Tires for SPF 15"

[jstinson]

I just purchased my 1st Cobra. SPF Sport Model # 633. It needs new tires. Current tires are Dunlap GT Qualifires Ft: P255/60 R15 R: P275/60 R15. The front tires rub on the fender a little in a sharp turn. So I'm thinking I should go down to P245 width.

Two tire stores are recommending either Cooper Cobra, or BF Goodrich Radial T/A.

Recommendations? Also can I go to a smaller width on the front and still use the same rims?

[eschaider]

In terms of ride, handling performance and good period correct looks, with a modern radial design, your #1 choice is the Avon CR6ZZ 245 x 60 x VR15 fronts and CR6ZZ 295 x 50 VR15 rears. If you need a bigger footprint in the back to hold your power then you ought to look at the 325 x 50 R15 or the 275 x 60 R15 Nitto Extreme Drag Radials.

Here is an excellent tire size comparator that will allow you to A / B two different tire sizes, click here => Tire Size Comparator. You will find the Second Strike Gearing Calculator (<=clickable) very helpful in matching final drive ratios, tire sizes and transmission overdrives.

BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires are an accident looking for a place to happen with your car. They should not be considered. The Cooper Cobra's ar very nice tires except for their raised white lettering. As nice as they are the Avons are nicer. A good admonition is not to skimp on tires. On these cars the quickest way to the cemetery is tires that are not up to the job.

When it comes to tires you get what you pay for. Avons are the priciest of the tire choices for the car — and they are the best for their size without going to race tires.


Ed

[fastd]

Mickey Thompson SRS are a good option imo

[KDubU]

Avons are top notch but come at a cost. MT’s are decent for the street.

[fastd]

Originally Posted by KDubU

Avons are top notch but come at a cost. MT’s are decent for the street.

Avon ain’t so great for the street imo.

[jeffgrice]

Originally Posted by jstinson

I just purchased my 1st Cobra. SPF Sport Model # 633. It needs new tires. Current tires are Dunlap GT Qualifires Ft: P255/60 R15 R: P275/60 R15. The front tires rub on the fender a little in a sharp turn. So I'm thinking I should go down to P245 width.

Two tire stores are recommending either Cooper Cobra, or BF Goodrich Radial T/A.

Recommendations? Also can I go to a smaller width on the front and still use the same rims?

Hi John,

I would recommend Cooper for the reasons the other guys stated. Several GLCC members have done Coopers and are happy. We do have a member who recently did BF TAs and he has not complained but I have heard like others they are not the best choice. If you don't like the whiteletter mount with the blackwall out.

Avons are more period correct looking, VERY sticky so expect rock slinging.

What ever you get I would suggest a tire shop with "touchless" mounting equipment otherwise you risk marring to the wheels. I had a several members use Motorwerks Luxury 3200 Walnut Lake Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48390 which is reasonable close to you.

Best regards,

Jeff

[Sawdust]

John
Take a look at the Mickey Thompson S/T's. Overall an excellent tire for the money.

[jacobsed]

Originally Posted by fastd

Avon ain’t so great for the street imo.

Based on what? They are awesome for the street!

[jacobsed]

Originally Posted by Sawdust

John
Take a look at the Mickey Thompson S/T's. Overall an excellent tire for the money.

This would be my second choice after The Avons

[jacobsed]

Originally Posted by fastd

Mickey Thompson SRS are a good option imo

That tread pattern is pretty awful though

[Azhinoon]

Tread pattern is a matter of opinion . The M/T sr's are a great tire and perform better than the st's or the cobra tires. They really work in the twisties. Always wanted to try the Avons but do not come close to racing for the need of that stickiness. Is that a real word. Definitely stay away from radial TA's. The backend will come around way to soon on these cars without traction. Ask Karl, he has run many types of tire in low places!!!!

[ront49]

Originally Posted by eschaider

In terms of ride, handling performance and good period correct looks, with a modern radial design, your #1 choice is the Avon CR6ZZ 245 x 60 x VR15 fronts and CR6ZZ 295 x 50 VR15 rears. If you need a bigger footprint in the back to hold your power then you ought to look at the 325 x 50 R15 or the 275 x 60 R15 Nitto Extreme Drag Radials.

Here is an excellent tire size comparator that will allow you to A / B two different tire sizes, click here => Tire Size Comparator. You will find the Second Strike Gearing Calculator (<=clickable) very helpful in matching final drive ratios, tire sizes and transmission overdrives.

BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires are an accident looking for a place to happen with your car. They should not be considered. The Cooper Cobra's ar very nice tires except for their raised white lettering. As nice as they are the Avons are nicer. A good admonition is not to skimp on tires. On these cars the quickest way to the cemetery is tires that are not up to the job.

When it comes to tires you get what you pay for. Avons are the priciest of the tire choices for the car — and they are the best for their size without going to race tires.


Ed

My '04 BDR came with BF Goodrich rubber...seemed to be a good tire but after 16 years it was way overdue for fresh tires. Went with the Cooper Cobra's and had the raised whites turned to the inside. Tires seem to perform very nicely, not a whole lot of noticeable difference but seem to stick a bit better.

[8Ball]

Do not put BF Goodrich on your Cobra. Many here know why!!!

[Blas]

Congrats on your purchase. This is the beginning of a great adventure.
While I have heard all the comments regarding tires expressed here so far, a lot depends on how you plan to drive the car. Is it strictly a road car pleasure vehicle or a part time track car? That would make a great difference in the tires you choose. Drag radials have the potential to cause axle problems if used as they were intended. Sticky tires while great fun when used on a track will pickup stones and fling them against the underside of the fiberglass and cause damage to the paint that looks like stars....
Due to the age of your car there are a few things that should be looked at too. Just as a matter of safety and continued happy motoring.
There are also some simple upgrades that should be considered, things added to later year chassis. And there is one very important thing that should be checked on the rear suspension. The top shock tower mounting bracket.
Easiest thing would be to contact me directly, my contact info is below. 5 mins on the phone vs 30 mins of typing....
Blas

[fastd]

Originally Posted by jacobsed

This would be my second choice after The Avons

I’ve had both tires and prefer the MT SRs. I actually grew to like the tread pattern and the profile of the tire “fits” better than the avons.

Problems with the Avon’s:
1. They are dangerous until they get some heat in the them. (Ask me how I know)
2. They are dangerous if the road is not bone dry. (Ask me how I know).

[jacobsed]

Originally Posted by Azhinoon

Tread pattern is a matter of opinion . The M/T sr's are a great tire and perform better than the st's or the cobra tires. They really work in the twisties. Always wanted to try the Avons but do not come close to racing for the need of that stickiness. Is that a real word. Definitely stay away from radial TA's. The backend will come around way to soon on these cars without traction. Ask Karl, he has run many types of tire in low places!!!!

That flame tread pattern is just very tacky in my opinion. It belongs on a super custom hot rod from the 80's that has purple paint and flame paint job.

[jacobsed]

Originally Posted by fastd

I’ve had both tires and prefer the MT SRs. I actually grew to like the tread pattern and the profile of the tire “fits” better than the avons.

Problems with the Avon’s:
1. They are dangerous until they get some heat in the them. (Ask me how I know)
2. They are dangerous if the road is not bone dry. (Ask me how I know).

OK, so how do you know? My experience with them is COMPLETELY the opposite. I'm so glad they are as sticky as they are because I know for a fact they have saved my life a few times. And they did not have heat in them, just normal driving around.

[jacobsed]

Originally Posted by fastd

I’ve had both tires and prefer the MT SRs. I actually grew to like the tread pattern and the profile of the tire “fits” better than the avons.

Problems with the Avon’s:
1. They are dangerous until they get some heat in the them. (Ask me how I know)
2. They are dangerous if the road is not bone dry. (Ask me how I know).

I don't know what you mean by the profile "fits" better than Avons. The Avons are the perfect profile for a Cobra and trying to keep with a period correct fitment. The S/R's don't even come close.

[fastd]

i like the way the profile of the SRs better than the Avons. I recognize that your experience is different than mine. All good. Moving on.

[bmwdb10]

Avons are the way to go! I have had them all, Goodyear, BFG, Hoosier... None are as good as the Avons. Currently on both of my cars.