The proper tires for our vehicle?

[RedBarchetta]

Gary,

You will get a lot of differing opinions on "performance and reliability" for tires because of differing driving habits. BFGs have become a popular choice for Cobras because they offer the right sizes in a 15" tire and the raised white letters look good (for those that prefer that look). They also mass produce them, so they are inherently cheaper. They are designed to last and last, thus they are as hard as stones and that makes them "reliable." As much as BFG would like you to believe, they are not a performance tire.

I'm only aware of four (4) "performance" tires in a 15" size that fit our cars, look good, and perform well (and in no order of preference):

1. Goodyear Bluestreaks ("Billboards") bia ply racing tires (non DOT)
2. Mickey Thompson ET Street drag radials (DOT)
3. AVON racing radials (DOT)
4. Yokohama AVID S/T street radials (DOT)

Firestone also makes a street radial that receives high marks at Tire Rack, but I've yet to see anyone here make a statement to that effect. All four of the above tires can be deemed "reliable", with some caveats. The first three are true racing tires with reduced tread height and they wear much faster if driven very hard. For street use, however, they should survive several thousand miles (though several heat cycles can eventually break down a tire like a Goodyear billboard...then they just get hard). The Yoko's are a great all around tire, but you won't get the true "stick" that the other three provide. They are also nearly 1/2 the price of what the other 3 go for. Again, driving habits and demands play a huge part in what works for you.

Move up to 17" rims and all the rules (and options) change (for the better).

-Dean