Anyone running Avon tires on Early ERA?

sracer5 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2018, 12:27 PM

I'm searching for new tires for my ERA #294. Currently I have BFG tires - 265-50-15 Fronts and 295-50-15 Rears. I'm a little concerned using 245-60-15 Avon tires on the front after consulting the ERA manual . Anyone running them ?Thanks.

ACHiPo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2018, 03:26 PM

I will be running 255/60s (Cooper Cobra, not Avon) all around on my new 427. This is the same tire size that a friend is running on his 427. Both are later models, however, so Bob may need to weigh in on whether earlier models had tighter vertical clearance. I know Peter was a little concerned with front clearance, but they are fine at least on the newer models.

strictlypersonl · #3 (**permalink**) 12-26-2018, 03:42 PM

See my special size recommendation for Avons here:
Tire selection
For early cars, it's especially important to follow my specs.

vntgspd · #4 (**permalink**) 12-27-2018, 10:34 AM

I am running the 225/65 and 275/55 Avons on chassis 347. I have undercar exhaust so I stuck with the narrower options and am very happy. There is more than enough grip for accelerating, braking, and turning and the steering feel is excellent. I prefer the "look" of the narrower tire for a vintage feel but do appreciate stuffing the fenders full of tire on my other cars.

Moriarty · #5 (**permalink**) 12-27-2018, 03:13 PM

Quote:

I'm a little concerned using 245-60-15 Avon tires on the front after consulting the ERA manual . Anyone running them ?

Yes, I'm running these on #412 and you can get them to rub a bit when fully turning the steering wheel. I should probably look into adjusting the stop blocks (if possible), but in practice it hasn't been an issue.

ERA174 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-27-2018, 05:56 PM

I see you are discussing 15" wheels, so this may not apply to your situation. However, this is a picture of my ERA 427 #174. I'm currently running Goodyear Eagle F1- front: 275/40ZR17, rear: 315/35ZR17. I have minor interference issues, nothing of any major concern. I like the look and handling of these tires. The front tires will rub a little on the rear of the inner fender well. I could increase the stop at the lower control arm to eliminate the interference issue. I haven't altered anything, just stop turning the steering wheel when I get close to the end of the travel. The rear tires will rub a little on the inside of the inner fender well under full throttle launches, again not an issue. I consider these tires to be the limit to what my car can handle. My issues could be due to other than ERA stock components, I am not the original owner and not aware of the extent of the previous owners upgrades. If you need any further input/measurements regarding my setup, let me know and I will help wherever possible. Best regards, John

bmwdb10 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-28-2018, 01:55 PM

I have 295 and 245 Avons on my ERA #286. No issues at all front or rear!

1985 CCX · #8 (**permalink**) 12-28-2018, 05:45 PM

Dave

Pics?

cobra · #9 (**permalink**) 12-29-2018, 03:51 AM

I'm running these on my # 571 and you can get them to rub a bit when fully turning the steering wheel. In practice, that does not bother.
The Avon is one of the best tires for the Cobra, on the road and the racetrack.
Mine are now 10 years old and still pretty soft.

Fiskbullar · #10 (**permalink**) 12-29-2018, 07:33 AM

I am running my ERA FIA #2081 with Avon tyres, front 245/60, rear 275/55 and am fully satisfied. The best tyre for fast cornering - really sticky on dry roads in all load situations. Small disadvantage: steering in serpentines requires a little effort (in the long run

), next time I might try a smaller one.
Anyhow, the front tyre has enough space in the cut-out, even with full steering angle.

Regards, Matthias

1985 CCX · #11 (**permalink**) 12-29-2018, 12:34 PM

Ok I’ll help Dave......

egreaves20 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-30-2018, 03:59 PM

I run Yokohama Radial 352s. 295/50/15 rear and 245/60/15 front. I see BFG sells same sizes through TireRack.

66AC · #13 (**permalink**) 12-31-2018, 06:00 AM

Guys: I found this thread very helpful. My next set of tires will be Avons. I never thought to ask about fitment with earlier chasis numbers. In the past (and for far too many years) I ran on BF Goodrich Radial EuroSports which were a real fantastic tire. Two years ago I switched them over to Goodyear Eagle Billboards which are bias, and have the traditional tread design.

The Billboards have very good grip and look great as the white lettering ages to a yellowish patina. However these tires are prone to flinging small pebbles which I can hear hitting the inside wheel wells. They took quite a bit of tape weights to become balanced and are very prone to flat spotting if left sitting for over two weeks. Mine run round and without vibration after a few miles however. I now have the car sitting on FlatStoppers which seem to help this situation greatly.

One thing I did find interesting is that Sasco Racing (who sells Avons on the East Coast) makes a yearly journey up to Lime Rock Park in Connecticut for the antique sports car races and show. Sasco are more than willing to bring up a set of tires which you can pick up at their truck on the infield. So for any of you in the Northeast, that is a pretty interesting option.

bmwdb10 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-31-2018, 07:45 AM

Thanks Jeff! Beat me to it! Like that pic!

There are no issues with the 245s on the front. At slower speeds or at a stop you need some muscle, especially at lower pressures. But on the road, you just can't beat the Avons.

strictlypersonl · #15 (**permalink**) 12-31-2018, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwdb10

Thanks Jeff! Beat me to it! Like that pic!

There are no issues with the 245s on the front.

For you maybe, but other early ERAs have had rubbing problems. That's why I recommend the 225/65 size. Visually, you can't tell the difference.

sracer5 · #16 (**permalink**) 03-19-2019, 11:14 PM

[Avon’s installed , playing with tire pressure settings. 245/60/15 fronts , no rubbing so far

Spyglass · #17 (**permalink**) 06-03-2019, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sracer5

[Avon’s installed , playing with tire pressure settings. 245/60/15 fronts , no rubbing so far

How heavy is the steering compared to your previous tire (what were you using?)

I've heard they throw a lot of rocks, did you add any protective film to the bodywork around the wheels to protect the paint?

sracer5 · #18 (**permalink**) 06-03-2019, 08:29 PM

1st - I love the tires. I haven’t had any issues with the steering being too heavy. I decided against any rock chip protection , YES THEY DO THROW UP ROCKS ! It seems to be getting better , I have about 800 miles on them now. I have touched up quite a few chips. Side exhaust deflects many of them though. My car had an old set of BFG euro TAs on it. The fronts were 265-50-15. They were a bit wider than the Avon’s now , I think that’s why the steering hasn’t changed much. I’m really happy with my tire size choice I made ! DID I MENTION THEY THROW UP ROCKS 😎

66AC · #19 (**permalink**) 06-05-2019, 05:23 AM

I have 245/60/15's on the front of ERA 375. Very nice tires. Fit well, balance well, and they do not attain flat spots. Happy with them. They throw fewer pebbles than the Goodyear billboards did.

Spyglass · #20 (**permalink**) 06-05-2019, 09:52 AM

Thanks guys,

I currently have 6 year old Coopers on my car with only 4,000 miles on them. With a 500 treadwear rating I'm not expecting them to be particularly grippy, but add in the 6 years of degradation and they don't have much traction under hard acceleration or inspire much confidence in the front end when cornering

I really need to change to Avons to fully enjoy my car but it hasn't got far enough up my to do list yet, and the cost always makes my eyes water