GY Billboard Driving Impressions

[RedBarchetta]

In the 5+ years I've had this car, I've gone from Dunlop stones to MT ET Street drag radials to GY Billboards. That doesn't make me an expert, but I can honestly give my impressions on the Billboards now that I've finally driven on a set (maiden voyage yesterday evening):

- The Billboards look soooooooo right on these cars. Even the neighbors who are used to this beast are wowed.

- They flat spot. Running 26psi in front and 24psi in the rears and didn't even have them on the car 48 hours. The first 2 miles was thump, thump, thump until they worked themselves out. I expected this but it was a new experience/sensation and radical departure from the MT's (radials). Loose fillings may get rattled...don't bite your tongue during warm-up.

- Did I say they look awesome?

- They are considerably lighter in weight than any other tire I've ever installed. Less rotating mass = thumbs up.

- Wow these look great!

- They will throw stones, even when cold. Good thing I lined all four wheel wells.

- I don't think they make a better looking tire for a Cobra.

- Aggressive driving is a little more predictable, as the bias ply tire gives really good signals when it's going to let go. The MT's gripped like mad, too, but being a radial I was always cautious just how far I could push them without getting that "feel."

- Did I say these tires look absolutely awesome?

- Considerably more grooves for wet road traction...I wouldn't hesitate to drive the car in wet weather now.

- They do not follow ruts as bad as some have reported. But I definitely do need an alignment. Must be the superior So Cal roads that we drive on (that hardly see water and our state is willing to go into bankruptcy just to maintain them).

Conclusion: If you are more interested in overall street manners then I would recommend sticking with a radial (with Avon arguably being the best overall option). If you don't mind a rougher ride for the initial warm-up mile and you desire a fantastic dual purpose tire (street and track), along with looks that will knock 'em dead, then the Billboards are a better overall choice.

It's really a personal preference and how you want/expect the car to behave and look when you drive it. If GY ever produces a Billboard (white letter) look in a radial design, they will sell a ton of them.

-Dean