You want to go how fast?

[MidOHasp]

This is very thoughtful conversation - I've actually never heard of a tire decision on a Cobra being based on an estimated calculation of top speed based on gearing, Cd, and torque. I'm not poking fun - this is the kind of stuff I'm usually guilty of doing myself, just can't believe I said "hmm, I like them to say 'GoodYear' on the side, whatever, fits, ok?" I've always thought Goodyear made junk tires. Every single Consumer Reports when they have the tire issue, rates Goodyear lowest or in the bottom 2-3. Always at the top - Dunlop, Bridgestone, Michelin. I think Wal-Mart, Target, Ameri-*, and General have all ranked over Goodyear at some point in those tests.

Back to someone's question (too lazy to browse back), how long do you plan on sustaining "top speed?"

The speed rating is for sustained speeds, and is based mostly on temperature capacity and thermal characteristics. A "Z" compound will get less hot, and handle any heat it has better than an "S" compound.

My Pontiac Grand Prix is electronically limited to 107 (incidentally, my cobra is hitting 107 just as my grand prix is halfway through second gear - at 65mph) but has 130mph H rated tires. I have them (plus sized, too) because they handle 100% better than the stock S rated Goodyears that came with it. I've had a BMW to 128 (speed limiter again) on S-rated tires, felt like I was going 60 and the trees beside me were on some kind of neat backward conveyer belt at 68. The tires didn't melt because I hit 128, gently pressed on the brakes, and continued on my way at a much safer and less stupid pace.

I would get whatever tires make you the happiest from a traction and aesthetic perspective and try not to maintain speeds over 110 for more than a few minutes at a time.

Side note: Goodyear Eagle GTII's, when purchased in the 295/50R-15 size, have slightly pinkish orangish dirtyish Raised White Letters. I love it - they look pissed off and mean and all business. The 255's up front are gleaming "make westley's proud" white. I have to admit, it almost detracts from the beauty of the car. I don't know if the 295's are in a different plant for big fat tires, or what, but I don't understand it. I wish they were all pinkish/orangish/dirtyish looking. It's as close to the huge stenciled on letters on the non-DOT approved goodyears as you can get, I'm afriad.

Thanks for listening to my rambling. It was a long day at work - I needed that!