Differences in tires
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
Differences in tires
I put brand new Kumho tires on my 87. It had Goodyear Eagles, the front tires had dry rot.
From the day I got my car, I wondered why it wouldn't turn the tires much. It would chirp them, occassionally turn them a little, but they wouldn't spin.
I couldn't resist, took the car out for a little ride today. It's 24* and sunny, but there's some salt around, so I didn't go far, or stay out long. But what I did find is that my car will roast those Kumhos. Not sure how much temperature has to do with it. But I know I could never fry those Goodyears like that, even in the cold.
From the day I got my car, I wondered why it wouldn't turn the tires much. It would chirp them, occassionally turn them a little, but they wouldn't spin.
I couldn't resist, took the car out for a little ride today. It's 24* and sunny, but there's some salt around, so I didn't go far, or stay out long. But what I did find is that my car will roast those Kumhos. Not sure how much temperature has to do with it. But I know I could never fry those Goodyears like that, even in the cold.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
I'm not upset. I'm just noting how big the difference is in tires. It would be expensive, but for drag racing, I'd think some Eagles would be worth the money. Like I said, even in the cold I couldn't cook the Goodyears.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 2
From: port charlotte fl
There were some breed of Goodyears on my car when i first got it and I remember they had tremendous grip,much better than anything I've since used but I'm prepared to trade a little less grip for a HUGE difference in price.I've also found real "sticky" tires don't last as long due to the softer compound.It may have something to do with the tread pattern as well 'tho I think most of it is down to what they are made of.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
I didn't drive enough to have a really good feel for the new tires, but they are new, and I had no clue how old the Goodyears were. And besides, once in a while I WANT to roast the tires, so I'm good with these tires. But if I were drag racing... that would be another story.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,514
Likes: 30
From: Friendswood TX
The Goodyears are awesome tires! Handle and stick to the road really well! Kumhos are also great tires but they are a lower grade tire compared to the Goodyears.
I personally dont think its worth paying double for each tire just to get the Goodyears. They are a softer compound which means they will wear faster but perform better. The BFG G-Force KDW's are awesome tires as well! Also expensive!
I personally dont think its worth paying double for each tire just to get the Goodyears. They are a softer compound which means they will wear faster but perform better. The BFG G-Force KDW's are awesome tires as well! Also expensive!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 4
From: Hinckley Ohio
Plus at 24 degrees your car is in fact making more horsepower/torque than in the summer...
Plus most performance tires are truly warm weather tires...I noticed in some recent tire adverstisement they actually are referring to performance tires as summer tires not intended for cold weather applications!!! See this Tire Rack ad as an example..read the last sentence in the first paragraph
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Eagle+F1+GS-D3
Cold weather does make for some fun driving!!!
BTW I can really smoke my GS-D3 tires on a nice cold January drive..
I have had your same cold weather experience with my BFG drag radials and my Goodyear
Last edited by LT4BUD; Jan 30, 2008 at 08:02 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 34
From: Kingsville Ontario Canada
I Have Kuhmo's on my 90 Vert.
They are a great tire once you get some heat into them.
When the Tires and the roads are cold, it's very easy to get the car sideways, from a stop light or in a corner.
Just be-careful until they heat up.
They are a great tire once you get some heat into them.
When the Tires and the roads are cold, it's very easy to get the car sideways, from a stop light or in a corner.
Just be-careful until they heat up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Older tires tend to harden and actually loose traction because the harder rubber can't grip. It is saying a lot for those old Goodyears that they gripped so well. The Khumos are a cheaper tire, different rubber compound, etc. I changed out Firestone Wide Oval 285/40s on the rear for Sumo 315/35s. With the Firstones it would 'hook up' immediately and go, with the Sumo i have to be carefull to NOT burn them off on a fast start up. Wish FSWOs came in 315/35, not very happy here with the Sumos, but the price for two was less than for one Goodyear GS-D3. But then they are only tires so I will occassionally light them up just for fun. Why not? Thats what having a Vette is all about.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
The Kumhos are new, the Goodyears were old. I'm happy. Just found the difference in tires interesting. I know the rubber is hard when it's cold, and that the cold thick air makes the car run a bit stronger, but I'm absolutely sure that my car couldn't spin those Goodyears even in the cold.