Wheel backspacing

[Jack21]

The lower tire pressure trick came from Falken Tire tech support. I didn't invent this myself, but it does work in the ride and wear dept. At the rate I'm going, I expect well in excess of 40,000 miles before even thinking about replacement.

Keeping in mind that the Classic Roadsters Cobra is about 2,450#, front tires are 235/45ZR17, rears are 275/40ZR17. Using 45's in front, instead of 40's kept the tire diameters more closely equal without sacraficing treadwidth. These sizes seemed to be a good compromise between traction and hydroplaneing resistance on wet roads. And it has worked out just that way in driving.

With a heavier West Coast car with a big block, you might look into upsizing the tires such as used on Vipers, and late Vettes.

The tires, BTW, are Falkens. They are Japanese made, and are comparible to some of the more popular Jap brands. Two things prompted me to go Falken as opposed to Bridgestones from Tire Rack. The Bridgestones were about $680, the Falkens $460 (not apiece!, set of 4!). Falken sent me a reprint of a German car entheusiast publication where these tires were track tested against the "High Priced Spread", Mich Pilots, etc., and the Falkens stayed with them. After 16,000 miles, I'm more than happy and would buy another set.

Got 'em on-line from vulcantires.com. Located in Scranton, PA, the trip took 3 days by UPS Ground, and cost $35 in freight.

Mounting and balancing was another exercise in exasperation. Tires shops wanted over $100. Costco did it for $35, and did it right the first time without scratching the T3's.