Thread: Autocross tires
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Old 02-09-2004, 03:37 PM
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rdorman rdorman is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: columbus, Oh
Cobra Make, Engine: Unique 427 roadster with 351C-4B
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Kuhmos



Bottom line here, if you want exception dry weather performance in Cobra OEM type sizes that are street legal you have one choice. TDs. If you go to 17" you have a number of choices (topic better left for someone else!).

The TDs are DOT legal. They where specifically designed for racing classes that require DOT tires. If you think about the difference in mass, say between a Kuhmo STX 275/60 @ 38 pounds and a TD 275/60 at 22 pounds why they are not recommended for street use should be quickly appairent.

There just is not much to them! No tread to speak of, none of those side wall build ups to protect the rims, no extra meat for curbs and potholes, extra meat for punctures, etc. They are intended to race.

With that said, in Ohio you can't avoid all the potholes, although I have managed to miss the curbs so far! I have run straight through varieties of debris such as broken glass and no problems yet.

Also, they are a compromise, They will pick up every rock in a ten mile radius and being a bias ply they do follow and don't ride as well. Not so much that it can't be lived with but it does take a bit of getting used to.

Excalibers tires while a good set don't come in sizes that work for me.

If you are looking for a high performance 15" tire that is DOT legal and will work in the wet and have near stock sizes then join the club! Aren't we all! Just go buy the Toko S/Ts and suck it up like the rest of us!

I think most of us would donate out left testical to get a decent 15" all around tire!

Rick
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