Educate me on tires!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Educate me on tires!
I know nothing about tires other than there aren't any good Z-Rated ones for the stock 15x8 wheels ... been thinking of upgrading to this in a 16x8 or 17x8:
I'm trying to keep it as much "stock looking" as I can - obviously there will be some differences, and I think the 16" would be far less noticeable than than the 17" in that department, but I'm also thinking about tire selection because I want something that's mostly driven on the street but also needs to be able to hold up for autocross.
I just need some direction here. Oh yeah, and I also need to know what the backspacing is supposed to be. Anyone running 16's or 17's on the track? What rim size and tire did you choose (brand and tire size). I basically want the same diameter tire as stock, but something that will hold up.
I'm trying to keep it as much "stock looking" as I can - obviously there will be some differences, and I think the 16" would be far less noticeable than than the 17" in that department, but I'm also thinking about tire selection because I want something that's mostly driven on the street but also needs to be able to hold up for autocross.
I just need some direction here. Oh yeah, and I also need to know what the backspacing is supposed to be. Anyone running 16's or 17's on the track? What rim size and tire did you choose (brand and tire size). I basically want the same diameter tire as stock, but something that will hold up.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Your photo is a Wheel Vintiques wheel. I bought a set. The outer rim is chrome plated aluminum and the center (vertical surface) is grey powder paint over aluminum. I bought the 17 inch wheels and say, 20 feet or so away, the wheels look stock. That they're 17 inch and not 15 inch is not very obvious.
I decided to get 17 inch because of an article in Corvette Fever magazine. They assessed performance tire selections for C2/C3 cars. With 15 inch wheels, I think they could only find one high performance tire available, for 16 inch tires there were several, and for 17 inch tires there was a very large selection. That's why I got the 17 inch. (Their definition of high performance was a high speed and high temperature rating. I forget the exact numbers.)
Sorry, I forgot what the backspacing of my tires is. They're on the car so I can't measure. I think the people at Wheel Vintiques suggested the backspacing.
I decided to get 17 inch because of an article in Corvette Fever magazine. They assessed performance tire selections for C2/C3 cars. With 15 inch wheels, I think they could only find one high performance tire available, for 16 inch tires there were several, and for 17 inch tires there was a very large selection. That's why I got the 17 inch. (Their definition of high performance was a high speed and high temperature rating. I forget the exact numbers.)
Sorry, I forgot what the backspacing of my tires is. They're on the car so I can't measure. I think the people at Wheel Vintiques suggested the backspacing.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Your photo is a Wheel Vintiques wheel. I bought a set. The outer rim is chrome plated aluminum and the center (vertical surface) is grey powder paint over aluminum. I bought the 17 inch wheels and say, 20 feet or so away, the wheels look stock. That they're 17 inch and not 15 inch is not very obvious.
I decided to get 17 inch because of an article in Corvette Fever magazine. They assessed performance tire selections for C2/C3 cars. With 15 inch wheels, I think they could only find one high performance tire available, for 16 inch tires there were several, and for 17 inch tires there was a very large selection. That's why I got the 17 inch. (Their definition of high performance was a high speed and high temperature rating. I forget the exact numbers.)
Sorry, I forgot what the backspacing of my tires is. They're on the car so I can't measure. I think the people at Wheel Vintiques suggested the backspacing.
I decided to get 17 inch because of an article in Corvette Fever magazine. They assessed performance tire selections for C2/C3 cars. With 15 inch wheels, I think they could only find one high performance tire available, for 16 inch tires there were several, and for 17 inch tires there was a very large selection. That's why I got the 17 inch. (Their definition of high performance was a high speed and high temperature rating. I forget the exact numbers.)
Sorry, I forgot what the backspacing of my tires is. They're on the car so I can't measure. I think the people at Wheel Vintiques suggested the backspacing.
Also where did you buy yours from, I haven't started price shopping yet. If you have any pics that would be great!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
BFG T/An good speed rating at 255-50-16 and the Toyo T1R in 245-55-16 are 2 sizes that fill out the fenders on a C3 Vette with a good speed rating. There are plenty of 235-60-16 speed rated tires to be had, but sometimes look a little too tall on the C3 Vette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
What about Goodyear Eagle GT? Those tires have an "S" rating (112mph)...does that mean I shouldn't go over 112 mph?...or is that a "recommended safe maximum speed". I ask because I plan to go on the track at the Texas Motor Speedway at the Lone Star Classic in May and they run 115-125mph for C-3's. The also run C-1's & C-2's at around 100mph. Should I keep it below 112 mph because of the "S" rating?
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
What about Goodyear Eagle GT? Those tires have an "S" rating (112mph)...does that mean I shouldn't go over 112 mph?...or is that a "recommended safe maximum speed". I ask because I plan to go on the track at the Texas Motor Speedway at the Lone Star Classic in May and they run 115-125mph for C-3's. The also run C-1's & C-2's at around 100mph. Should I keep it below 112 mph because of the "S" rating?
Anyone know of any others that are "U" or higher?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Scroll down the page on this link to the Avon tires. I have been following some users of these on a Cobra forum and they handle great and see decent street life. Stick like glue. They are also the right size for our cars. Expensive though, but it seems as if you need to pay to play in 15 inch tires. At some point I am going to try a set.
Bill
http://www.rogerkrausracing.com/Cobra/
Bill
http://www.rogerkrausracing.com/Cobra/