1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: Austin TX
1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone?
I am beginning to think about putting new tires on my 1978 Pace. I am not planning on upgrading the tire size from stock (P225/70R15). Are there any particular tire brands that people recommend?
It is not a parade car, and I like twistys so handling and speed on dry pavement is important to me. (I never drive the car in "weather", so wet traction is not really important to me.)
I like the sounds of the Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP from a Corvette Fever article I read recently...
It is not a parade car, and I like twistys so handling and speed on dry pavement is important to me. (I never drive the car in "weather", so wet traction is not really important to me.)
I like the sounds of the Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP from a Corvette Fever article I read recently...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (freemyer)
I'll check those out, but for now I recommend 255-60-15 BF Goodrich Radial TAs.
Note that I'm using the Firehawk Indy 500s and don't recommend them. Show only.
-Steve
Note that I'm using the Firehawk Indy 500s and don't recommend them. Show only.
-Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (Pacin'California)
I'll check those out, but for now I recommend 255-60-15 BF Goodrich Radial TAs.
Note that I'm using the Firehawk Indy 500s and don't recommend them. Show only.
-Steve
Note that I'm using the Firehawk Indy 500s and don't recommend them. Show only.
-Steve
I have to disagree with you on the BFB TA radials. In corners they roll over on the sidewalls real bad.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: Austin TX
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (Pacin'California)
The article actually recommended three tires:
- Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP
- Bridgestone Potenza RE730
- BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW
Pacin'California: Is this "BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW" the Bridgestone tire of which you speak?
- Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP
- Bridgestone Potenza RE730
- BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW
Pacin'California: Is this "BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW" the Bridgestone tire of which you speak?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (freemyer)
The article actually recommended three tires:
- Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP
- Bridgestone Potenza RE730
- BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW
- Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP
- Bridgestone Potenza RE730
- BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW
The article sounds like it's referring to tires for a newer vette with 17/18" rims. They don't sell any of those tires for us guys using 15" rims.
Turtle- either sidewall is gonna roll over a lot. The only solution is to go up to 17s.
-Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (freemyer)
I'm running GY Eagle GTII's (255/60-15). But I'm just a Sunday mountain road cruiser in the C3.
[Modified by 78Vette-SA, 10:40 PM 6/3/2003]
[Modified by 78Vette-SA, 10:40 PM 6/3/2003]
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 51
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From: Penticton BC
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (78Vette-SA)
I have The BFG Radial T/A'a and they are horrible(255/60/15). They roll over really bad. I also have a set of Dunlop GT Qualifier 265/50/15's and they are much much better. They are a hard tire and dont offer really good grip but handle nicely and dont roll over at least. IM goin to the Yokohama Avid S/T next...anyone running these???
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: Austin TX
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (78pace)
78pace:
I have a question about the proper tire size now... I just looked at http://www.idavette.net/facts/78.htm when I quoted P225/70R15 (instead of going to the garage and checking the car). Since you said that, I checked and I do have P255/60R15 on the car.
If I look at the orginal owners manual, it says P225/70R15 blackwall was standard with P225/70R15 whitewall and P255/60R15 whitewall as optional.
Did all pace cars really have P255/60R15 as stock size? I cannot find any good internet resources...
I have a question about the proper tire size now... I just looked at http://www.idavette.net/facts/78.htm when I quoted P225/70R15 (instead of going to the garage and checking the car). Since you said that, I checked and I do have P255/60R15 on the car.
If I look at the orginal owners manual, it says P225/70R15 blackwall was standard with P225/70R15 whitewall and P255/60R15 whitewall as optional.
Did all pace cars really have P255/60R15 as stock size? I cannot find any good internet resources...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 854
Likes: 7
From: dudley ma
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (freemyer)
The wheels were polished to a beautiful sheen and wore P255 R60x15 Goodyear radials, which were otherwise optional with other ‘78 Corvettes. Front and rear body spoilers from an article written for corvette magazine! :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 854
Likes: 7
From: dudley ma
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (freemyer)
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,760
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From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (freemyer)
I have the T/A g-force on my wifes '00 Mustang. Great traction and a lot quieter than the Goodyears that came off. My only porblem with Goodrich now is that they are owned by Michelein....a French company. I have a personal boycott going against anything from France.........
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: Maplewood NJ
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (mvftw)
Anybody looking at the Yokohama Avid's...Tirerack gave them a very good rating and cheap...better then Goodrich & Dunlop...
They're next on my wish list. :D
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: Austin TX
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (Glutamine83)
I also posted this thread on the Wheels & Tires Group. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=577272. SWCDuke recommended that I go to 235/70R-15 tire size to give me higher performance tire selection, what he called "police pursuit tires". What do other Pace owners think.
What do other pace car owners think... Do I take away from the value for my car by switching my tire size from factory? Although, I do not enter my cars in shows, so its not like I will be judged for having a different tire size.
What do other pace car owners think... Do I take away from the value for my car by switching my tire size from factory? Although, I do not enter my cars in shows, so its not like I will be judged for having a different tire size.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: London
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (freemyer)
So.. what is the concensus on the BF Goodrich Radial TAs??? .... some of you seem to think they roll too much?? .... I've just imported a set (255 & 275) but haven't had a chance to try them yes as my car's not on the road.
.... Are they any good??
.... i guess i should have asked this before i had them shipped across the atlantic! :rolleyes:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
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From: Central KY
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (Skeets)
I had BFG Radial T/A's (255/60-15) on my 1977 and I loved them. They just have the perfect look on the car. On my '73 I am considering 17" wheels and that will mean BFG G-Force KDWS tires. That's right, all-weather capability, and they are under $150 each and they stick as good as I ever needed - I had a set on my 1998 Camaro SS which I sold last year.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: 1978 Pace: Tire recommendations anyone? (freemyer)
Here's my spreadsheet for tires: http://67.116.80.82/Vette/Files/TireRackTires2003.xls
I recommend the Dunlop Sport 8000 245/ZR50-15's. They spec good enough for autocross or SOLO I.
I recommend the Dunlop Sport 8000 245/ZR50-15's. They spec good enough for autocross or SOLO I.