i've seen some yokohama tire in summit auto catalog w/the size that you mention plus there cheaper then b/f goodrich.

Lowell,

What's your problem with China?

My motor choice was determined by the availabilty of affordable high performance aluminum heads in 1985. Things have changed over the years making Ford parts more affordable and available, but my engine is still running strong. I can post pictures of rally trophies if you like. We hit 7000 rpm on the Angel's Crown Rally, no problem. When it wears out or blows up, I'll upgrade.

Badrich,

What did the book say about running faster than a tire's speed rating? Did it discuss high speed chunking or loss of control due to tire failures on events like to Silver State Classic Rally? Does it explain how far you can push an "S" rated tire, like the T/A, in a 160 mph car, without a problem?

Cobragar,

The Yokohama Avid S/T is a pretty good tire by all accounts, but only "T" rated. That's 118 mph. I have accidentally gone that fast up a freeway on-ramp. I really want (and we really need) a "V" rated tire, but there's evidently no hope for that. I will settle for "H", because it's rare that I go faster than 130 very long. If you read reports of past open track events like the Silver State Classic and the fatalities that have resulted from high speed tire failure, you'll understand.

In our cars, we give up all the modern safety features. We don't have airbags, padded interiors, ABS, traction control, headrests, bumpers, seat belt tighteners, controlled crush front and rear ends. The one safety item on our cars that has to control the dynamic changes and eliminate the necessity all that other stuff, is our tires. They are our lifeline and they have to be the best that we can get.

Paul