15" Tire Replacements
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
15" Tire Replacements
Saturday I'm replacing my 7 year old set of 235R60x15 Goodyear Eagle II RWL with a new set (date code 1512) of 225R70x15 BF Goodrich TA Radials. After watching the ABC Special about "new" tires (older than 7 years) coming apart and possibly killing you. I've always used either Firestone Firehawks or Goodyear Eagles BUT I was unable to find ANY in the RWL and/or sizes that I needed except with BF Goodrich. What are your opinions of the TA Radials? I hope I'm making the right choice....only other option I have is either straight blackwall OR change my wheel/tires to 18".
Last edited by vetteguy75; Apr 19, 2012 at 10:53 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery TX
The only choice for affordable 15" replacements are the BFG's, Firestone Indy 500, and Cooper Cobras. These are passenger car tires with RWL's and not performance tires. If you want to retain the classic look of your Vette then you are stuck with one of these choices or buying repro Goodyears or redlines for $350ea.
Moving up to a larger diameter wheel increase the choice of affordable tires and gets you a better tire that will improve the handling of your Vette. It's really about personal taste and originality.
Moving up to a larger diameter wheel increase the choice of affordable tires and gets you a better tire that will improve the handling of your Vette. It's really about personal taste and originality.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 199
From: Palm Bay Florida
I have BFG radial T/As on both my 72's,tires are OK not great but the RWL start to turn brown after 2 years never had this problem with these tires in the past. The last set I took off after 10 years were still white.
Mark
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Lately I've been researching what little remains to choose from in a 235/60/15. There's not much difference in performance or construction between brands. I've decided on the BFG T/As because they just started production in the 1st week of April of an improved sidewall design that should offer improved performance. They should be in the pipeline and at stores by May. Be sure to have them confirm manufacture dates in April or later if you want the new design. If I'm still alive when I need my next set of tires I'll probably take the plunge and go up to 17" wheels.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Using Firestones 255/60/15 tires,no complaints.Vette is just a cruiser so I don't need 200mph tires.Tires are rated to over 100mph,how fast do you want to go in a 35 plus year old car anyways.The RWL looks good on these slotted wheels it gives it that classic look.These tires can handle as fast as I dare go around corners with this car .The wet traction is great no slipping an sliding so far.
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Another alternative to the BF's and Stones would be these Mickey Thompson tires.They look nice have gotten good reviews and are priced right.http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/tire...-any-good.html
If you have that need for speed best to step up to a higher rated tire.All depends what your use for your Vette ......
[IMG]
[/IMG]Another alternative to the BF's and Stones would be these Mickey Thompson tires.They look nice have gotten good reviews and are priced right.http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/tire...-any-good.html
If you have that need for speed best to step up to a higher rated tire.All depends what your use for your Vette ......
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 367
Likes: 1
From: Christchurch Canterbury
Tyre choice is crap in 15 inch.
Avon seems to be the only high performance choice, but i understand they are really racing tyres.
I can't understand why the Muscle car community online don't lean on a manufacturer, say Good Year to produce a range of good sized 15 inch performace tyres.
After all combined corvettes, cobras, GT 40 reps, ect there are a fair number of track day cars that would utilise a high performance 15 in tyre.
I'm sure there would be enough market there to make it viable!
They would have my money!!!!
Avon seems to be the only high performance choice, but i understand they are really racing tyres.
I can't understand why the Muscle car community online don't lean on a manufacturer, say Good Year to produce a range of good sized 15 inch performace tyres.
After all combined corvettes, cobras, GT 40 reps, ect there are a fair number of track day cars that would utilise a high performance 15 in tyre.
I'm sure there would be enough market there to make it viable!
They would have my money!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Tyre choice is crap in 15 inch.
Avon seems to be the only high performance choice, but i understand they are really racing tyres.
I can't understand why the Muscle car community online don't lean on a manufacturer, say Good Year to produce a range of good sized 15 inch performace tyres.
After all combined corvettes, cobras, GT 40 reps, ect there are a fair number of track day cars that would utilise a high performance 15 in tyre.
I'm sure there would be enough market there to make it viable!
They would have my money!!!!
Avon seems to be the only high performance choice, but i understand they are really racing tyres.
I can't understand why the Muscle car community online don't lean on a manufacturer, say Good Year to produce a range of good sized 15 inch performace tyres.
After all combined corvettes, cobras, GT 40 reps, ect there are a fair number of track day cars that would utilise a high performance 15 in tyre.
I'm sure there would be enough market there to make it viable!
They would have my money!!!!
Pirelli used to make a true high performance 235/60/15 but it hasn't been produced for some time now and they currently have no plans to make it again. That was the tire of choice for older Jags too so between them and folks like us you'd think there would be enough of a market to make it worth their while but apparently not.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
I have "Grand Am Radial GTs" 225/70 WLT.
I only ask if they came in 225/70s or 255/60s and they did.
18s will look like a roller skate without lowering your car but your probably used to that look with 235/60s anyway.
I only ask if they came in 225/70s or 255/60s and they did.
18s will look like a roller skate without lowering your car but your probably used to that look with 235/60s anyway.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
I like mine and I have had three sets on the car over the years. I removed the set before these due to age also. I gave them to a dirt racer at work and warned him they could destruct at any time. They have made several dozens of laps on a hobby stocker. They still have not come apart.
mike...
mike...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Costco is showing 255/60/15 BF Goodrich for 133 each installed.....
Use the search by size option on the tire website....
Getem while they last....
Use the search by size option on the tire website....
Getem while they last....
Last edited by iokepakai; Apr 20, 2012 at 08:55 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Looks like these are the replacement.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ewall=Outlined White Letters&partnum=375TR5LTXMS2OWLXL&tab=Si zes
Only available in 235/75/15
Better look than the others.
They won't know their not on a truck.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ewall=Outlined White Letters&partnum=375TR5LTXMS2OWLXL&tab=Si zes
Only available in 235/75/15
Better look than the others.
They won't know their not on a truck.
Last edited by 63mako; Apr 20, 2012 at 09:00 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
