Replacement tire decision question?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Holts Summit Missouri
Replacement tire decision question?
I'm replacing the original style "Goodyear Eagle GT" tires on my 82. My question is which is the most acceptable replacement or does it matter when presenting the car as original. I will be saving the Eagles for the future when I take the car to Bloomington to be judged as a "Survior" but would still like to maintain the car as original as possible for local shows and such. I'm looking at the Eagle GT II, and Goodrich T/A's. And yes I know all the benefits of going to 17's and better tires but that is not an option with this car. I need to replace these really old tires so that I can drive it with no concerns. Tires are in great shape just too old to be trusted. Thanks in advance.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Salem MA
I am about to order some firestone firehawk indy 500s as replacement for my Goodyear Eagle GTs.
I wonder if any members here have experiance with them.
the reviews online pin them as the best performing tire in the category.
-Dana
I wonder if any members here have experiance with them.
the reviews online pin them as the best performing tire in the category.
-Dana
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
From what I've read these are the best tires available but I want raised white letter tires and these look like poo with the white letters out. I will probably get the Goodyears.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Holts Summit Missouri
Yes they are 255's on all 4 corners. I do not have any issues with rubbing. This was the size that the car came with from the factory per the window sticker. I'm leaning towards the Eagle GT II's because it is the replacement for the Eagle GT but I do like the look of the T/A's slightly better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I'm replacing my tires on the '73 and '79 this week. Both still have almost full tread but they are 12 years old. The tire store guy tells me the 255's will rub but the 245-60r-15 will not (that's what is on the '73 now with no problems). I did a simple calculation and found that the 245-60 is very close to the tire diameter of the 225-70 so the speedo should still be accurate.
I found the rating for the Firestone Indy 500 to be the best in it's class but I am going with the Firestone T/A's at 245-60R-15 raised white lettering.
I found the rating for the Firestone Indy 500 to be the best in it's class but I am going with the Firestone T/A's at 245-60R-15 raised white lettering.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Actually 255/60 15 is the right tire dia. of about 27" & were optional on some C3s. There should be no rubbing in rear. Some report rubbbing in front so many use a smaller tire in front. You can look at the tire specs. for dia. of different sizes on Tire Rack, etc.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
I replaced my tires with Eagle GT II on both my cars. I just love the look of the tires and they feel close to the original to me.
Good luck with your decision.
David
77Sleeper
Good luck with your decision.
David
77Sleeper
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 672
From: FL
All I know is that I could easily spin my BFG's from a 15 mph roll but that the Indy's just hook right up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
You're right Ganey about the dia's being pretty close to each other as is the 245-70. I think the issue is with the width not the dia. The 255's are wider and that might be where the rub concern comes from.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Yes, it's the width in front, possible minor rubbing. Expect no problems in back, get 2 & try them. The issue in back is wider like 275, pk. cable bracket needs to be moved.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Correct. 255/60 is the right size. My car is lowered well over an inch, and I still have no problem with them rubbing.
