Tires for Kirkham. Billboards vs. ???

[bnewell]

I use a white fabric pen that you can get at most hobby shops. The letters stay white for awhile and then turn a yellowish/brown color.

this is how the tires arrived from Roger Krause


this is after I painted them


after several hundered miles



p.s. nice pic Jamo.......I'm more of a windex'er!!

[Allan A]

Or buy a glass replica and pay tens of thousands for a little metal plate, hey dick?

A little plate, dick. Jamo

[computerworks]

Now, you two crazy kids just cut it out.

Allan, thanks for adding your technical insight to a Kirkham thread. much appreciated.

....but let's stay on the topic of tires, shall we?

thanks
ron
ClubCobra Moderator

[1985 CCX]

Contemporary Classic Motorcars

[alpace@pacificp]

Jamo,

Thanks, you're the best!

al

[Fox]

I have seen that Krause page before and noted the statement for the Billboards...

Original height Cobra tires. Made for the original car today. Treaded; Not DOT. Tall front tire!

Does anyone have a picture that can help clarify just how tall a Tall front tire! is...

Thanks.

-John

[bnewell]

[decooney]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

The "bill boards" we just got in have white letters.
The best all around tire I have driven are the Avons. They are stickier than the Goodyears and ride and steer better than the Yokos. Goodyears are still the best looking.

Tom,
I understand the look and steer part about the GoodYears and Avons. Can you comment more in a lot more detail about how the Avons "ride better than the Yokos" part? How so?


Based on all comments no CC so far, it's pretty clear the Avons are a better handling and steering tire than most anything available now. I've been wondering if they could compare to the Yoko Avids on smoothness; and not that its an option any longer, but this is one characteristic about the Yokos that keep them on my car today; or at least until they are worn out. If the Avons are what people are saying, including ride quality, they should be pretty nice. BTW: On Cobras, I've tried older GoodYear Eagle VRs, Yok352s, BFG radials, GoodYearBillboards, and Yok Avids. So far, I like(d) the Yok-Avids the best. Avons are next.

Thanks,

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by WildBill3

Jamo is that you(bearded old buzzard) getting it behind the wheel?? just kidn..

Yup...pretty ain't I?

[alpace@pacificp]

Anyone have any side view photos of the Avons and Avids? I have been doing a google search, but unable to locate photos,

Thanks!

al

[Fox]

bnewell...

That fender lip looks awfully pristine for such minimal clearance.

I can assume that the tall tire issue is moot on a Kirkham... any other comments.

-John

[bnewell]

John ~ no issues with rubbing. I probably have 500 miles on the tires.

Off roading could be an issue though

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by alpace@pacificp

Anyone have any side view photos of the Avons and Avids?

Here's a shot of my Yoko Avids. I have them mounted with the white-wall inward and covered with some tire black. When it comes to tires, it just don't get more exciting than this.

[Tom Kirkham]

Originally Posted by decooney

Tom,
I understand the look and steer part about the GoodYears and Avons. Can you comment more in a lot more detail about how the Avons "ride better than the Yokos" part? How so?


...I've been wondering if they could compare to the Yoko Avids on smoothness; and not that its an option any longer, but this is one characteristic about the Yokos that keep them on my car today; or at least until they are worn out. If the Avons are what people are saying, including ride quality, they should be pretty nice...
Thanks,

Yes the first time I drove a car with the Avons I was surprised at how much smother the ride was over the Yokos. Bias tires are not even close. The only complaint I have heard on the Avons other than cost, is that they don't point quite as well as Hoosiers on the track. On the street I have not driven a tire that is even close to the Avons. The Hoosiers might have a touch more grip, but they track so bad on the street that it is not even close as to which tire I prefer. For the track other than a full slick the jury is still out...

[patrickt]

http://rogerkrausracing.com/Cobra/

NEW F 295/50VR15 Avon Y 26.7 9.90 12.0 on 9.5 8 8 8.5 - 10.5 $365.00

Dang, I don't believe I paid $365 for all four of my Avids. Anybody have any experience on how the Avons wear?

[SPF1061]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Dang, I don't believe I paid $365 for all four of my Avids. Anybody have any experience on how the Avons wear?

I would not be surprised to see the Avons get 10,000 miles if run solely on the street. I just rolled over 5000 miles on a set of Avons and there is still some tread left. I have run approx 20 1/4 mile drag passes, autocross, and 6 days worth of hard track use at VIR and Gateway International (Run n Gun).

[bret a ewing]

Don't know about the wear factor, but the traction of the avon's over eagle gtII's is impressive. I am very happy with the tires.

[alpace@pacificp]

All,

Some terrific info on the tires. Particularly surprised at the loyalty to Billboards ( I had heard they were a bit squirrely, did not point well, etc.). Additionally, until you provided the info on the Avons, I had not really heard of them....

So, it will either be the Avons or the Billboards. I will let you know when I finalize!

al

[jmimac351]

Can someone confirm differences among Goodyear tires listed on the Roger Kraus site?

Are the tires on this car the 550-15 G12 and 600-15 G7 tires? They appear to be shorter overall diameter than the other "Billboards" posted here and looking at the specs for those tires on the RKR site I'm guessing that's what they are. The pictures on the Roger Kraus site are artist renderings and not actual pics - as like the "B" series listed in the second group. Also wondering whether there are any real functional differences between the "A" and "B" type other than the size.

Thanks.

http://rogerkrausracing.com/Cobra/

[Tom Kirkham]

Originally Posted by jmimac351

Can someone confirm differences among Goodyear tires listed on the Roger Kraus site?

Are the tires on this car the 550-15 G12 and 600-15 G7 tires?

I am pretty sure that the fronts are 700-15 and the rears are 800-15.