Tire RANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
I had 2 previous sets of T/A's on and the last set of 15's I put on a few yrs ago were the Firehawks. I much prefer both the ride and handling of the Indy 500's over the T/A's especially if I get caught in the rain. The next set however will be on a new set of 18" rims just to get a performance tire. I always thought that the speed ratings were for sustained speed not short and brief runups exceeding those mph. I had taken my vette up to @ 142 mph with both TA's and Indy's when new, I do however tend to keep my sustained driving approximately the posted highway limit. (T/A's were 245s, Indy's are 255 f, 275 r).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
Last Summer I bought the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's. I like the tires, smooth and great traction, but I just could not get over the white lettering. So I swapped the tires around and now hav black walls. I really wished Firestone would bring back the "Firestone SS" I liked the looks, the writing was cools also. Al
The Firestone Firehawks that I had on my 69 Mustang were multiple times better than the BFG TAs I replaced them with, but I just couldn't visualize running around with "FIREHAWK" and "INDY 500" on my tires. BRING BACK THE "FIRESTONE"!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 614
Likes: 19
From: MA
Just because a tire has a low speed rating doesn't mean it's cheap.
Think of it this way, & I don't have the article I read as it was pre internet days, but all the higher speed rating means is that when the tire is at the rated speed for 90 minutes it will not overheat & come apart.
Me, I do not buy the more expensive higher speed rated tires because I don't drive the upper speeds so lower speed rated tire suffices!
Another way to look at it, if a higher speed rated tire was really needed, all the cars on the road would have them.
Think of it this way, & I don't have the article I read as it was pre internet days, but all the higher speed rating means is that when the tire is at the rated speed for 90 minutes it will not overheat & come apart.
Me, I do not buy the more expensive higher speed rated tires because I don't drive the upper speeds so lower speed rated tire suffices!
Another way to look at it, if a higher speed rated tire was really needed, all the cars on the road would have them.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 1
From: JOPPA MD
Gregg, I hear all of your ranting, but see NO PICTURE of you and your car showing off the high price wheels and tires! HUH? I agree witht the guy who said that some of us do not have bottomless pockets and are trying to make do for now. We are more interested in trying to get the "car, engine and body correct FIRST! So go ahead with your ranting but be a little considerate of those who are a little strapped for money but are plugging away trying to get their C3 working and correct. Just had to say something.
Here you go....this is my New set....If you need price's....just ask!
Rear
Front
Stay in tune....
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 6
From: Chester Virginia
How tires are tested for ratings
I had 2 previous sets of T/A's on and the last set of 15's I put on a few yrs ago were the Firehawks. I much prefer both the ride and handling of the Indy 500's over the T/A's especially if I get caught in the rain. The next set however will be on a new set of 18" rims just to get a performance tire. I always thought that the speed ratings were for sustained speed not short and brief runups exceeding those mph. I had taken my vette up to @ 142 mph with both TA's and Indy's when new, I do however tend to keep my sustained driving approximately the posted highway limit. (T/A's were 245s, Indy's are 255 f, 275 r).
My tires are now 5.5 years old and I will change them this fall more for age than wear.
Click on this youtube link to watch one of the videos showing the tire rating test.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmo_dkNZIHM
lance
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
well i made the move and bought 4 tires from treadepot.com.for orders over $400 they are offering free shipping. p225/70r 15 in the front and p235/70r 15 for the rear.they are michelin ltx m/s and will be in around june. i hope.if my old t/a's haven't killed me by then i'll let you all know how they were.
