Speed rated tires....
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From: anchorage ak
Speed rated tires....
Georges post about the 186 mph tire blow out got me thinking about speed rated tires and I've come up with a couple of questions for the forum.
1) At what point are speed rated tires needed, is it only for extended time spans of high speed?
2) If you run rated tires, what size and rating.
Ive never ran a speed rated tire, but did look for 15" rated tires a few years ago and could find any. A friend of mine said that speed rated tires were only needed for etaying at high speeds for an extended time.
1) At what point are speed rated tires needed, is it only for extended time spans of high speed?
2) If you run rated tires, what size and rating.
Ive never ran a speed rated tire, but did look for 15" rated tires a few years ago and could find any. A friend of mine said that speed rated tires were only needed for etaying at high speeds for an extended time.
Team Owner
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I live in the southwest and I have driven my Vette when it was 123 degrees. The pavement is probably over 160 easy.
Other than just the speed rating you have to buy " A " temp and "AA" traction That is why I went to 17 inch wheels when they first came out because they quit manufacturing "V" and "Z" rated in 15 inch.
Other than just the speed rating you have to buy " A " temp and "AA" traction That is why I went to 17 inch wheels when they first came out because they quit manufacturing "V" and "Z" rated in 15 inch.
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From: anchorage ak
I live in the southwest and I have driven my Vette when it was 123 degrees. The pavement is probably over 160 easy.
Other than just the speed rating you have to buy " A " temp and "AA" traction That is why I went to 17 inch wheels when they first came out because they quit manufacturing "V" and "Z" rated in 15 inch.
Other than just the speed rating you have to buy " A " temp and "AA" traction That is why I went to 17 inch wheels when they first came out because they quit manufacturing "V" and "Z" rated in 15 inch.
Team Owner
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I actually have sets of 17 & 18 inch for street or track. I only buy "W" or " Y" street tires and racing tires don't have a speed rating printed on them.
I don't run interliner tires because they are heavy. Michelin Pilot Sports are the only manufacturer of 335 width rear tires these days. Which just plain sucks.
I don't run interliner tires because they are heavy. Michelin Pilot Sports are the only manufacturer of 335 width rear tires these days. Which just plain sucks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
From my research on the subject, the only high speed rated (V), 15 inch, DOT legal tire in the proper sizes for these cars is the Avon CR6ZZ. Great tire but get out your wallet. Some day these will be on my car.
Bill
Bill
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From: anchorage ak
I'll have to look at those. Future plans include going to a larger diameter wheel for the ability to go to a larger tire with out off set trailing arms.
Le Mans Master
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From: melbourne florida
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as of late i have been looking for something a little more high performance in a 15" tire but the sizing is different and i guess some more math is involved. i agree on the avon, i can get 18" wheels and y rated tires for the price of a set of avons,
Thread Starter
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From: anchorage ak
Damn that is expensive.
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Race Director
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From: South Western Ontario
What top speed do you expect to run?
What tires did you find without a speed rating? Every tire must have a speed rating on it. For example, BFG Radial TA's are S rated which is 112mph.
What tires did you find without a speed rating? Every tire must have a speed rating on it. For example, BFG Radial TA's are S rated which is 112mph.
Le Mans Master
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From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i think my lawn mower tire is ( s ) rated
id like something at least v rated, the car will easily get there and more is planned. i just like the looks of a 15" tire better but i may end up with 18" before its over. the avons i have seen run 900.00 each if im reading it right.
id like something at least v rated, the car will easily get there and more is planned. i just like the looks of a 15" tire better but i may end up with 18" before its over. the avons i have seen run 900.00 each if im reading it right.
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From: anchorage ak
Not that im expecting, but I've held 130 for abot 9 miles, the do have a road race up in tok that id like to take part in.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: South Western Ontario
For 130mph there isn't much available for 15" tires. Your best bet is to use a different size. Maybe you need 2 sets, one for cruising if you like the stock look and another for the high speed use.
As for entering the road race - you shouldn't be allowed in the class if your tires are rated for the speed.
As for entering the road race - you shouldn't be allowed in the class if your tires are rated for the speed.
Last edited by lionelhutz; Dec 21, 2013 at 08:42 PM. Reason: responses while writing a response
Thread Starter
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From: anchorage ak
Now we just need to know how fast the OP wants to drive since he was posing the questions. The question just asking if anyone runs speed rated tires is rather redundant because every tire has a speed rating so everyone israted tires.
I guess someone could answer his first question - The tire speed rating should be higher then the speeds you drive. This would be the reason I asked how fast he expects to drive.
Still, you have a valid point. If the answer is > 112mph then there isn't much suitable in 15" tires.
I guess someone could answer his first question - The tire speed rating should be higher then the speeds you drive. This would be the reason I asked how fast he expects to drive.
Still, you have a valid point. If the answer is > 112mph then there isn't much suitable in 15" tires.
Last edited by bluedawg; Dec 21, 2013 at 09:01 PM. Reason: dog wont quit humping my leg
Thread Starter
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From: anchorage ak
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Castle Rock CO
I used to install tires for a living about 22 years ago and most tires are rated with a radial S rating they are good till about 110 MPH then we go up to HR rated Tires which are good to 130 MPH, after that we go into performance tires with a V or Z rating which can handle higher speeds. Their are others that can handle speeds greater 168 MPH but they are specialty tires for drag and cars that are hand built.
Here is very good link to tires and speed ratings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code
Here is very good link to tires and speed ratings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code
Last edited by MakoJoe; Dec 21, 2013 at 09:25 PM.