15" Avon CR6ZZ compared to 17" performance tires

[RodKnock]

Personally, I think those 18" wheels and tires mounted on a Cobra turns that/a Cobra into a caricature of a Cobra. Say, like the "Hot Wheels" version of a Cobra.

But to each his (or her) own.

[Detroit Bill]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Personally, I think those 18" wheels and tires mounted on a Cobra turns that/a Cobra into a caricature of a Cobra. Say, like the "Hot Wheels" version of a Cobra.

But to each his (or her) own.

It is a lot of tire but that is the goal. I was reading a Book on Shelby and one of the key fabricators said he did not like the 427 because they could not fit enough tire under it. If they had access to these tires they would have used them.

Since the first, hot rod people have tried to fit bigger tires. As a replica, I get the flaw in changing the tire size but as you said, to each his own.

I am still on the fence.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

It is a lot of tire but that is the goal. I was reading a Book on Shelby and one of the key fabricators said he did not like the 427 because they could not fit enough tire under it. If they had access to these tires they would have used them.

Since the first hot rod people have tried to fit bigger tires. As a replica, I get the flaw in changing the tire size but as you said, to each his own.

I am still on the fence.

First, tires back in the 1960's for Cobra's were small and terrible. Today's tires are light years bigger and superior.

Second, I remember some time back, David (or Tom) Kirkham saying that after extensively testing of their cars on the track at Miller Park, the smaller tires performed better. I forget the exact sizing, but I think for the rear they preferred the 275 size.

A larger tire may not perform better, and certainly for me, looks very weird on a replica of 1960's sportscar. And there's probably 0.0000000000001% of the Cobra owners who actually use their tires to fullest extent possible in order to squeeze every last bit of performance out of their car.

Just one person's opinion, mine, but fat tires are like fart cans, or even those really loud pipes on a Harley. Just for show and noise. Performance? Not so much.

[Detroit Bill]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

First, tires back in the 1960's for Cobra's were small and terrible. Today's tires are light years bigger and superior.

Second, I remember some time back, David (or Tom) Kirkham saying that after extensively testing of their cars on the track at Miller Park, the smaller tires performed better. I forget the exact sizing, but I think for the rear they preferred the 275 size.

A larger tire may not perform better, and certainly for me, looks very weird on a replica of 1960's sportscar. And there's probably 0.0000000000001% of the Cobra owners who actually use their tires to fullest extent possible in order to squeeze every last bit of performance out of their car.

Just one person's opinion, mine, but fat tires are like fart cans, or even those really loud pipes on a Harley. Just for show and noise. Performance? Not so much.

I agree with most of what you are saying. BUT I think every Cobra owner tries to get 100% of the performance in a straight line. In which case bigger tires would help.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

BUT I think every Cobra owner tries to get 100% of the performance in a straight line. In which case bigger tires would help.

Every Cobra owner tries to get 100% of the performance in a straight line? So, you're speaking for me?

You obviously haven't driven a 600 HP +/- 2,100 lb (or whatever an SPF weighs) car yet. If you're exploring 100% of the performance in a straight line, then you're crazy.

And if you're not on a closed track, then you're a criminal.