Tire Choices
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Warren Mi
Tire Choices
I have just picked up an 88 coupe with 17500 original miles on it. The tires are original, and I'm afraid to drive it like that,so looking at the surveys on tire rack and discount tire web site to see how these tires are rated. I'm leaning toward Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval ,B.F.Goodrich G-Sport,Or G-Force T/A KDW. Some guys are saying to use japanese brand tires, But I just can't put those on an American sports car.!!!Has anyone ever used these tires ? Any imput would help . Thanks
Last edited by hotrodrik; Sep 6, 2006 at 07:46 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
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Originally Posted by hotrodrik
I'm leaning toward Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval... ...Some guys are saying to use japanese brand tires, But I just can't put those on an American sports car.!!!
Having said that, I put a set of four Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval's on my '95 last year for $700 out the door and have absolutely no regrets. They grip much better on the street than the Goodyear GS-C's that were on the car, and in the rain there is no comparison whatsoever-- the Firehawks are way better in the rain than the Goodyear GS-C's were.
Firehawks are probably the best bang-for-the-buck. There are better tires but they'll cost a lot more.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
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From: Howard PA
I'm OK with my Firehawks, but I wish they would make them a bit wider. They seem too narrow even at the 285 size. My old SZ50's are as wide or wider at 275.
Recommendation; if you buy them, buy one size bigger (width) than what you ride calls for.
Recommendation; if you buy them, buy one size bigger (width) than what you ride calls for.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
The Yokohama ES100s and Nitto 555s both have a wide treadwidth for their size and look good on the car.
The only American brand with consistently good reviews is the Goodyear F1s. And even those are made in Brazil or Chile or something.
The only American brand with consistently good reviews is the Goodyear F1s. And even those are made in Brazil or Chile or something.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
ive always bought the "bang for the buck" tires as I burn them up quick anyway...Had good luck with Falkens, Sumitomos, etc. Stick pretty well, cheap, no road noise problems. Thats just me though.
I dont want to feel guilty after a burnout on a set of rears that cost $200 per tire
I dont want to feel guilty after a burnout on a set of rears that cost $200 per tire
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 121
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From: Hanover Ontario
I've always had nothing but Goodyear on my car. GS-C's for the second set (this was around 94) and now the F1's. I've gotta agree about the American tires on an American car even though I'm Canadian.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 124
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From: Arlington Texas
I have always liked BfGoodrich, I am currently sporting a set of BFG G-Force KDWA's. I shop hard and got them for $600 (mounted, balanced (weights on inside of course), disposale fees, stems, and tax). I agree there is NO way I am gonna put a tire on my vette that has a japanese looking name!! To hell with yokohama, Sumitomos, Kumho, etc, no matter how good they may be.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by hotrodrik
I have just picked up an 88 coupe with 17500 original miles on it. The tires are original, and I'm afraid to drive it like that,so looking at the surveys on tire rack and discount tire web site to see how these tires are rated. I'm leaning toward Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval ,B.F.Goodrich G-Sport,Or G-Force T/A KDW. Some guys are saying to use japanese brand tires, But I just can't put those on an American sports car.!!!Has anyone ever used these tires ? Any imput would help . Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
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From: FL
Originally Posted by LT4CompYell
Then I guess it's ok to put a French tire on an American car? Because the KDW's are owned by Michelin. And we all know how those Renault and Citroen 2CV handle, right?
