Tyre Choices

[PCC]

Okay - rear tyres are getting thin and I'll will have to replace very soon.

Given up on an authentic tyre due to the 16" Dragway's so looked into the following (in no particular order).

Prices based upon per tyre with size 245/45 x 16 x 8" rims:

Toyo Proxes T1-R @ $249

Dunlop SP Sport 2000E @ $175

Hankook Ventus K102 @ $210

Falken 451 @ $279 (existing tyre); and

Goodrich Profiler @ $269

Basically the Cobra is used for dry weather only and therefore not concerned too much about wet grip.

Of the above the Toyo seems to have the most aggressive tread, but the Hankook's do seem well priced.

Has anyone got any advice of those which are a good buy (and probably more importantly those which are not)?

Thank you

[Bathrone]

What do you want the tires to do?

In my experience the grip (coefficient of friction) of the tire is more important than the tread.

The Falken Azenis are ok performance tires at an ok price. They wont last long though.

Its hard getting proper specifications from tire salesmen and most of them in my experience have no clue about performance tires.

[PCC]

Looking for average mileage, dry grip, handling, looks and price.

Not looking for wet grip or noise (hardly worth it in a Cobra).

The Falken 451's have been okay (approx 13,000 kms on the back), but they tend to lose grip once more than 50% worn.

The rear rims don't give me much choice so will have to pick on of the above (unless someone come's up with an amazing alternative).

[PCC]

Bryan (Wilson),

Just done a search and picked up the fact that you bought some hankook's.

How are they performing????

[BMK]

Peter

Contact Bruce Allen in SA. Bruce has done a lot of research on tyre prices.

Bruce has a contact at one of the race tyre shops.

allen@internode.on.net will find him. His phone details will be on a PM for you.

Bernie

[BMK]

Peter

A second PM awaits you on Bruce's tyre suppliers details.

Bernie

[PCC]

Thanks Bern,

Will check it out.

Had a look at some Toyo's yetsterday.

Looked like a pretty good tyre with a decent tread pattern.

Pretty sure Ozvenom runs them when his car is "street legal".

Got to be careful on the rear as lifting the profile may push against the guards and the shocks are wound pretty high.

New shocks I know - more expense at the wrong end of the year - February's gift

At least my brakes are tip top again

[David Hodgson]

[quote]Originally posted by PCC

Got to be careful on the rear as lifting the profile may push against the guards and the shocks are wound pretty high.


Pete
You must be running very low at the rear, the tyres your looking at - 245/45-16 - are only about 625 tall. Most commonly guys are running 650 to 660mm, will help with final drive ratio though if your running a low diff ratio. I'm using a 255/60-15 bridgestone a present, great tyre but to tall for me at 688mm am suffering some rubbing in harsh dips.

REPTYL found some 16" Michelin before the nats - If your there Jason, how have they been? Maybe you could PM him to find out.

I was looking through some of the U.S posts the other day and some of those guys are running 255/60-15 on the front
Mustn't be Cobra's, might be AC Tractors or somethin.

[PCC]

David,

My existing rears are 45 profile. As there was not alot on offer for 16" I looked into lifting the profile for more choice of tyres.

The one's I've listed above are all 45% profile, but unfortunately Goodyear, Pirelli and Michellin don't make a 245 / 45 x 16 so needed to look at some of the lesser known makes if I was keeping the 45% profile.

That was the main reason for my query.

[ledge]

The problem with 16's is there are an odd size and not allot of cars came out with them . Might sound silly but have you tossed up going to 17's as there is a much broader tyre selection and they are cheaper as well .

Paul

[PCC]

Tossed it up many times, but reluctant to throw more dosh into the snake pit

Still got five issues on the hit list:

1. Rear Coil overs;

2. Aluminium radiator;

3. Aluminium oil cooler;

4. Tyres; and

5. Sell the car and buy a Daytona

Add to that x-mas for 4 kids and a family holiday in NZ then new rims are a no no

But, then again............

[David Hodgson]

Know how ya feel Pete! Paints been on my wish list for 7 yrs

[BMK]

Peter

Another possible contact is

www.americanracingtires.com in Sydney

Fred Cooper there.

Bernie

[PCC]

Thanks Bern, but I'm not racing on the track yet!!!!

I'll keep the Falken's on and soon they'll look like the American Racer tires (tyres)!

[Mrs flatchat]

Have a pair of Michelin pilots 245/45ZR16 cost $495 ea. only one track day old --sell $380 aud ea.??
T5 gearbox anyone?? new gears ,say $1500 aud.
289/302W Webber manifold (with thermostat housing) new $1800aud -- Great Chrismas presents!
Holley 600 side pivot
Windsor elect. dissy
Race tyres 19" suit 8"w rims (6)
Various 15,16,17" "burnout tyres"?
0418 731 528

[PCC]

Finally decided upon getting Continental's (Sport Contact) @ $350 per tyre fitted etc.

Reports are good on the tyre with excellent dry grip and handling characteristics (as they should be being german!)

Thanks Mrs Flatchat for your offer, but by the time I pay for fitting the price would be too much.

Thanks guys for your advise.