Just purchased a set of these and I'm very happy with them.
Bridgestone Tires
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Bridgestone Tires
Anybody know where I can source Bridgestone Potenza 255/60/15 tires for my '81, have a full set on now but running out of tread soon so wpuld really appreciate any info on a very good performance tire.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Nope. The only 255/60R15 Bridgestone lists now is the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500.
edit - but you can get them (Potenza) in 255/45R18's.
edit - but you can get them (Potenza) in 255/45R18's.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jan 5, 2013 at 11:53 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Edison NJ
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
This thread is a real wake-up call to me.
I also have Potenza's on my 72 and will need to replace very soon.
Until I saw these posts, I had no clue how many manufacturers stopped making a high performance tire in the 15 inch size. Clearly it is a small and ever-shrinking market.
I've been online searching and there appear to be very very few remaining options !
I also have Potenza's on my 72 and will need to replace very soon.
Until I saw these posts, I had no clue how many manufacturers stopped making a high performance tire in the 15 inch size. Clearly it is a small and ever-shrinking market.
I've been online searching and there appear to be very very few remaining options !
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Mickey Thompson makes a good tire in that size too. I have their 235/60/15 on the front of my 69 and have been pleasantly surprised at how grippy it is. If you decide on MTs, make sure you get the S/Ts not the S/Rs.
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/s...em=SportsmanST
However, if you want a true high performance tire you'll probably want to look at 17" wheels or bigger to have a good selection.
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/s...em=SportsmanST
However, if you want a true high performance tire you'll probably want to look at 17" wheels or bigger to have a good selection.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I stuck with the 255/60/15's for years since I like the oem aluminum rims most recently running the BFG Radial TA's and Dunlop GT Qualifers/Goodyear Eagle GT'S before them but finally gave up in 2008. I have upgraded/replaced just about every component in the front/rear suspension including a blueprinted/rebuilt OEM steering box by GTR1999 and was looking for tires that could take advantage of the changes. Bought a set of SLP 17 inch rims for $600 for 4 and mounted Kuhmo ECSTA ultra high performance summer only tires (255/45/17 ZR in front and 255/50/17 ZR in the rear)-would have liked to go with the 255/45's in the front but with 3.70 gears in the 4 speed did not want to increase numerically the gear ratio with a shorter tire than stock, The difference between the ZR's and the standard 15 inch tire is night and day!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 844
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Mickey Thompson makes a good tire in that size too. I have their 235/60/15 on the front of my 69 and have been pleasantly surprised at how grippy it is. If you decide on MTs, make sure you get the S/Ts not the S/Rs.
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/s...em=SportsmanST
However, if you want a true high performance tire you'll probably want to look at 17" wheels or bigger to have a good selection.
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/s...em=SportsmanST
However, if you want a true high performance tire you'll probably want to look at 17" wheels or bigger to have a good selection.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
The cooper cobras 97.00 per tire ,, and there a pretty good tire nice 50k warranty
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
50k mileage warranty tells you right there that the rubber is extremely hard and not very good for any type of performance. As stated all ready, you really have no choices in a performance tire unless you step up to 17 inch rims.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
Performance as in ?? My guess is not a lot of us are racing or taking turns at high rates of speed so it is not really a big issue overall . The one thing a 15 series tire allows is keeping the factory rims which often look a lot better then many aftermarket rims.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
I found the difference to be dramatic between the "S" or "T" rated standard tire like the BFG Radial T/A and the higher performance tires (when they were available) like the Potenza'a or the Pirelli P600. I don't race but I just found the car to ride nicer, it seemed to stick to the road better and the overall driving experience was considerably better. It seemed like I could take exits at a much higher rate of speed and it resulted in a more confident driving experience.
I am dreading having to put BFG radial T/A's on my car. It is like stepping back into time 20 years - that tire has not changed one bit ! Meanwhile most of us change, adjust and tweak suspension components to maximize the potential of our cars, yet we are left with old technology as far as the tires are concerned.
If I wasn't so darn set on keeping the look of my original rally wheels I'd switch over to a different wheel and tire combo in a heart beat.
I am dreading having to put BFG radial T/A's on my car. It is like stepping back into time 20 years - that tire has not changed one bit ! Meanwhile most of us change, adjust and tweak suspension components to maximize the potential of our cars, yet we are left with old technology as far as the tires are concerned.
If I wasn't so darn set on keeping the look of my original rally wheels I'd switch over to a different wheel and tire combo in a heart beat.