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I am looking to buy new tires for my '73. It has stock style rally wheels 15"x8". The car is a driver and I am looking for performance and reliability over looks. I am also planning to take a long road trip in the near future. I have a couple options in mind right now and am open to suggestions:
I have heard a lot of good things about the BFGoodrich tires. I also saw the Crugens which are cheaper and have better tread-wear and temperature performance. Is there a reason I would pick the BFGoodrich tires other than white lettering? Does anyone have a recommendation for another good 225 70 15 tire? I am a novice when it comes to tire selection, especially for these cars. Thank you!
I have had BFGoodrich T/A’s on my stock 1973 L82 for the last 5 years and have been happy with the ride and grip. I put about 1100 miles per year on them for 10 out the 12 months of the year (not in snow). I run them at 29# front and 28# rear pressure.
Fran
Last edited by Blue73Shark; 11-23-2018 at 06:57 AM.
Reason: add detail
Probably would not buy the Crugen based on their description " tire developed for drivers of light-duty pickups, vans, crossovers and sport utility vehicles looking for durability, a comfortable ride and all-season capability, including light snow traction". But that's me.
The BFG T/A Radials are the standard for a reason. Those and the Cooper Cobras are just about the only tires you'll find in this size that are made for fun cars rather than minivans or pickups. If you really want a performance tire you'll almost have to move up to a 17" rim. Just the way the tire market has moved.
Thank you all for the responses. I see a lot of love for the BFG and the Cobras. My question, from a technical standpoint, what makes those tires the better option? Road noise? Performance? Grip? All of the above?
Also, I saw some people have 255/60 instead of 225/70. Is there an advantage to the other size or is it just look? Will the 255/60 rub on the wheel wells? The car had 255/70 on it when I bought it and theyll rub on the front wheel well if im not careful. One of the many reasons I am looking for new tires.
I have BFG 255/60 on 15X8 rally's, ride and perform good, I don't notice any abnormal road noise (loud car), and they only rub when turning very hard like in a parking lot, rubbing on the frame, so no worries, Otherwise no problems.
I was looking at the Cobras a few months ago. At that time, they were $92 each. Now they are $99.53 not including a "Black Friday" 10% rebate, which ends today. Check here: https://www.discounttiredirect.com/b...ial-gt/p/27920
…….Also, I saw some people have 255/60 instead of 225/70. Is there an advantage to the other size or is it just look? Will the 255/60 rub on the wheel wells? The car had 255/70 on it when I bought it and they'll rub on the front wheel well if I'm not careful. One of the many reasons I am looking for new tires.
I have 255/60R15s on both Vettes. BFGs on the 79, Cooper Cobras on the 80. Both are okay, not great, but the "best" available in that exact size (Avons are not). The Cobras are cheaper, if that is a concern. I paid the $70/tire appearance tax for the 79.
On a 73, 255s may rub on fender. They rub on the steering box bolts on the 79, but that is a simple limit adjustment to fix. The later cars came with a but less fender material from the factory, AFAIK.
I currently have 245-60-15 BFG's all around on my 73.
they ride great and they only just kiss the frame on the front when the steering wheel is at full lock.
No other clearance issues and no rubbing anywhere.
I got 245 on the front and 255 on the back, I got the coopers off ebay and took them to local tire shop to mount them. Free shipping and put them at the front gate.
After having my 69' 427/400......I believe the BFG 255/60 and flatcaps are the only thing I like. This car had a coil removed front the front spring too.
11-22-2018, 09:53 PM
Tire advice for my 73?
