I pulled the trigger and went with them....knowing what I should expect to deal with. Result:
they never wander,,,,never hunt....never lose drivability and so far...no flat spotting. I am blown away! Had I known this was the ride I would have had them 6 years ago. Now, maybe I have a unique set...but I doubt it. Even my tire specialist warned me. He balanced them and put them on and I have to tell you....they are awesome! I don't have power steering nor brakes...didn't want them. But what might I be missing here? I drove curves...I took them on the lined freeways at over 100mph....drove them on bad roads just to over do the test....I tried to actually get them to 'hunt' ...they rode no different than the BFGs. Anyway, I am taking the time to let others who may be thinking of BBs and helping them with a different take on them. I will post a pic below for your satisfaction and proof.
thanks for all who helped.
fred

[vatdevil]

A bias tire has stiffer sidewalls which provide a harder ride, transmitt more vibrations, and less tire contact with the road when cornering. Bias tires do offer more warning at traction limit, require less negative camber, and give more feedback. They operate at higher slip angles, which can make them feel sloppy on entering corners. Radial tires tend to follow wheeltracks while bias tires will try to climb out (wandering). Bias tires arent bad but different than radials. Good racing radials are closer to bias design than radial(stiffer sidewalls). But ANYTHING is better than the crap BFGs you had.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by vatdevil

A bias tire has stiffer sidewalls which provide a harder ride, transmitt more vibrations, and less tire contact with the road when cornering. Bias tires do offer more warning at traction limit, require less negative camber, and give more feedback. They operate at higher slip angles, which can make them feel sloppy on entering corners. Radial tires tend to follow wheeltracks while bias tires will try to climb out (wandering). Bias tires arent bad but different than radials. Good racing radials are closer to bias design than radial(stiffer sidewalls). But ANYTHING is better than the crap BFGs you had.

Glad you are liking them and glad you are no longer wearing BFG's. It is an amazing difference. Did you have the car corner-balanced? Next to tires, that can also make a huge difference. At least it did for me.

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by vatdevil

A bias tire has stiffer sidewalls which provide a harder ride, transmitt more vibrations

I had no idea. I figured it was the other way around. Bias walls like on BBs and drag tires appear so thin and flexible.

And no flatspots?? You SURE you have BBs?

[twin turbo]

The BB's are not street legal. If you ever get in an accident with them and insurance finds out about your tires, well, good luck on that.

Great looking car. Cheers.

[ACademic]

Originally Posted by twin turbo

The BB's are not street legal. If you ever get in an accident with them and insurance finds out about your tires, well, good luck on that.

I've yet to read or hear of ONE instance where this was true. Plus, by insuring a Cobra/limited use vehicle through the smaller independent insurers, they accept the BB's. Heck, you usually have to mail them photos of the car and if they still insure, then it's on THEM for seeing the photos and agreeing to insure/stated value thereafter.

x2 on posting the caster settings by the OP.

[twin turbo]

Academic, I used to be an automotive insurance agent, and fail to see the logic in your points. I'll refrain from making a more critical response. I don't want to drag down this thread.

Fred's not worried about it, so that's all that matters. Beautiful car Fred, those tires do look good. Cheers.

[mickmate]

When they are new they ride better and don't flat spot so bad. If you run them with plenty of caster it make for heavier low speed steering but they drive and track nicely. Any idea what your wheel alignment specs are? They look awesome on your car it sits really nicely.

[Fred Z]

Thanks for cool words
Nope, not handy on specs for alignment but was planning on slight toe in but didn't as they ride fine. No vibrations, not hunting and corner nice. Can't explain it but these are from Roger K! These are not blue streaks and they ARE Eagles, if it helps u to know more. I will reiterate.......heard all the scaries and even guy at RK said to be careful , they do this and do that! I was prepared for the dirge of the ride. NOPE, NADA, THEY R SWEET.
Now, as I said on FFR site....not advertising you get what I got, but I just ordered simple and put em on! Some of u asked about the car specs:
550 hp and same torque, IRS and coil overs, etc. Nov, '06 built and just coming up on 35k. So, in case someone wondered if I am out of touch w the car, u know I am not.
I will put up a few more pics for your review
Hope this just helps some who have been considering.....
295 rear, 245 front

[BMK]

Yes I run the Billboards on my Kirkham and agree the difference in day to day driving is not that noticeable.

I also have a set if Avons. Obviously the Avons give me a feeling of better handling in corners and they hang on - tread and compound.

The Billboards are difficult to repair if you pick up a nail as rag tyres are not suitable for normal plug type repairs. Tyre shops are very reluctant to touch them. After picking up a nail, I went to two shops before one agreed to touch it. Then only after I convinced him it was a show car tyre.

I also find the Billboards a little noisy on smooth highway surfaces - luckily our roads are rough goat tracks ..

But damnn they look good...

[vatdevil]

What are the tire sizes you installed?

[snakebiteforu]

Hi Fred,
Would like to add to your positive feedback on BB's. My Backdraft came w/17" wheels and radial Goodyears. It would take very little to spin the tires. Changed the tires to Nitto radials. Little improvement but never liked the look of a low profile tire on this type of vehicle. Last Oct, had a chance to obtain 15" knock off rims that work on a Backdraft and decided to bite the bullet. Heard the same stories that you mentioned about BB's. Maybe, I'm lucky too...I love my BB's!
I will get some vibration when the BB's are cold, however they smooth out when they warm up. Traction and handling is awesome! And the look does not get much better.

[Fred Z]

Yep, they are nice in the eyes !
Never notice noisier, but that's me. Repairs wise.... Carry some tire fill in the trunk and hope it works. True , could be one issue to consider but always something in life!
My sizes are 295 rear a d 245 front

In reply to some comments.... I tried installing MT 's but didn't like the fill
in the wheel well. You all can determine for yourselves the value of these
tires vs options. All I am saying... Is I was swayed by comments and impressions and once
I went forward I was amazed at the diff from expected!! That's all!
I know the DOT thng and no one cares. I know what radials supposedly
do and what diff there is in these bias plies. Regardless.... I just am passing
on my own experience for those who have been wanting to go this direction
I don't know as much as most members here and never suggested I did
They just gave me a pleasant surprize and would have pulled the trigger long ago had I known
Have fun whatever you choose

[lovehamr]

Fred, hows the grip compared to your last tires?

Snakebite, where did you get your knock-off 15s for your BDR? I'd love to have a set myself.

[Mongoose930]

I was concerned about my BB's not being DOT approved. I have it in writing from Classic Collectors / Infinity that my coverage will not be affected by running the Billboards. I don't think any of our wheels are DOT approved either...

[1985 CCX]

I LOVE MY BB's.........

1) Safer than BFG's (had them = scary)
2) Grip is great
3) Handling is above average...

Blue streaks are awesome too.
Avon's are great I hear, never drove on them. Kevin has a point that pin drive wheels are also not a std DOT used today. These are specialty cars and that said are not standard in options.

I would argue a light car like a Cobra is not safely served with tires typically peddled in the market today.

[Fred Z]

Roger Kraus Racing - Pricing

Here is the site I got my tires from.

[Tutosnake]

Originally Posted by Fred Z

I have been a Roadster owner for the last 6+ years. I built a nice, very high end FFR. I went with all the best equipment possible with the exclusion of tires. I read and read and read every thread and asked many folks what worked best for the ride, but also the look. I went with BFGs as they last, look and drive as good as most. This is with exception to anything other than 15" dia tires. I had helped in the beginning getting Avons on board but never went with them as I just wanted more bulging sidewalls for the look.
Recently I redid my car, putting a brand new body on with the Paint job by the "Batman", Jeff Miller. Car is sweet but missing something. Which brings me to the BB's. I heard and read how they ride weird, hunt the streets and flat spot and more. It kept me away until now. I pulled the trigger and went with them....knowing what I should expect to deal with. Result:
they never wander,,,,never hunt....never lose drivability and so far...no flat spotting. I am blown away! Had I known this was the ride I would have had them 6 years ago. Now, maybe I have a unique set...but I doubt it. Even my tire specialist warned me. He balanced them and put them on and I have to tell you....they are awesome! I don't have power steering nor brakes...didn't want them. But what might I be missing here? I drove curves...I took them on the lined freeways at over 100mph....drove them on bad roads just to over do the test....I tried to actually get them to 'hunt' ...they rode no different than the BFGs. Anyway, I am taking the time to let others who may be thinking of BBs and helping them with a different take on them. I will post a pic below for your satisfaction and proof.
thanks for all who helped.
fred

That's a good looking car you have there...
Tuto

[REAL 1]

Perhaps it's your warmer temps in California that allow the BB to behave right off the bat. In NJ my BB are a little squirely until they warm up. After they warm they are great.

[Fred Z]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some of you have PM'd me and asked for updates on the tires. I got enough to just take a moment and relate here, my further experience!
Quite a few drives since installing and lots of different traveled roads. I push it from time to time and early last morning I had an open freeway. (yes, occasionally there is an open drive here in CA, amazingly)...and while cars were all traveling round 80+ It seemed appropriate to pedal it up to speed....say 110ish....for testing purposes, of course! All I can say is these things are FUNNNNNN! Great in corners, speeds and drivability. I am not saying or poopooing anyone's other experience, just giving my own. I drive a lot, really a lot, and I love them more than before. Maybe occasional 'searching' but rare and no big at all! Probably doesn't sit long enough to flat spot so don't know. Going soon to Nitrogen just because no reason not to and few reasons to!
Make your own assessments, use mine to guide but not decide! I have decent roads here but not pristine as none are. But the drive is still very surprising to me, and wish I had not waited. Plus, the look of those billowy sidewalls just 'makes it'.
Yep, not DOT, Yep, could be dangerous but not sure how, yep they toss rocks...believe it, but only inside wells at this point. Yep, they suck!! NOT!!!!
have at it.....flame me if you like....I can not get away from you without issue....they stick!

fred z PS...happy belated 4th to you all and hope you are all safe. Oh, yes....I run the flag on my passenger seat....EVERY DAY.