15 inch performance tires

[Lew Ledyard]

I contacted Coker Tires and asked that they consider producing tires in the 235-245/60 and 275-315/50-60 X 15 sizes that perform better than what is currently available. I asked that they just do a search on ClubCobra to see that there is a demand. I also pointed out that Cobra builders and other vintage performance/muscle car enthusiasts spend big bucks trying to combine authentic looks with good performance.

Gary Brewer of Coker thanked me for identifying this potential market and they said that they would look into it.

I am sure that this request has been made to them dozens of times, but it might not hurt to drop them an e-mail request so that they have an idea that there is a real demand out there. Gary's address is: garyb@coker.com

[Lew Ledyard]

The quest for the Grail continues...

[SCOBRAC]

SSSSSSHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPSSS SSSSHHHHHH!!!

(the sound of scobrac preparing to hold his breath forever)

[rdorman]

That would be great if it actually happened! I am not going to hold my breath either! Right now the only thing we have are slicks and eagle rain tires

Rick

[Hal Copple]

several years ago, i was at Road Atlanta when the One Lap came thru, sponsored by Michelien, and asked the head Michelien guy there about making a good tire for our cars in 15 inch.

He just looked at me and said "in your dreams."

I look at the Tire Rack's adds, bought four more tires there today, have used them for over 20 years. And i see tires in such unusual sizes that i sometimes suspect that they only fit something like a '66' Alfa Romeo, those made on Wednesday's, and only for export to Siberia. You would think that someone would come up with something better and affordable for our cars, but for some reason, they just don't see the market out there.

Having said that, i have heard the Yoko Avids in 15 inch are really good tires.

There have to be more Replicas out on the road than TR-6's or MGA's!!

[427 S/O]

BF Goodrich has new street drag radials
up to 325.

[rdorman]

Originally posted by 427 S/O


BF Goodrich has new street drag radials
up to 325.

Yes, but how do they handle?

[deadwood1584]

Yokohama Avids work good for Colorado driving. Good performance in the rain and good grip on the curvy mountain roads.Just not a track tire.

245/60R15 f
295/50R15 r

[TButtrick]

I just ordered the same Yokos as deadwood after 2 years of dealing with sub-standard tires from BFG. They are being mounted as I write this. I've had the BFG mounted, dis-mounted and balanced (twice on a Hunter) every which way to Sunday no less than ten times and still couldn't get a true tire. Been through three sets! I've had the wheels, rotors and axles checked for true and they are spot on. After MUCH research on the subject, I went ahead and bit the bullet for a set of Yokos. Not as period correct as I'd like but at this point, I really don't care.

I've sent numerous emails to various manufactures to expose them to our market but I guess they don't see the value.

[gsharapa]

I had the BF Goodrich 295/50/15s Comp Radials on my first SPF. Then the Goodyear Eagles Radials 295/50/15 on my second SPF. Then the Yoko Radials 295/50/15s on my third SPF and the Yokos were the best as far as traction, ride and balance. Still can't hold much horse power as none of them can. Well I just put the BF Goodrich 325/50/15 drag radials on and boy to they bite!!!!!!!!!! Ride is good and balance seems fine also. These really are only good for street crusiing and a straight line pass not any round e round or rain of any kind!

See my gallery for pics!

[foothills gary]

Has anyone had any experience with the Dunlop GT Qualifier tire?At least the brand has some racing credentials,but can they compare to the Yoko's?

Gary

[Jamo]

That's what came on my KMP, and Tom and David are using them quite a bit. Definitly better than either the Goodyears or Goodrichs in comfort and dry/wet grip. Don't know how they compare with the Yokos, but given the latter's specs I would expect the Yokos to provide overall performance. I think Paul (Ralleysnake) uses them in his death defying feats. The Dunlaps do look the part, however.

[RACER X #99]

When you get serious about track time you buy a set of slicks. For the street any of the tires out there are good enough for cruising.

No major tire co. is going to start making HP 15" tires so they can sell 1000 tires a year.

Any 15" tire you can buy today is a whole lot better than the tires that came on Cobras in the 60's.

If you own a 60's car why do you need 90's tires?

Cranky

[Jamo]

...which is assactly why I switched over to Big Letter rains (bias ply) for street use.

They are a bit crankier though...loud and lumpy.

[TerrysSPF]

I have a buddy in Ohio who's 2000 SPF came with the Dunlops and he switched to the Yoko's last Sept and said he noticed a big difference in "grip". I always thought the Dunlops broke loose easier than the BFG's, but it's hard to say. Neither brand can handle the HP that these cars put out. Then again......I've seen guys with 17" rims and Michelin 335 Viper meats on the back, and they spin as well! ......but boy, do they handle better!
I've heard good things about the BFG drag radials. I've never driven a Cobra with them on it, but I know someone with a hopped-up Mustang that put them on his car and they gripped so well he could pull the wheels off the ground! Now THAT'S grip!!!

gsharapa, do you have them on all 4 wheels, or just the back? If just the back, what do you use on the front? Are they available in White-lettered, or just blackwall?? How do they corner compared to what you had before (and, what DID you have before these?)? Thanks!

[RallySnake]

Hi Guys,

I guess I used up all the Micky Thompson Competitor series tires these were GREAT sticky tires and they came in the proper 15" sizes for a Cobra. They're bias ply though and don't last very long. I would buy a set every 18 months at $100 each. The cornering grip was amazing, I really miss them.

I'm running Toyo Proxy S/T radials, now. The 275/60/15 fits all four wheels OK, but the fronts look a little too large. I wish they made a 255/60/15, "LIKE THEY ADVERTIZED" a year ago, for the front. You can't beat the $99.00 price for H rated (130 mph) tires and they have low rolling resistance and are very stable at high speeds. My rear tires are about halfway gone in two years, the front are only worn 25%. The grip is improving, too.

Paul

[Snak Iyz]

Are you using your tires for track only or are these good everyday streetable tires....??

thanks

[terry lee]

I've got the Dunlop GT Qualifier tires for the street (they hold like slimmy crap on the track under heavy acceleration)
and a set of the GoodYear Cobra slicks for the track (no good for the street - picks up every stone and piece of loose gravel).

If you want total performance, put your money where it counts, invest in a second set of wheels and tires for your performance adventures. Pick the size that fits your budget.

Life doesn't get any better when you do it right.

TL

[RallySnake]

Snake Eyes,

The Toyos are street tires developed for the Ford Lightening Truck. I use them for street cruzing and to run long distance rallies. They are OK for the autocross track but don't expect to bring home any trophies.

After many years of holding the steering wheel in a "death grip" because the Mickies or Hoosiers kept trying to rip it out of my hands, the Toyos are a revelation. The incredible straight line tracking makes driving the car practical for long distances. The radial construction makes them last a long time and gives low rolling resistance for much better gas mileage. The H rating means I never worry about the tread flying off at high speed. The braking grip is top notch, wet ot dry. The side grip is good enough to eat up most cars in corners unless they're running Michelin Pilots or race tires. It the wet, forget it.

Paul

[rdorman]

Buy a set of Hoosier TDs for the street. Great handling....... so long as it is dry! Nothing like dropping 16 pounds of unsprung weight on each corner to liven things up!

Posted by Racer X #99
"If you own a 60's car why do you need 90's tires?

Cranky"

Because we want it all man!! Besides, are cars are SO superior to the 60's vintage cars

Rick