289 wire wheel tires questions

[chuckcobra]

It is time to get some new tires on a 289 slab side replica with 15" wire wheels. I suspect that most of the folks on the forum are running a mag wheel, but just in case there are any wire wheel Cobra hardcores out there I've got a few questions.

1. What was the tire size used on the original 289 wire wheel slab side car?

2. What does this translate to in todays tire size designation?

3. A "tire guy" recommend using the Pirelli P4000 in a 215/70ZR15 size. Does this sound correct?

4. Has anyone had experience (good or bad) with this tire?

Thanks,
Chuck

[Rick Parker]

P215-70 is right on for the original sizing translated to current nomenclature.
They were about 25 1/2" tall.

[Bob Putnam]

The original car used 6.40 x 15" tire. Strickly translating, that's only 165mm width, but I'm pretty sure that they didn't measure like they do today.

- Although I vaguely remember 5.90 size equivalent to a 165 in '65. That would make 6.40 closer to 185, although the section ratio was probably closer to 80 back then.

That's how old I am...

[greenwater]

Chuck,

The question maybe should be: what should I put on the car so it has the "modern" correct look! I explain: If you look into books (specially british ones..) on the cobras you could denote rather very narrow and small diameter tires on the first cars. That was odd looking compared to what size seemed to became standard afterwards wich I would say is the 215/70 15.

I have searched for high speed rated tires that size and found only one V (149mph) rated and it is the Michelin XWX ,wich is a replicate of a famous tires found on expensive roadsters in the sixties. I've found it on the Coker tires web site. 259.00 a piece......Also that tire has an advertised 27 inches diam. so maybe not appropriate for all wheel well. There were some 130 mph available that size but can't remember the brand. I went with Avon ZZ1 225/60 Z 15. Maybe not exactly correct but they are in my opinion excellent performance tires for your money.

If you find a Pirelli4000 Z rated that size let me know.

regards.

[Specialk]

We have a set of 205-70 -15 for the street 289 cars and they are VERY cozy in the rear, especially around the vertical tube for the rear cowl hoop/structure.