I'm approaching the point where i have to decide on tires for new 17 inch rims. The purpose of the 17's is for road racing, both on tracks like PIR and roads like Hwy. 318 @ Silver State Classic.
Have to be speed-rated @ H or better. I'm hoping to slip 315 or 335's under the rear and 255 or 275's up front, on 11's and 9's. (Car is an SPF, currently with Trigo 7.5 & 9.5, the usual Goodyear GTII's, Wilwood brakes).
What tires are recommended? I've been all over Tire Rack's site, and have picked out most of the eligible options. I can't see paying $400+ for tires that I'm going to scrub apart at driving schools, nor do I want something with a wear rating less than 200, so I'm thinking about Dunlop SP8000's for a starter tire. There may be better choice(s).
Cobra Make, Engine: SPF #1560 w/ Ford Racing [RDI/AFR/RPM] Alum. 427CI - 575HP & TKO
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Tim,
I am going thru the same dilemma.
I am considering buying a set of wheels and tires just for the track. If so, I will put slicks all the way around, and keep the other tires for the street.
Food for thought?
TL
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Two set of wheels make a STRONG case for bolt on (5 lug) rims, by the way. May not look original, but it sure is practical. I was SO glad that what I had. Bought some cheap Mustang rims, mounted some tires and in minutes was ready for the track or the street.
After a lot of searching and some agonizing, I am going with BF Goodrich KD's.
They are Y rated (186 MPH) and built to handle tracks. But they are still a street tire. DOT-R tires are stickier (60 wear rating).
The others I considered were Michelin Pilots and Yokohama AVS Sports. Both excellent tires. But in my research, the KD's seemed to have an edge in traction.
There were no other street tires in my choice of sizes (275 front, 315 rear) that I felt were up to these 3.
Thanks for the info, and the links, guys. Seems to be enough options in 17's to cover most any purpose.
Joe, I have received 3 emails so far from you guys wanting to participate in the PSE wheel buy. I was hoping to get at least 6, including me. We got 4. I'll hold out until Feb. 24, then go with what I get, since I'm going to buy a set regardless. I'll swing the best deal i can, but the numbers would sure help.
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #629, BBM Side Oiler Block, 482ci, Richmond 5 speed
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I can vouch for onlinetires.com. I just ordered the Michelin Pilot Sports in a 335/35/17 for the rear and 275/40/17 for the front. I placed my order on Sunday and they were on my front porch when I got home from work on Wednesday. And the overall price was cheaper than tirerack even after paying the sales tax which tirerack would not have charged me for a shipment to California.
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #629, BBM Side Oiler Block, 482ci, Richmond 5 speed
Posts: 853
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Tim,
I have 9.5 inch wide for the front and 11.5 inch for the rear. They were mounted for me today but I haven't picked them up yet. My buddy has seen them and he says they fit the rims perfectly. I'll post pictures after I pick them up on Saturday.
I am in the Walnut Creek area...not too far away....what brand of wheels are you putting the Pilot Sport's on.....I'd like to see them when you get em on.....Do you go to the BAAC breakfast's at Athens???
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #629, BBM Side Oiler Block, 482ci, Richmond 5 speed
Posts: 853
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Mohuska,
I'm putting the tires on Imagewheels. There are pictures of just the wheels in my gallery. They're not the orignal Hallibrand style wheels - just something else that I liked.
I haven't been to the breakfast at Athens although I've been meaning to go.
You're welcome to come take a look at the tires/wheels and car any time you'd like. I think I'll pick them up from the tire shop after work today. Call me if you'd like to come take a look sometime this week or weekend. 925-980-4459.
17 inch tires
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