15" vs 17" wheels

[cscobra]

15" wheels were more esthetically pleasing and more original-looking to me, so I went with them. I also went with the Goodyear Eagle GT II tires (nearly all original Cobras came with Goodyear tires for reasons already well-known!), although I've read lately that certain Firestones may actually handle and ride better. Speaking of ride, you'll get a better ride with a taller sidewall (15" wheels) than with a shorter one (17" wheels). With regard to handling, you won't miss much in the way of handling with the 15" wheels unless you spend all of your time on the racetrack or continuously drive 10/10ths on the street. Tires for 15" wheels also tend to be less expensive.
Just my own thoughts and biases!

[RAO-3]

Hey, you guys are supposed to make my decision easier, not harder!

I do appreciate everyone's comments and experiences; I hadn't thought about the diminishing availability of the 15" tires.

I really do like the looks of the 15" wheels/tires, so likely will go with them even with the risk.

Ray

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

I hadn't thought about the diminishing availability of the 15" tires.

I wouldn't worry about that -- and I'd go with the 15's. The Yoko Avids were discontinued, unfortunately. That's what I have on my car and they give a tremendous "bang for the buck." I'll replace them with the Avons and, frankly, I'm looking forward to comparing the stickiness. A set of four Avons will set you back about a grand more than a set of Yokos would, but you'll soon get used to that -- this is not a cheap hobby.

[RICK LAKE]

RAO-3 Ray IMO there is no tire on a cobra better looking than the 15" billboards from GY with the large letters. For messing around at the track, IMO the 17" wheels handle better for most drivers. If your car can power slide through corners, this is where the 15" wheels are fun. Dick Smith ran only 15" wheels and tires. His driving style was better with 15". It's alot harder to drift and control sliding on a 17" wheel combo. If you look in some of the mags other even here on CC there are pictures of the GY billboards on cars, they are sharp. The 15" are better on the street and give the car a taller height to clear those wonderful roads in your area. Your car will come ready to accept both 15" and 17" wheels. For the pin drive wheels, get the stainless steel spinners and don't forget the safety wire them. IMO Dunlop GT Qualifiers drive and handle better than BFG tires. I think they are also cheaper and come in the same sizes. Are you having FUN yet??? 2 different size wheels, about a dozen different style of tires, Pin drive or no pin drive, and about 4 different style of wheel looks. Let the adventure begin. Rick L.

[RAO-3]

Hi Jim, I think my instinct to look at the 17" wheels mostly comes from having "newer" vehicles and thus always opting to go with the larger diameter wheels. I just have to think "1960's, 1960's, 1960's..."

Hey Rick, taking it a part at a time...I guess by the time I cover all the parts, my car should be done at ERA!

Ray

[Slick61]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

Hi Jim, I think my instinct to look at the 17" wheels mostly comes from having "newer" vehicles and thus always opting to go with the larger diameter wheels. I just have to think "1960's, 1960's, 1960's..."

Hey Rick, taking it a part at a time...I guess by the time I cover all the parts, my car should be done at ERA!

Ray

meh... buy what you like. My car already had the 15's on it when I bought, & I dearly wish it had the 17s. I MUCH prefer the resto-mod look of the 17s, & I could care less about looking original. Don't get me wrong, I like the look of the Halibrand's... but just prefer the updated appearance of the larger size. Am springing for a set of 17s as soon as I can force myself to part with the cash- though with gas prices these days, my wallet seems to have sprung a leak.