Which 15-inch radials should I install on my Superformance MkIII?

[SunDude]

Craig et al., thanks for the feedback.

I looked into the Avons after starting this thread and, while they look like excellent tires (especially for track use), with a treadwear rating of 80 (!!) and a unit cost of $400-500+ they're a non-starter for me.

I've had my car for two years now and am averaging a good 5,000 miles per annum, so with Avons I'd be spending two grand a year in rubber. I saved 10 years to buy my SPF and am just a regular Joe salary wise (not a rich doctor or lawyer or executive), so this is too much for me.

As it stands now, I'm mainly considering the Mickey T S/Rs and the Cooper Cobras. I hear the M/Ts are good for about 2 seasons, maybe a bit more, in treadwear and are half the cost of the Avons.

I'm also trying to locate the Kumho STXs so I can check 'em out in person, to see if they might suit a Cobra (as they're specced as hi-po SUV/truck tires). But I'm skeptical they'll turn out to be the right choice.

In any case I really do appreciate the input from everyone on this thread.

Brian

[cdnus]

SunDude
When I phoned M/T & discussed tire choice with them, (2 tech's ) on seperate occasions, they both stated the S/R was a harder tire than the S/T & recommended the S/T for a Cobra application. The S/R literature spec's states "High Milage"
Also the S/T is a little taller tire & in my opinion looks better on a Cobra.

Craig

[Cbra 65]

I raced formula cars for thirty years and felt my Superformance 427W was dangerous on street radials. Goodyear Bill Boards made a real sports car out of it. They don't damage the body any more than the radials. I'm lucky enough to be able to keep it on a lift. The first time I left it on the ground for two days I thought I had square wheels for the first mile or so. They aren't street legal but, you can go 200mph on a track with them without a problem.
Ed

[decooney]

On my Cobras for street radial 15" I've tried BFG comps, Goodyear Billboards, Yokohama Avids, now running MC GTs which are a good value with decent street handling and grip. IMO the Mastercraft tires have an acceptable shape and profile, with an old school type tread pattern, manufactured at one of the Cooper Tire plants who also produces the Mickey Thompson Sportsman STs and the Cooper Cobra Radials. Some may not be aware of this but Cooper Tire also owns the UK Avon Tyres - yes, Avon.

They must be doing something right, ...a familiar tire bridge at Laguna Seca

[Beastly]

I went from Cooper Cobra 15's to BFG Drag Radials on mine with a modest 351. To be honest the BFG Drag Radials scared the hell out of me until they are nice and Warm. BFG Drag Radials threw everything they touched and had such softsidewalls I felt a squish on modest curves-Promptly put the Coopers back on. Will use the BFG drag radials for straight lines only-Guess thats why the cal them drag radials

[B.M.B.C]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

I agree.

I'm sometimes amazed at the amount of money someone will put into their car, and then save money on the tires.

I recommend that tires and brake pads/rotors are the most important serviceable items on any car, more so on a cobra.
H

[smallblockhead]

You might want to try these.

VENTUS H101 by HANKOOK TIRE - Starting from $118.00 Featuring Free Warranty and Free Freight - Tires from Performance Plus Tire

I put on a set of 265s all around and they seem OK on the street. Did an autocross with them last year (cold day) and they were pretty slippery, but predictable.

Gary

[Larry N Johnson]

I also ran GY Eagle GT II tires for 6 years.
Now running MT S/T --- excellent tire, smoother rolling than the GY, way better traction.

[decooney]

Previously while working a replacement tire and backorder question for a friend, I traced these three tires to the same manufacturer. Cooper Cobra, MasterCraft Avenger, and Mickey Thompson S/T radials all came back to the same manufacturer under Cooper Tires. In fact, was able to verify that at least 2 of 3 were made at the exact same address location with different looking molds. Still want to verify a few things about this to see if they might create a special run of tires for us 15" Tire (diehard) Cobraphiles. Was told all three of these tires use the same exact same compound too. Again, was surprised all three came back to Cooper Tires and found it interesting that Cooper Tire actually owns the UK Avon Tyres brand that makes tires for motorcycles, road cars, and motorcycle racing.

So, when someone tells you to spend more or less on tires - it also helps to know what it is you are actually paying for.

[Lardyfella]

I am also looking into new tires at the moment and contemplating the Avons but i have to import them from UK to Dubai on top of the cost of the tires as they are not available here and i want to ensure they are the correct choice before i take the plunge. I have the Firehawks on at the moment and they are hard as rock and old also.
They are 255/60 R 15 on the front and 275/60R15 on the rear at the moment.

Avons have 225/65R15, 245/60R15 Or 245/60R15, 275/55R15 as the options which ones does everyone thinks the better sizes to opt for? ( I think option 2)
I am using the car on the road 90% and 10% track.

Graham.

[rpatton3]

I thought COOPER supplied M/T and Avon.

The Backraft cars are now using Nitto but the size may be wrong. They're all 17" now.

Get some good ones; these are what keep you right side up and between the ditches.

Happy shopping.

Russell

[justcobra]

Originally Posted by decooney

Previously while working a replacement tire and backorder question for a friend, I traced these three tires to the same manufacturer. Cooper Cobra, MasterCraft Avenger, and Mickey Thompson S/T radials all came back to the same manufacturer under Cooper Tires. In fact, was able to verify that at least 2 of 3 were made at the exact same address location with different looking molds. Still want to verify a few things about this to see if they might create a special run of tires for us 15" Tire (diehard) Cobraphiles. Was told all three of these tires use the same exact same compound too. Again, was surprised all three came back to Cooper Tires and found it interesting that Cooper Tire actually owns the UK Avon Tyres brand that makes tires for motorcycles, road cars, and motorcycle racing.

So, when someone tells you to spend more or less on tires - it also helps to know what it is you are actually paying for.

I just took delivery of a set of Trigo wheel with adapters and spinners .
I bought them in July 2012 and took delivery of them on 19/10/12 .
I am impressed with the quality.
I wanted the traditional look and I knew that 15 inch tyre range is diminishing.
Cost of wheels was $1949 plus $820 which included Customs Agents fees,AQIS Fees,GST,Import Duties and ocean Freight.
I am claiming a refund in respect the import duties as the goods are Made in USA and under the USA -Australia Free Trade Agreement no duties are imposed.
The Custom Agent/Broker stuffed things up as he charged me AQIS fees when the goods are brand new. AQIS fees are referred as quarantine inspection fees.
It is good to check your final bill and be computer literate and validate certain components of the invoice.
I am claiming a refund for AQIS and the import duty components.

Reading the USA forum on tyre availability I can concur that the 15 inch tyre avalabilty is truly LIMITED in Australia and Avon Tyres are in the $500 to $600 price mark and the tyre dealers are making at least 30 per cent mark up.
The Avon Tyres are V rated which means they good for 149mph whilst the rest are in the S and T ratings.
Most Forum members donot work in a Gold Mine and for my hard earned dollar I would shop around and buy Mastercraft or Hercules brand tyres (same Stable)which should be adequate and do the job.
Our tyre pricing is about twice that of our northern cousins.