Tire Advice

BigD1963 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2017, 08:18 PM

Hello and thanks for having a new member!

I am running on 15 inch rims, and I am not ready to go larger yet. I have been searching for a while, this is my weekend car, and I am not racing it on a closed track, I may at some point, but in general this will be a street car, and some spirited mountain/coastal roads, which I to try to drive HARD on. Currently I am running 235x60x15 front and 275x60 15 rear. I can drop to 50 series if needbe, but I want to keep the classic musclecar look.

I am more interested in corners than off the line launching, I have an FE with a little over 500lb/ft torque so barring strip tires I know I will not hook up if I stand on it off the line. So descent off the line, and better cornering is my concern.

Also, I am not looking for a 25k plus mile tire, 7k-15k is fine as I dont put a lot of miles on it and I would prefer handling over longevity.

Currently I am looking at the following:

Avon CR6ZZ's
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T

I was also considering Toyo R888r but front only.

Let me know your thoughts all.

CYA!

Phx Mike · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2017, 10:03 PM

There are a lot of postings on this forum addressing this question so would suggest you do a search to get more info. I have the Avons - they are very sticky and handle well in terms of predictability and tracking stability. They have a treadwear rating of 80 so not sure how long they will last - am guessing about 8k miles base on the wear I am seeing so far on mine.

120mm · #3 (**permalink**) 03-24-2017, 05:26 AM

If you don't want to pay for Avons, go with Mickey Thompson S/Rs. Unless the "flame" tread really turns you off.

Personally, I plan on trying both bias ply Goodyear and Hoosiers on mine. I grew up with bias ply, and I'm fine with their handling characteristics.

bmwdb10 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-24-2017, 08:23 AM

AVONS are the way to go! Just bought my third set and will be putting them on my Cobra next week and already have them on my GT40. I have tried Hoosiers, Billboards and BFG Radial T/As. None compare to the drivability and handling of these CR6ZZs. Spend the money and put the best on your Cobra!!

FUNFER2 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2017, 04:04 PM

Where's the best price wise, to buy Avon's ?

Mark IV · #6 (**permalink**) 03-24-2017, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

Where's the best price wise, to buy Avon's ?

There are only two outlets for the Avon CR6ZZs in the US, Roger Kraus on the left coast and SASCO on the East. Pricing is fixed so forget Tire Rack, etc.

FUNFER2 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-24-2017, 08:12 PM

Roger is where I had a group buy for the Billboards long ago.

RallySnake · #8 (**permalink**) 03-24-2017, 10:34 PM

I have run lots of tires the same size that you are looking for. I sure the Avons are great if you can burn up $1,600 for each set. I go through tires pretty quick, so I have used all the cheaper options. I think the Mickey Thompson S/T's are probably the second best choice. I had a set on for several years but burnouts, 4 wheel drifts and doughnuts ate them up. I am currently running Cooper Cobra tires and they are almost as good as the Mickies, except when the rain comes. I guess the rubber compound is harder because they break loose under braking very easily on wet roads. They are a few bucks cheaper than the S/T's, but when these are gone, I will go back. I have not tried the MT S/R's, but the sizes are different and I have heard good and bad things about them.

KDubU · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2017, 07:33 AM

Avons are the way to go if money does not matter. I originally was going to get some but after a lot of research went with MT's as my type of driving did not require Avons. So far I am happy but likely will go to Avons some day.

ACHiPo · #10 (**permalink**) 03-26-2017, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDubU

Avons are the way to go if money does not matter. I originally was going to get some but after a lot of research went with MT's as my type of driving did not require Avons. So far I am happy but likely will go to Avons some day.

Did you go with the MT S/Rs or S/Ts?

KDubU · #11 (**permalink**) 03-26-2017, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACHiPo

Did you go with the MT S/Rs or S/Ts?

I went with the ST's and they are decent.

ACHiPo · #12 (**permalink**) 03-27-2017, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDubU

I went with the ST's and they are decent.

I'm going to pick up a set of Cooper Cobras (basically the same tire as the S/Ts) for my SPF. They've gotta be better than the BFGs, and they might just be good enough.