Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Sizes for 81 Vette

danno12345 · 10-12-2007, 01:54 AM

I found a nice bulge in my BFG Radial T/A, so I think it's time for some new tires.

I've decided to give the Firehawk Indy 500's a try.

I've got 235/60R15s on all 4 now. I'm thinking about putting 255/60R15 on the back & stay with 235s up front.

On the other hand, I've been just fine with all 4 235s so far.

Here's my thoughts:

With 255s on the rear, I get a larger tire patch on the ground, but gain 4lbs per tire. I will also not be able to rotate the tires.

With 235s, I save a tiny bit of money, keep the weight off, and retain the ability to rotate the tires.

Not sure what to do...

Opinions?

Thanks, Dan

I'm Batman · 10-12-2007, 03:24 AM

Why not go with the 255s all around? They were available as an option in '81. I've always run 255s on my 77 and have never had a rubbing problem.

leadfoot4 · 10-12-2007, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'm Batman

Why not go with the 255s all around? They were available as an option in '81. I've always run 255s on my 77 and have never had a rubbing problem.

Roughrider · 10-12-2007, 10:10 AM

I also agree. Running 255's all the way around is what the car was designed for. It solves the problem of tire rotation, even wear and better ride and better handling, as well as maintaining designed ground clearance. The difference in weight is minimal...if you were that concerned about that bit of weight than go to the 70 series tires that would have been standard back then.

danno12345 · 10-12-2007, 12:43 PM

A little informal polling around the workplace agrees with y'all.

The only problem with 255s on the front would be a greater tendency to wander on our wonderful freeways around here. I guess I could live with that though.

Now the trick is finding a set of 255s in the firehawks. They're backordered on Tire Rack :-)

Thanks again!

Dan

PSU 98 · 10-12-2007, 01:10 PM

I bought a set of Firehawks a couple months ago but they're still sitting in my garage waiting to be mounted. I've noticed that during the fall/winter, a lot of our tires (Eagle GT IIs, BFG T/As, Indy 500s, etc.) are backordered or out of stock.

Roughrider · 10-12-2007, 04:58 PM

If you're interested in alternatives to the Firehawks (which I know has lots of favorable opinions), and to the BFG's, both of which seem to be on chronic backorder, look at Cooper Cobra's and the Dunlop GT. I have the Cobra's on one of my cars and they are excellent. I've had Dunlops before and liked them, as have others here who owned them.

danno12345 · 10-12-2007, 08:08 PM

Yeah, I've noticed the backorder thing. I saw that tires-easy.com said they have 255s available within a week, but didn't confirm it.

Actually, my plans changed quite a bit today. I was calling around trying to find a used 235 to get me thru a cruise this weekend, and a local store had a used pair of 245/60/15 BFG Radial T/As with over 50% left on them. So, 45 bux a tire later, I'm out the door ready to roll. These oughtta last a couple of more seasons, then I can pull the trigger on the 255s.

I'll put the 245s on the back ,235s on the front & down the road I go!!

Thanks for the help guys, I'll take it to heart when these finally wear out!

Dan