I hear many with the 17's running 275's up front have rubbing issues. Has anyone used the 245 or 255's with a narrower rim such as 8" and experienced rubbing?
Pman1961, as more I think about it, guys swapping from Avons to any 17's, I never read about it. Yeah, from 17's to Avon (they don't look back) - I think you will not get many comments on your request....
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Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance Mk III / Windsor platform
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G-Pete
Pman1961, as more I think about it, guys swapping from Avons to any 17's, I never read about it. Yeah, from 17's to Avon (they don't look back) - I think you will not get many comments on your request....
I think you are right, G-Pete. Guys running Avons have the vintage look and performance that doesn't really leave them wanting more/better. What's the motivation to move to 17s?
Scott how did the older PS hold the power when they were newer?
I am between Nitto NT05
255/40/17
315/35/17
And Pilot Sport 2.
275/40/17
335/35/17
The PS2 are twice as much and one of my concerns is that they will age out before they wear out. I don't mind spending the money I want the best straight line acceleration and handling that I can get.
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance Mk III / Windsor platform
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dallas_
2 main motivations. First is you can have bigger brakes. Not a concern for street cars.
Second is there are more tire choices. There are enough 15" tire choices that this really isn't an issue for street cars.
If you're not tracking your car, I can't see any compelling reason to go from 15's to 17's.
I was also thinking of track use. Although I see your points in theory, I think the Avon's hold their own pretty well against most any 17" I have seen and it is hard for me to imagine much better stopping power than I get with the 15" Olthoff "big brake" kit and aggressive pads. One thing for certain - I could be wrong.
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance, Survival Motorsports aluminum FE 482
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I thought I was committed on the rims to 17" but it turns out I have some wiggle room. So now I am between 15 and 18". This is the look I am going for as far as color scheme. The tires on this are 275 35 18 front and 335 30 18 in the rear. That looks good to me and that is where it becomes a question to me.
Also I believe you can get more tire on the ground which if the tires are equal can't be a bad thing.
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Bill
Last edited by Detroit Bill; 02-12-2015 at 12:41 PM..
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance, Survival Motorsports aluminum FE 482
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Not trying to start a brawl
I am sure all these tires/sizes are good and they all look good in different ways. Here is some of the logic I am considering. If there is a flaw point it out.
An 18" 335 30 18 appears to be wider than a 295 50 15, it puts more rubber on the road.
Here are two photos with the tires I am considering, they are as close as I can get to the same camera position.
They are similar looks, both good but I am leaning towards the 18. There are a bunch of tires for the 18" rims.
Personally, I think those 18" wheels and tires mounted on a Cobra turns that/a Cobra into a caricature of a Cobra. Say, like the "Hot Wheels" version of a Cobra.
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance, Survival Motorsports aluminum FE 482
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
Personally, I think those 18" wheels and tires mounted on a Cobra turns that/a Cobra into a caricature of a Cobra. Say, like the "Hot Wheels" version of a Cobra.
But to each his (or her) own.
It is a lot of tire but that is the goal. I was reading a Book on Shelby and one of the key fabricators said he did not like the 427 because they could not fit enough tire under it. If they had access to these tires they would have used them.
Since the first, hot rod people have tried to fit bigger tires. As a replica, I get the flaw in changing the tire size but as you said, to each his own.
I am still on the fence.
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Bill
Last edited by Detroit Bill; 02-13-2015 at 02:52 AM..
It is a lot of tire but that is the goal. I was reading a Book on Shelby and one of the key fabricators said he did not like the 427 because they could not fit enough tire under it. If they had access to these tires they would have used them.
Since the first hot rod people have tried to fit bigger tires. As a replica, I get the flaw in changing the tire size but as you said, to each his own.
I am still on the fence.
First, tires back in the 1960's for Cobra's were small and terrible. Today's tires are light years bigger and superior.
Second, I remember some time back, David (or Tom) Kirkham saying that after extensively testing of their cars on the track at Miller Park, the smaller tires performed better. I forget the exact sizing, but I think for the rear they preferred the 275 size.
A larger tire may not perform better, and certainly for me, looks very weird on a replica of 1960's sportscar. And there's probably 0.0000000000001% of the Cobra owners who actually use their tires to fullest extent possible in order to squeeze every last bit of performance out of their car.
Just one person's opinion, mine, but fat tires are like fart cans, or even those really loud pipes on a Harley. Just for show and noise. Performance? Not so much.
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance, Survival Motorsports aluminum FE 482
Posts: 662
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
First, tires back in the 1960's for Cobra's were small and terrible. Today's tires are light years bigger and superior.
Second, I remember some time back, David (or Tom) Kirkham saying that after extensively testing of their cars on the track at Miller Park, the smaller tires performed better. I forget the exact sizing, but I think for the rear they preferred the 275 size.
A larger tire may not perform better, and certainly for me, looks very weird on a replica of 1960's sportscar. And there's probably 0.0000000000001% of the Cobra owners who actually use their tires to fullest extent possible in order to squeeze every last bit of performance out of their car.
Just one person's opinion, mine, but fat tires are like fart cans, or even those really loud pipes on a Harley. Just for show and noise. Performance? Not so much.
I agree with most of what you are saying. BUT I think every Cobra owner tries to get 100% of the performance in a straight line. In which case bigger tires would help.
BUT I think every Cobra owner tries to get 100% of the performance in a straight line. In which case bigger tires would help.
Every Cobra owner tries to get 100% of the performance in a straight line? So, you're speaking for me?
You obviously haven't driven a 600 HP +/- 2,100 lb (or whatever an SPF weighs) car yet. If you're exploring 100% of the performance in a straight line, then you're crazy.
And if you're not on a closed track, then you're a criminal.
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