Tires for Kirkham. Billboards vs. ???

[alpace@pacificp]

Hello all,

Need your considerable experience. I am likely going to order a Kirkham and am deciding on tires. The car comes with Yokohamas which appear to be highly rated. That said, they do not have that vintage feel of Billboards. I am told Billboards can be too soft, not DOT rated and tend to pick up every pebble on the road, then pinging off the aluminum body......

Suggestions, comments. Billboards vs. Yokohams vs. ???

[Jamo]

Moved to appropriate forum...

I like the Billboards (what Roger Krause lists as "Cobra tires")...good in rain, comfortable ride, damn good dry traction at the track. Decent enough wear for how we use these cars. "Bluestreaks" are stickier in the dry, but fall off in the rain.

You will want to put the rubber padding in the fenderwells regardless of which tire you use, so no worries re the pinging.

Never had a cop inspect the tires yet. A fixit ticket at worst if you give a good story about how you just came from the track or you've ordered street tires.

Haven't tried Avons, which others are saying good things about.

[1985 CCX]

I too have gone from BFG's to Billboards, what a great day it was.
Pro's:
Ride comfort is great
Good in rain
Sticky so they grip nice in these light cars
So far the wear has been minimal and even (one season)
Look great

Con's
Pick up every rock on the road (only a problem for the trailer queen type)
Flatspots until heated (as a bias-ply should)
Not DOT approved

I am very pleased..............

[LMH]

Did I hear correctly that Goodyear now only sells them with yellow lettering?
Larry

[alpace@pacificp]

Hey guys,

Terrific info. Frankly, I am glad I asked! Some have said that the Billboards are 'rough riding', although no one on this thread seems to think so?

I LOVE the look of the billboards, so they would be my pref. Having said that, I am open to any other thoughts, etc.

LMH, I just saw four new sets, wrapped, at Kirkham...from what I saw, they all had white lettering. Where did you hear about the yellow?

Thanks!

al

[Tom Kirkham]

The "bill boards" we just got in have white letters.

The best all around tire I have driven are the Avons. They are stickier than the Goodyears and ride and steer better than the Yokos.

Goodyears are still the best looking.

[alpace@pacificp]

Tom,

I have been trying to do a search for some Avons, but do not have the right tire specs, etc. Can u assist>

THanks,

Likely Kirkham Owner

[decooney]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

The "bill boards" we just got in have white letters.
The best all around tire I have driven are the Avons. They are stickier than the Goodyears and ride and steer better than the Yokos. Goodyears are still the best looking.

Tom,
I understand the look and steer part about the GoodYears and Avons. Can you comment more in a lot more detail about how the Avons "ride better than the Yokos" part? How so?


Based on all comments no CC so far, it's pretty clear the Avons are a better handling and steering tire than most anything available now. I've been wondering if they could compare to the Yoko Avids on smoothness; and not that its an option any longer, but this is one characteristic about the Yokos that keep them on my car today; or at least until they are worn out. If the Avons are what people are saying, including ride quality, they should be pretty nice. BTW: On Cobras, I've tried older GoodYear Eagle VRs, Yok352s, BFG radials, GoodYearBillboards, and Yok Avids. So far, I like(d) the Yok-Avids the best. Avons are next.

Thanks,

[Tom Kirkham]

Originally Posted by decooney

Tom,
I understand the look and steer part about the GoodYears and Avons. Can you comment more in a lot more detail about how the Avons "ride better than the Yokos" part? How so?


...I've been wondering if they could compare to the Yoko Avids on smoothness; and not that its an option any longer, but this is one characteristic about the Yokos that keep them on my car today; or at least until they are worn out. If the Avons are what people are saying, including ride quality, they should be pretty nice...
Thanks,

Yes the first time I drove a car with the Avons I was surprised at how much smother the ride was over the Yokos. Bias tires are not even close. The only complaint I have heard on the Avons other than cost, is that they don't point quite as well as Hoosiers on the track. On the street I have not driven a tire that is even close to the Avons. The Hoosiers might have a touch more grip, but they track so bad on the street that it is not even close as to which tire I prefer. For the track other than a full slick the jury is still out...

[LMH]

Originally Posted by alpace@pacificp

Hey guys,

Terrific info. Frankly, I am glad I asked! Some have said that the Billboards are 'rough riding', although no one on this thread seems to think so?

I LOVE the look of the billboards, so they would be my pref. Having said that, I am open to any other thoughts, etc.

LMH, I just saw four new sets, wrapped, at Kirkham...from what I saw, they all had white lettering. Where did you hear about the yellow?

Thanks!

al

I thought I read that here but I could be mistaken. Sounds like they are still available in white which is just fine with me!
Larry

[bnewell]

[Allan A]

Just buy solid rubber tires from a forklift supplier, with all of the gains with the light weight billet uprights you will be way ahead.

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by bnewell

Oh yeah?

[WildBill3]

I think if they had to drive on low profile 30 series racing tires with race springs they would find a new definition of rough ride . but the grip is all worth it I think the prices on the circle track Hooseirs some of the guys at runngun were running was very appealing a little over 100 $ per tire but Not for any wether but dry..

[Lew Ledyard]

Avons. All of the pluses and none of the minuses of all tires listed above.

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by Lew Ledyard

Avons. All of the pluses and none of the minuses of all tires listed above.

except $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!

[SPF1061]

Avons. Do not let the price dissuade you.

[Jamo]

Al

Go here: Roger Krause Cobra Tire Page and scroll down to the Avons. Diameters are equal for all sizes. 245s up front. I'm not sure if the 295s will fit out back, but the 275s will. The Billboards are the "B" tires; the modern Bluestreaks are the "A" tires.

[alpace@pacificp]

Jamo,

Thanks, you're the best!

al

[WildBill3]

Jamo is that you(bearded old buzzard) getting it behind the wheel?? just kidn..