Best 255/60R15 vs price
01-23-2018, 04:18 PM
#101
Advanced
They are ET Street SS 295 55 15. They are 28 inches tall, lots of sidewall, so cornering isn't as crisp as one would hope. I am actually considering dropping back to 255 60 15s, even though they will still have tall sidewalls compared to the new 18s, I think they'll be OK for the back road cruising that I mostly do.
When I made the swap from my 295 50 street tires, I was after max traction, and had no idea just how sticky these tires are. I think the MT 255 s will be fine. On the other hand,...I just got my 4.11 gears, so I'm not sure what tires I will end up with after that swap.
When I made the swap from my 295 50 street tires, I was after max traction, and had no idea just how sticky these tires are. I think the MT 255 s will be fine. On the other hand,...I just got my 4.11 gears, so I'm not sure what tires I will end up with after that swap.
Yeah that would be a tough choice; From what I hear about these tires either size should stick great with the right gears and a mild power-plant (under 500 hp/tq). I would think the 4.11 gears would be pretty low for the 255/60r15 tire, especially if you are mostly driving on the street. The 295/55r15 fills the fender better, adds additional ground clearance, looks aggressive, and would probably do great with those 4.11s.
I currently have 255/50r17 UHP tires (same 27in height as 255/60r15) with 3.73 gears in a 80-82 Dana alloy diff, and a modern 6 speed with LS6 drive-train. Those gears seem perfect for me; with great acceleration and relatively low rpm highway cruising.
I am all about losing weight for performance so I am getting the smaller 255 tire which should also stick good for my 400whp. It will also take some of the sidewall flex out of the cornering like you mentioned.
Last edited by SHIFT A; 01-23-2018 at 05:41 PM.
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Classic Muscle (01-28-2018)
01-23-2018, 10:13 PM
#102
Le Mans Master
I'm happy this thread is still open. With a pair of C3s that I'm hoping to keep shod with Kelsey Hayes 15" aluminum wheels, while still driving safely on the street, I'm in the same boat. I'll try to answer the OP's question with what I know.
The best 255/60R15 tires for a street driven car are the BFG Radial T/As. They cost more than the Coopers or the other options, but I ponied up and paid the premium for my wife's '79. They are the most correct looking RWL tires currently produced, at least since Goodyear stopped making theirs. They seemed to have been an improvement vs the year-old Coopers that they replaced, but the wheel backspacing changed, too, correcting the stance, so that may have been part of the felt difference. Their dry traction is acceptable. Their wet traction is sub-optimal, but Corvettes melt in the rain, so that shouldn't be a problem.
I have over 10000 miles of experience on BFGs, as I had these tires on my Corvair with 15" wheels (205 front, 225 rear). Obviously a Corvair is a very different beast, but I flogged that car. It could do 100 mph in second gear. The BFGs worked in the summer, for autocrossing and time-trials, and in the rain and snow.
I have a nearly new set of Cooper Cobras on an incorrect (for a C3) set of wheels stacked in the corner of my shed. I may use the tires on my other car, or I may buy a new set of Maxxis Marauder wheels (post #20 in this thread). Neither will look as good as the BFGs, but the Cooper option is basically free, while the Maxxis tires seem like the best option for the 15x8 wheels for a car that will see some track time. When I sell the wheels, I'll let the buyer decide if he wants the Coopers or not.
So my price points:
BFG Radial T/As: Worth $700-/set installed (RWL)
Cooper Cobras: Worth ~$100/set installed (RWL)
Maxxis Marauder MA-S1: I'd pay the same as BFGs, but I haven't yet (H-rated)
Anything Made in China: Not going on my car, even if it were free
The best 255/60R15 tires for a street driven car are the BFG Radial T/As. They cost more than the Coopers or the other options, but I ponied up and paid the premium for my wife's '79. They are the most correct looking RWL tires currently produced, at least since Goodyear stopped making theirs. They seemed to have been an improvement vs the year-old Coopers that they replaced, but the wheel backspacing changed, too, correcting the stance, so that may have been part of the felt difference. Their dry traction is acceptable. Their wet traction is sub-optimal, but Corvettes melt in the rain, so that shouldn't be a problem.
I have over 10000 miles of experience on BFGs, as I had these tires on my Corvair with 15" wheels (205 front, 225 rear). Obviously a Corvair is a very different beast, but I flogged that car. It could do 100 mph in second gear. The BFGs worked in the summer, for autocrossing and time-trials, and in the rain and snow.
I have a nearly new set of Cooper Cobras on an incorrect (for a C3) set of wheels stacked in the corner of my shed. I may use the tires on my other car, or I may buy a new set of Maxxis Marauder wheels (post #20 in this thread). Neither will look as good as the BFGs, but the Cooper option is basically free, while the Maxxis tires seem like the best option for the 15x8 wheels for a car that will see some track time. When I sell the wheels, I'll let the buyer decide if he wants the Coopers or not.
So my price points:
BFG Radial T/As: Worth $700-/set installed (RWL)
Cooper Cobras: Worth ~$100/set installed (RWL)
Maxxis Marauder MA-S1: I'd pay the same as BFGs, but I haven't yet (H-rated)
Anything Made in China: Not going on my car, even if it were free
Last edited by Bikespace; 01-23-2018 at 10:18 PM. Reason: Typos
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01-24-2018, 05:54 PM
#103
Drifting
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2018 C3 of Year Finalist
I'm happy this thread is still open. With a pair of C3s that I'm hoping to keep shod with Kelsey Hayes 15" aluminum wheels, while still driving safely on the street, I'm in the same boat. I'll try to answer the OP's question with what I know.
The best 255/60R15 tires for a street driven car are the BFG Radial T/As. They cost more than the Coopers or the other options, but I ponied up and paid the premium for my wife's '79. They are the most correct looking RWL tires currently produced, at least since Goodyear stopped making theirs. They seemed to have been an improvement vs the year-old Coopers that they replaced, but the wheel backspacing changed, too, correcting the stance, so that may have been part of the felt difference. Their dry traction is acceptable. Their wet traction is sub-optimal, but Corvettes melt in the rain, so that shouldn't be a problem.
I have over 10000 miles of experience on BFGs, as I had these tires on my Corvair with 15" wheels (205 front, 225 rear). Obviously a Corvair is a very different beast, but I flogged that car. It could do 100 mph in second gear. The BFGs worked in the summer, for autocrossing and time-trials, and in the rain and snow.
I have a nearly new set of Cooper Cobras on an incorrect (for a C3) set of wheels stacked in the corner of my shed. I may use the tires on my other car, or I may buy a new set of Maxxis Marauder wheels (post #20 in this thread). Neither will look as good as the BFGs, but the Cooper option is basically free, while the Maxxis tires seem like the best option for the 15x8 wheels for a car that will see some track time. When I sell the wheels, I'll let the buyer decide if he wants the Coopers or not.
So my price points:
BFG Radial T/As: Worth $700-/set installed (RWL)
Cooper Cobras: Worth ~$100/set installed (RWL)
Maxxis Marauder MA-S1: I'd pay the same as BFGs, but I haven't yet (H-rated)
Anything Made in China: Not going on my car, even if it were
free
The best 255/60R15 tires for a street driven car are the BFG Radial T/As. They cost more than the Coopers or the other options, but I ponied up and paid the premium for my wife's '79. They are the most correct looking RWL tires currently produced, at least since Goodyear stopped making theirs. They seemed to have been an improvement vs the year-old Coopers that they replaced, but the wheel backspacing changed, too, correcting the stance, so that may have been part of the felt difference. Their dry traction is acceptable. Their wet traction is sub-optimal, but Corvettes melt in the rain, so that shouldn't be a problem.
I have over 10000 miles of experience on BFGs, as I had these tires on my Corvair with 15" wheels (205 front, 225 rear). Obviously a Corvair is a very different beast, but I flogged that car. It could do 100 mph in second gear. The BFGs worked in the summer, for autocrossing and time-trials, and in the rain and snow.
I have a nearly new set of Cooper Cobras on an incorrect (for a C3) set of wheels stacked in the corner of my shed. I may use the tires on my other car, or I may buy a new set of Maxxis Marauder wheels (post #20 in this thread). Neither will look as good as the BFGs, but the Cooper option is basically free, while the Maxxis tires seem like the best option for the 15x8 wheels for a car that will see some track time. When I sell the wheels, I'll let the buyer decide if he wants the Coopers or not.
So my price points:
BFG Radial T/As: Worth $700-/set installed (RWL)
Cooper Cobras: Worth ~$100/set installed (RWL)
Maxxis Marauder MA-S1: I'd pay the same as BFGs, but I haven't yet (H-rated)
Anything Made in China: Not going on my car, even if it were
free
Firestone’s from Coker,and the Goodyear’s from Kelsey?
Before I jump.
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Classic Muscle (01-31-2018)
01-25-2018, 04:45 PM
#104
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Classic Muscle (01-28-2018)
01-28-2018, 09:02 PM
#105
Le Mans Master
01-31-2018, 03:49 PM
#106
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
Will soemone tell the 13 yrs old workers over there the quality sux!!
Wish goodyear would bring something decent back.
BFG has nice lettering script other than that Ill take coopers all day long
The money pit, try some M/T 275/50. Sidewall isnt short nor tall, sticks and drives fine. 26.5 in tall
Last edited by cv67; 01-31-2018 at 07:44 PM.
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Classic Muscle (01-31-2018)
01-31-2018, 06:53 PM
#107
Le Mans Master
I have a number of sets of Cooper Ultra high performance all season and summer only 16/18's on a few other cars and THESE Coopers are great tires. Based on that evaluation, if I needed 15 inch C3 tires, I would not hesitate buying Coopers, not so much BFG, based on poorer quality over the last 10 years on the same said cars noted previously^^^^^.
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Classic Muscle (01-31-2018)
02-09-2018, 11:41 AM
#108
tredwear
Since it seems we have discussed just about everything else related to tires in this thread, I thought it only appropriate to mention the one thing that hasn't been mentioned, "why don't manufacturers offer raised white letters in performance tires?" Back in the 80's when Goodyear introduced the Gatorback, 'V' rated tires for the C4 Corvette, the question was asked and the response given, was essentially the same as this below.
Of course here TredWear is pushing their raised white letter kits for tires, but their reasoning for doing this remains valid. Some may recall that Goodyear also offered the Gatorback in 60 series for a number of vehicles. I ran their 255/60 VR15 for many years on my '73 convertible, but to my knowledge they have been out of production for more than 10 years.
Good luck... GUSTO
Of course here TredWear is pushing their raised white letter kits for tires, but their reasoning for doing this remains valid. Some may recall that Goodyear also offered the Gatorback in 60 series for a number of vehicles. I ran their 255/60 VR15 for many years on my '73 convertible, but to my knowledge they have been out of production for more than 10 years.
Why Do Tire Manufacturers Not Make Raised White Letter Tires For Low Profile Tire Sizes?
December 9, 2013
We have discussed this with several tire manufacturers and they all have said the same thing. Tire construction (as it applies to sidewalls especially) becomes more critical the lower the section profile. Many people do not know that the old school white letter tires use a solid white layer sandwiched into the sidewall that is squeezed outward through raised areas in the tire mold. Then a cosmetic layer of black is applied to the surface white layer. Finally a machine buffs away the black cosmetic layer only on the raised portions and that is how the white letter look is achieved.
On modern low profile, performance tires, there is not enough room to sandwich this solid white layer. Further, the white layer is purely cosmetic, and therefore adds nothing the the strength and construction of the sidewall. It seems our need for bigger brakes and higher tire performance demands have relegated this tire jewelry accent to the dustbin of history…. Until now!
TredWear has solved this problem with our special patented dual compound rubber used with a patented instant adhesive which together makes a real raised white letter tire out of any black naked doughnut. Don’t struggle with tire lettering stencils or paint that will turn brown in a matter of days. Order TredWear kits today and take back the past with a modern flair!
http://tredwear.com/why-do-tire-manu...le-tire-sizes/
For this reason and the fact that until now, I've yet to see a 'V' rated tire with molded in "raised white letters", I will remain suspicious of anyone that claims to offer a 'V' rated tire with raised white letters. Particularly so for one in 255/60 15" size for under $100. In fact I can't ever recall seeing any 'V' rated tire of any size for under $100...December 9, 2013
We have discussed this with several tire manufacturers and they all have said the same thing. Tire construction (as it applies to sidewalls especially) becomes more critical the lower the section profile. Many people do not know that the old school white letter tires use a solid white layer sandwiched into the sidewall that is squeezed outward through raised areas in the tire mold. Then a cosmetic layer of black is applied to the surface white layer. Finally a machine buffs away the black cosmetic layer only on the raised portions and that is how the white letter look is achieved.
On modern low profile, performance tires, there is not enough room to sandwich this solid white layer. Further, the white layer is purely cosmetic, and therefore adds nothing the the strength and construction of the sidewall. It seems our need for bigger brakes and higher tire performance demands have relegated this tire jewelry accent to the dustbin of history…. Until now!
TredWear has solved this problem with our special patented dual compound rubber used with a patented instant adhesive which together makes a real raised white letter tire out of any black naked doughnut. Don’t struggle with tire lettering stencils or paint that will turn brown in a matter of days. Order TredWear kits today and take back the past with a modern flair!
http://tredwear.com/why-do-tire-manu...le-tire-sizes/
Good luck... GUSTO
I have tried tredwear and they fell off really quickly-you get what you pay for I guess. I bought a set of tirestickers last month instead and they are awesome! They are definitely more pricey but worth the step up in quality.
02-09-2018, 11:43 AM
#109
Valid point. My 79 with factory wheels goes down the freeway just fine at 75 and comes up my mountain likes it's on rails. But if I can actually improve that by going to 17" wheels and aren't concerned about the period correct look than that's the direction I'm leaning.
04-05-2018, 11:29 PM
#110
Advanced
Sorry to add to an old thread, but I promised I would post after I got my new wheel/tire set.
15x8 American Racing Torq Thrust II #VN5155861 (-18mm offset) on all corners. (grey centers are plastidip for now)
255/60r15 Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S (drag radials) on rear (painted raised letters white)
245/60r15 Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T front
Now with my impressions after putting some miles on them going from my old 17/16 inch Ultra High Performance tire combo;
Over-all I love the new combo; I have better traction, better acceleration, better ride comfort, and I love the look.
I did loose some cornering feel/response a bit going to the 15 inch combo, but I was expecting this to some degree with the taller sidewalls, etc. It still handles very well and I did take it through some curvy back roads on multiple occasions and pushed it hard. The 16/17 inch combo did stay flatter in the curves, but the 15 inch combo held the road just as well, if not even better with the sticky drag radials.
There was a very noticeable increase in ride comfort going to the 15 inch combo, which is great for a lot of the crappy public roads I have to drive on.
Not only do the 15 inch drag radials hold traction on hard acceleration and quick turns, I also noticed that they are easier to turn and get up to speed on light throttle due to the decrease in mass compared to the 17/16 inch combo.
Here is my old combo to compare (255/50r17 Nitto Invo on 17x8 TT2 rear, 245/50r16 Falken ZE950 on 16x8 TT2 front):
04-06-2018, 06:03 AM
#111
Le Mans Master
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I think the car looks so much better with those 15 inch wheels / tires, and I am sure it handles as well as it needs to on the roads....to me, its a win win. Very nice. As soon as I opened the page, and saw that first side view....my Corvette cool radar kicks on. Anytime I see the bigger wheels on a C3, I instantly see something as wrong, with only a few exceptions.
Last edited by Torqued Off; 04-06-2018 at 06:05 AM.
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SHIFT A (04-06-2018)
04-06-2018, 06:36 AM
#112
I love the look of your car now with the 15's and I believe it's a great improvement in appearance. I am old school and getting older (52) but I have yet to catch on to the big inch wheels and super low profile tires. I don't really understand the performance gain with the big wheels either but I know those large diameter wheels do not like pot holes. Congratulations on your upgrade!!!
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SHIFT A (04-06-2018)
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SHIFT A (04-06-2018)
04-06-2018, 01:22 PM
#116
Instructor
Very happy with the Cooper/Mastercraft 255/60's all round on my '79. (and I purchased my car with the original Goodyear GT's) - one of which had a bubble. To me, the Mastercraft lettering was close in size/style, and the price was good too. A very good traction tire for the $$. No issues thus far, and very quiet on the road. Didn't even have to add air over the Winter break!
Last edited by Jonz79; 04-06-2018 at 01:27 PM.
04-06-2018, 01:51 PM
#117
Advanced
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