Just for clarification for everyone, a high speed rated tire such as the 255/45/17 ZR's ultra high performance summer only tires that I run on my 78 is NOT about the tires speed rating really. A z rated tire (168 mph or 186 mph rating) indicates the strength of the tire carcass with very little side wall flex. In addition, Z rated tires have a much more suitable tread pattern for the rain and usually run a much softer sticker rubber for much better tire traction and adhesion. The tires stick like glue on the road. There is no comparison between my former BFG TA's and the Kuhmos I run now. Hope that helps!

 

Can anyone confirm, or maybe Les can give us some more info, about a new production run of BFG T/A's coming online in May?

 

I'll be happy to tell you what I know. The new version is called E4 and according to their rep, who I talked to 3-4 weeks ago, they started producing them in the 1st week of this month. A guy at a Discount Tire store near me said that it typically takes about a month for new tires to reach the stores- that would put it roughly at the beginning of May. I'll call next week and try to see if they're in the pipeline yet. In the meantime here's the info about them directly from Discount Tire


http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...=CSMINT&cs=235

 

225/70R15



Not sure if it's psychological, but it seems to ride smoother than the Goodyear Eagle II 235/60R15 I had before these. By the way, the Goodyears were made in the 12th week in 2005.

 

Looks great Stuart. I have always thought mine rides very smooth also. Some say these cars have a harsh ride. I run 30-32 psi. cold. I originally had 255-60-R15 on the car with a 225-70 spare. Then it hit me. What am I going to do with a flat 255. Will it fit into the spare tire tub? The answer for me is, HECK NO!!! With my exhaust there is no way to fit a flat 255 into the tub. So I went with the 225's. Five new ones with an extra YJ8 wheel. I do not want my car pulled up onto a rollback wrecker with a flat. Tire and wheel would be totaled. mike...

 

I didn't think they looked like roller skates on mine. They just rode like ***, which is a problem in my mind. Look awesome in photos. I lucked out when the seller said he had the OEM's also.

 

I know what you mean....that happened to me about a year ago when I lost air in my passenger rear and I was just exiting off of I-20. I limped to a safe place to change the tire and thank goodness I was alone, because, to get home, I had to put the flat in the passenger seat....not a happy camper. Don't know what I would have done if I had a passenger with me....I guess they could of called a cab....

 

BFG's are good tires IMO.

Here is a thread that may help you out.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...r-our-c3s.html

 

After looking for 15" tires we all come away less than enthusiastic. It would seem the choices are the BFGoodrich in the 245 60 15's or 255 60 15's. The prices are reasonable and the looks are acceptable. The Coker Red Lines cost too much, and the 235 70 or 75 x15 arena is very limited. Although I like the fit of the 235 75 15's, the brand choices of affordable tires seem to be in the Chinese or Korean brands, which to me just won't fly.

I had ancient cracking 245's and 255's on the 82 when I got it. Obviously the 245's because of tire rub at full lock verses running 255's all around. Plus the staggered look is acceptable or appealing. I would in fact like to have 235's all around though, simply for clearance and mileage. As for speed.... I doubt I well ever be going much over around 75-80 even though the ability exists. I just wonder about the handling of 235's all around, and how owners liked them? Anyone?

I suppose as tire time is imminent, the likelihood of 245 -255 BFG's in the 60 series will be the likely choice, and the previous tires in that brand and size felt fine and gave a secure feeling ride.
Still, if the cost weren't prohibitive, I'd like a go at the Red Lines.

 

That's the first time I've ever heard that the speed rating letter does not actually refer to a speed rating. Where can I learn more about this?

Hmmm...now that I think about it my Hoosier A6's are Z rated and I wouldn't call their tread pattern suitable for rain.

 

What's the matter with Firestone Indy 500's? I have had BFG Radial T/A, Dunlop, Goodyear and the Firestone is the best yet. And, available in 255-60x15. And, about $110 per tire.

 

Second that for Firestones! Good tire handles fine wet or dry. A good street tire.Check out this review about the Mickey Thompson ST tires:
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/tire...-any-good.html
They are T rated tires to 118 mph .....

 

Are the Firestones Firehawks w/RWL still being made? I had checked with our local Firestone dealer and he stated that they stopped making those last year.....

 

Discount tire stores here are selling the Cooper Cobra 245/60/15 for $97 ea.
Tire Max still sells the Firestone Indy 500's for $105 ea.

 

That is not what I meant about the speed rating. Let try this again. A Z speed rating does mean that the tire is rated to either 168 or 186 MPH but on my C3 which tops out at about 120 MPH with the 4 speed and 3.70 gears, I couldn't and would not even if I could being going anywhere near that fast on the street or a track. A Z speed rating does indicate that the tire construction is much stronger and stiffer than say an S rated tire like the BFG TA (112 mph) and uses a much sticker softer rubber for better adhesion and traction. The stiffer, stronger tire carcuss contributes greatly to better steering response and handling as well. Also note that all tires have a traction, tread wear, and temperature rating. Z rated tires generally have a much lower tread wear rating than an S/T rated tire as well as traction (meant in the rain) of A or AA out of an AA A B C rating system with C being the worst. Z rated tires also run MUCH cooler than lesser rated tires with an A rating versus B/C rating for lower speed rated tires. Like I said, the Z rating is NOT just about the speed rating. All in all, a Z rated tire is generally better made, stronger,provides better wet capability, steering response, and safety (it is MUCH stronger) than lesser speed rated tires such as S/T rated street tires. The above description applies to street rated tires, racing tires are different.Hope that helps!

 

I just got these yesterday fro local tire store. 225/70/15. $492 out the door price.

 

Well, I just talked to BF Goodrich about their T/As with the new E4 sidewall configuration. For the size I want, 235/60/15, they report that production has not begun and they show them on back order. The rep couldn't find any info on the timeline for when they would be produced or in the pipeline. It looks like a minimum of 1-2 more months for those to be available and possibly much longer.

Even the Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/Ts referred to earlier in this thread are apparently on back order. Discount Tire eventually found a source in my state that has them in stock but I'll have them check on DOT date codes before I agree to order. That's all the info I can add at this point.

 

Another satisfied Indy 500 customer.

 

Couldn't find Firestones. Went with the BFG's 255 /60's :