The proper tires for our vehicle?

[SD5805]

The Backdraft comes standard with 15" BF Goodrich.These tires have only an s -speed rating which is up to 112 mph. Our cars as you know are much more capable than this speed.

So my questions are:what happens when we go above this speed for any length of time, AND where could I look for 15" Z rated cobra tires for my BDR.

Thanks
proud owner of #426

[xlr8or]

Good question. Those BFG's are absolutely worthless on these cars.
Yokohama has a 15" tire that some like. I like the Goodyear "Billboards" myself.

[RedBarchetta]

The Yoko Avids are arguably the best 15" street radial for the money. I believe they are H rated (up to 130mph), as are the Dunlops. The Dunlops are stones though...not much better over the BFGs. Another radial option is running Mickey Thompson ET drag radials. They stick like glue and you can pump them up to 30-32 psi and they handle incredibly well. It made a believer out of me...wheel spin is no longer a problem.

-Dean

EDIT: AVON also offers a racing radial. Limited sizes and expensive, but they probably perform very well.

[Stentor]

It is a challenge to find good 15" tires for Cobras (that's why some folks go to a 17" rim, as it's much easier to find 17" performance tires).

For 15" tires, as already mentioned, some go the drag radial route.

Others like the Goodyear Billboards (the downside is that they are bias ply, but they have the nice vintage look to them, and traction is supposed to be pretty good).

Another option to consider is the V-rated Avon radials (see attached link for a thread on the Avons).

Mounted the Avons on my SPF

I have a pair of Billboards and Avons on order.

[Fred Z]

actually the Yokos are rated 't'......which is up to 118 mph......but because of the weight of the cars.......they do work at much higher speeds, without too much issue....as the ratings for tires is very cautious.....and not to worry at higher speeds.....as long as you don't keep it there for a long time! The avons are rated ar 'v' which is 149 mph....and are probably the best......and some guys have them and love them....they are a bit more pricey, but hey, how much do you want to save at the expense of ..............?
hope it helps..........
BYW......for those interested.......BF Goodrich has a new tire out....and though presently in only 17 and 18.......is planning on 15 , 16 ,as well! It is called the G-force R 1......and has it down for these cars perfect......just not available yet, and the guy said he doubts anything will be out before at least 6 months......but check TireRacks mag..............
fred z

[SD5805]

Thanks guys.

How long is long, For example 115 to 120 say for 35 minutes or so. I do'nt want to blow the bands on the BFs

Question: I love the good year billboards, but they are not a radial. What is the actual disadvantage to the bias ply tire. Is it a pure racing tire?

I can't remember where I saw it but I think GoodYear has a radial tire for our car with raised whites. Unsure if its for a 17" or 15" rim

Any websites or places to look will be greatly appreciated.

GAry

[D-CEL]

Like Dean says. ET Street Radials. No other street tire compares. They are at a different level.



Jason

[Archrms]

What is the cost of the ET drag radials vs the BF radials?

[SD5805]

Where can I go to tak a look at the ETs

[SD5805]

What actually occurs when you go faster than the tire is rated for

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by Archrms

What is the cost of the ET drag radials vs the BF radials?

MT ET drag radials run around $150-180 ea, depending on size. You really can't compare cost, because the performance of these two tires are polar opposites and the BFGs were designed to be mass produced at a lower cost.

-Dean

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by SD5805

Where can I go to take a look at the ETs

On a Cobra, check my gallery along with D-CEL's. D-CEL ("Jason") runs them on all four corners...I now have fronts in my garage and will be mounting soon. Also do a search on CC member Greg Schroeder. He's turning high 10's and pulling 130mph with the MTs and a SB powered SPF. Here's a link to the company web site:

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/

-Dean

[Archrms]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

MT ET drag radials run around $150-180 ea, depending on size. You really can't compare cost, because the performance of these two tires are polar opposites and the BFGs were designed to be mass produced at a lower cost.

-Dean

Dean, I know they are completely different types of tires. I was just curious regarding their respective cost. Any idea what the BFG's go for?

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by Archrms

Dean, I know they are completely different types of tires. I was just curious regarding their respective cost. Any idea what the BFG's go for?

Do a search at Tire Rack. Sorry, don't have the figures in long-term memory. Just remember...you usually get what you pay for and I've learned that a hard tire mounted on a light weight, high powered car can get interesting...

[SD5805]

I'm not sure my BFs came with my car. I'm looking for 2 things 1 is performance the other reliability beacuase i'm a driver. i all ready have over 2600 miles on my BDR since 10/06

-Gary

[RedBarchetta]

Gary,

You will get a lot of differing opinions on "performance and reliability" for tires because of differing driving habits. BFGs have become a popular choice for Cobras because they offer the right sizes in a 15" tire and the raised white letters look good (for those that prefer that look). They also mass produce them, so they are inherently cheaper. They are designed to last and last, thus they are as hard as stones and that makes them "reliable." As much as BFG would like you to believe, they are not a performance tire.

I'm only aware of four (4) "performance" tires in a 15" size that fit our cars, look good, and perform well (and in no order of preference):

1. Goodyear Bluestreaks ("Billboards") bia ply racing tires (non DOT)
2. Mickey Thompson ET Street drag radials (DOT)
3. AVON racing radials (DOT)
4. Yokohama AVID S/T street radials (DOT)

Firestone also makes a street radial that receives high marks at Tire Rack, but I've yet to see anyone here make a statement to that effect. All four of the above tires can be deemed "reliable", with some caveats. The first three are true racing tires with reduced tread height and they wear much faster if driven very hard. For street use, however, they should survive several thousand miles (though several heat cycles can eventually break down a tire like a Goodyear billboard...then they just get hard). The Yoko's are a great all around tire, but you won't get the true "stick" that the other three provide. They are also nearly 1/2 the price of what the other 3 go for. Again, driving habits and demands play a huge part in what works for you.

Move up to 17" rims and all the rules (and options) change (for the better).

-Dean

[Stentor]

Gary,

Check out Roger Kraus Racing for different tires specifically for Cobras (e.g., Goodyear, Avons).

http://www.rogerkrausracing.com/Cobra/

Good luck.

[SD5805]

Dean,
The Mickey Thompson ET drag radials seem very nice, No raised whites though are available. My Question is that the rear tire uses 295 but the ET are only 275. Would this make any difference with the BDR roadster.

-GAry

[SD5805]

Thanks dean.
I'm partial to the 15" though because of the softer ride for longer trips. The first month I had my car I went to Cape Cod MA from CT a 3 1/2 to 4 hour ride. It took the Cobra about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. A fun ride at nighttime hours.

I tend to drive pretty quick for atleast 30-40 minutes straigt. Especially on a weekend night going to work. SO the sped rating may be an issue for me with theses tires. I know that the BF should have a buffer,but i'm not sure what it is.
Gary

[Yetiman]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

I'm only aware of four (4) "performance" tires in a 15" size that fit our cars, look good, and perform well (and in no order of preference):

1. Goodyear Bluestreaks ("Billboards") bia ply racing tires (non DOT)
2. Mickey Thompson ET Street drag radials (DOT)
3. AVON racing radials (DOT)
4. Yokohama AVID S/T street radials (DOT)

-Dean

The Hoosier Street TD belongs on that list as well. It's a bias ply with all that comes with that, but they grip like a gorilla and are worth consideration if you can deal with a bias ply tire.
I have two sets of wheels, Hoosier TD's on one and Yoko Avids on the other. The Yok's have great manners and good performance where the Hoosiers have poor manners (follow the pavement irregularities and such) and Great performance.

If you search, there is a lot of information available here about them.