15, 16 inch Performance Tires

[rsimoes]

Are there any V or Z rated tires for 15 inch wheels? I don't care to go fast, I just want to make it corber well and retain the original look. . . .

Any ideas?

I've only seen 255 -50-16 with V or Z ratings, nothing bigger and 17 doesn't give the look I want.

Maybe I want too much? Thanks for your help!

[chill]

Not V or Z,
but BFG makes a Radial T/A in 265/50x16. The look with 245/50x60s in front and the 265's in back is good. Not much help, sorry.

15's are tough to find unless you go for racing tires. Try Kraus;

www.rogerkrausracing.com

[rsimoes]

Would using 255-50ZR-16 in the back and 245-50ZR-16 in the front be good enough for "traction" and cornering?

My builder wants to out the Radial T/A's (SR rated) 295-50-16 and 245-60-15 in the front. . .

I would like better speed rating for tougher side wall for better handling. . . .

[RallySnake]

Rsimoes,

The highest rated 15" street tire I have been able to find is the Toyo Proxy S/T. It's "H" rated (130). I've put a lot of miles on them and they work well.

I do not recommend the T/As unless you are a very conservative driver. The ones I had would slide very easily.

Also check out yesterday's topic:
Best 15" DOT Tire???

I will take a hard look at these Yoko's next time around.

Paul

[rsimoes]

What size are your tires?

[TerrysSPF]

I've driven Cobras with both the BFG T/A's and the Dunlop GT Qaulifiers and thought the BFG's were a little better. The Dunlops seemed to be a little "slicker" and broke loose a little easier. Both cars were SPF's with 500HP 408 strokers. The BFG's also have a little higher sustained speed rating than the Dunlops (130 vs 112). Has anybody had both the BFG's and the Goodyear Eagle GTII's (or other Goodyear tires)??? I've never driven a car with the Goodyears and wonder how they compair with the BFG's.

[Junket]

I just ordered a set of BFG G- Force has any one run them?
Ken

[George Snyder]

I have 15" Goodyears GTII on my Car. They seem OK for my type of driving. After a little time in the Car, I may change my mind.

I think I will try the Firestone Indys next time if they are still available. I didn't know that they were available until after I received my Car. 235X60X15 Front and 295X50X15 back as were speced for My Car by the manufacturer.

They now offer 17" and skip over 16s.

I was talked out of 16". I was told that sizes and manufacturer choices were really limited. I also think that the Wheels I wanted were in stock in 15" and had some influence.

Bud

[RallySnake]

Rsimoes,

The Toyos are 275/60/15 all around. They are true 'H' rated tires built for the Ford Lightning. They are a little chunky looking but I've gotten used to them. I can cruise at 120, no problem.

The TAs that I had were only S rated (112 mph). I hit that going up the on-ramp sometimes! The Firestones and Yoko Avids are S rated also. Check out http://www.tirerack.com for yourself.

Paul

[Lew Ledyard]

How do the Toyos look on a Cobra? Could you post a picture?

Thanks

[klayfish]

Rob,
Tony is right. I'd strongly recommend against putting 245s or 255s on the back of that car with the motor you are planning to put in. It's a recipe for instant disaster. That car will need 275 or 295s on the back. I think for street driving, the 15" tires will do fine if that is the look you want. The performance will be adequate for those twisty backroads. No, they won't pull over 1g on a skidpad, and yes, they'll slide around if pushed hard, but you probably won't push THAT hard on the street where it will be a continous problem. If you really want ultra high performance, you really have to go 17". So, it's really a question of do you want the "look" or the ultimate in performance? It may be hard to have your cake and eat it too here.

Steve

[Pete C]

I agree that the BFGs are not a tire for a car with the power of the Cobra. Accordingly, I’ve gone with the treaded, Goodyear, bias ply, road race tires from Kruse (not DOT). As a result of that decision and the need to clean out my garage, I have a set of BFGs with only a few hundred miles for sale. 265/50 15 (F ) and 295/50 15 (R). They are fine for cruising but definitely not a performance tire. If anyone is interested post me and make an offer.

Cheers, Pete C

[TerrysSPF]

Pete: How are the Goodyears from Kruse? I hear they make a big difference in performance. Do they have the big "GOODYEAR" written on the side? What does non DOT do to your insurance if you get into an accident? Have you ever tried the Eagle GTII's? I would guess that they are pretty much the same as the BFG's. I did like the BFG's a little more than the Dunlops though. I have a buddy with a Cobra that just ordered the BFG's (had Dunlops) or else you would have had a sale! I think he puts 255's in the front though. He tried to order the 305's for the back but they told him they are no longer making them. Wonder how long the 295's will stay around? People better stock up!

[Pete C]

Terry,

The Goodyears from Kruse are great performers, I use the slick for the track and the treaded version for street. I am not sure of the insurance implications of the non-DOT but figure I'm less likely to have a problem if I can keep it on the road and I can do that nicely with the Kruse tires. Since they are bias ply they do hunt a bit. As for look, they are the big billboard tires, check em out in my gallery. I have pics with both the BFGs and the Goodyears on the car.

Cheers, Pete C

[decooney]

Hey Pete,

As we both know first hand, don't forget to mention to the show/shine guys that the Big letter GoodYears are not something they'll be able to rationalize for long. Stickier=more rocks=chips on your nice paint job. Plan on buying a set of rear fender guards before you put them on.