GY Billboard Driving Impressions

RedBarchetta · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 11:00 AM

In the 5+ years I've had this car, I've gone from Dunlop stones to MT ET Street drag radials to GY Billboards. That doesn't make me an expert, but I can honestly give my impressions on the Billboards now that I've finally driven on a set (maiden voyage yesterday evening):

- The Billboards look soooooooo right on these cars. Even the neighbors who are used to this beast are wowed.

- They flat spot. Running 26psi in front and 24psi in the rears and didn't even have them on the car 48 hours. The first 2 miles was thump, thump, thump until they worked themselves out. I expected this but it was a new experience/sensation and radical departure from the MT's (radials). Loose fillings may get rattled...don't bite your tongue during warm-up.

- Did I say they look awesome?

- They are considerably lighter in weight than any other tire I've ever installed. Less rotating mass = thumbs up.

- Wow these look great!

- They will throw stones, even when cold. Good thing I lined all four wheel wells.

- I don't think they make a better looking tire for a Cobra.

- Aggressive driving is a little more predictable, as the bias ply tire gives really good signals when it's going to let go. The MT's gripped like mad, too, but being a radial I was always cautious just how far I could push them without getting that "feel."

- Did I say these tires look absolutely awesome?

- Considerably more grooves for wet road traction...I wouldn't hesitate to drive the car in wet weather now.

- They do not follow ruts as bad as some have reported. But I definitely do need an alignment. Must be the superior So Cal roads that we drive on (that hardly see water and our state is willing to go into bankruptcy just to maintain them).

Conclusion: If you are more interested in overall street manners then I would recommend sticking with a radial (with Avon arguably being the best overall option). If you don't mind a rougher ride for the initial warm-up mile and you desire a fantastic dual purpose tire (street and track), along with looks that will knock 'em dead, then the Billboards are a better overall choice.

It's really a personal preference and how you want/expect the car to behave and look when you drive it. If GY ever produces a Billboard (white letter) look in a radial design, they will sell a ton of them.

-Dean

Silverback51 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 11:36 AM

Great review Dean.

To me their best feature is the feel when you are pushing them to the limit. You can tell you are approaching the limit and react accordingly. This was something that was sorely lacking with the Goodyear Eagle GTII's. In fact, this is something that is missing from most (please note I did not say "all") radials.

MaSnaka · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 11:52 AM

Great review? I'm still waiting to hear how they look. lol. Glad your happy.

John

Stentor · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 04:49 PM

A very good review--I've got a set of Avons and Billboards and keep the Billboards on the car because of the look.

Xavier · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 07:09 PM

Good review; I am determined to order mine next month. This was a cherry on the cake.

1985 CCX · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 07:18 PM

They are THE ONLY way to go!

FUNFER2 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 07:20 PM

Great to know what to expect. I still,....haven't mounted mine !
Are you going to paint them or leave well enough alone ? I can't decide myself.

NEED PICS !

Power Surge · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 07:28 PM

Billboards are awesome. I have done 70 mph down the highway in the pouring rain and the car still stuck like glue.

Oh, plus they look great

767Jockey · #9 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 07:49 PM

But how do they look?

Xavier · #10 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 11:30 PM

Yeah, to paint or not to paint - that is the question. I mean, I can't believe I am getting this rediculous as to where I would consider hand painting the letters on brand new tires I spent a $1,000 on. No wonder my wife thinks this car make me an idiot...

Is this what it feels like when you get old. Oh God...

CoupedUp · #11 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 11:30 PM

Dean,
Glad to hear that you finally drove your car. I bet you're still in the garage cleaning it after two whole miles...

Doug

Jamo · #12 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 01:04 AM

But Red...some of us have been telling you guys this for years!

Glad ya likem.

601HP · #13 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 06:44 AM

I've had a set if them for about 3,000 miles. I like them and when the time comes for replacements, I'll buy the same tire.

I air-up a few more pounds when driving on the street. It reduces some of the darting.

28-30 pounds front, 26-28 rear.

David

RedBarchetta · #14 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoupedUp

Dean,
Glad to hear that you finally drove your car. I bet you're still in the garage cleaning it after two whole miles...

Doug

Dougey, at least I'm not sitting in my car making engine sounds with my throat at the moment...

Quote:

Originally Posted by 601HP

I air-up a few more pounds when driving on the street. It reduces some of the darting.

28-30 pounds front, 26-28 rear.

David

I might try that, thanks.

noblec5 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 09:01 AM

The "Billboards" really set the car off. THE best looking tire for the cobra's in my opinion. I've been running them for two month's now, and love them

Thanks again FUNFER for the group buy

xlr8or · #16 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 09:03 AM

Yep air them up a bit for the street. They will flat spot less if drive more often.

Silverback51 · #17 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 601HP

I've had a set if them for about 3,000 miles. I like them and when the time comes for replacements, I'll buy the same tire.

I air-up a few more pounds when driving on the street. It reduces some of the darting.

28-30 pounds front, 26-28 rear.

David

I run 22 in front and 18 or 19 in the rear. Screw the darting, I want the traction.