Which of these tires??

Mad Horse · 12-30-2000, 05:18 PM

Hey Guys, I know it has been awhile since I have posted but this past semester of college has been tougher than hell so I haven't had the time to get on here. It is time for me to put some new rubber on my Ponies. I'm looking for a good performance tire with good tread life too. Right now I'm looking at the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS, Nitto NT-450 and NT-555ZR, and Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 which I currently have on my car. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions. I like the treadwear to be close to 300. I plan on doing a little drag racing with them until I can afford some more serios Drag Radials, but mainly plan on using them for highway driving and a lot of street racing. On another note I have 3.73 gears and wouldn't mind lowering my RPM a tad...so my question is..Does the tire diameter really have that much affect between a P235/55R16 with a diameter of 26.14" compared to a P245/50R16 with a diameter of 25.59"??? If not I plan on going with the wider tire P245.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Great upcoming New Year!

------------------
88GT 5-speed
Bolt ons:Ram Air, K&N,
PS91 coil, Accel Cap/Rotor, 190lph Fuel pump, Pro 5.0, March Pullies, DynoMax Cat-back, 16" Ponies, 3.73 gears.
"Nip it in the Bud"
My Mustang Homepage

Rev · 12-30-2000, 05:53 PM

Hey Horse, I like BFG Radial TA's for mostly street use. Seem to wear OK with fair traction. Nothing like drag radials though. The tire size question will have only minimal effect on final drive ratio. The diameter effect is linear. 26.14/25.59 X 3.73=3.81. It would be just as if you changed from a 3.73 to a 3.81 axle. Not noticeable. My $.02.

Rev

------------------
'66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph
1/4 mi.

90dpscoupe · 12-31-2000, 02:24 AM

Like i always say on these post, i beleive firestone firehawks ss20's are a dang good tire for the money, i havent checked into treadwear yet, but know they hook better than my michelin pilots ever thought about, but i have 60's on a 15x7 rim.

------------------
90 lx coupe: Mac cold air fenderwell, accel supercoil,advncd ignition,3-core radiatr, FMS alum D/S, Black magic fan, 3.27grs, 3chbr flows.
Best time: 14.26(on 225/60/15 firehawks)
Best mph 96.33 (with a passenger)
Best 60' 2.1
next mods: subframes, 3.73's

mustang17 · 12-31-2000, 02:46 PM

I just got the XGT Z4'S and got rid of my Potenza RE940's For the price and the fact your looking for a long lasting street tire, the RE940's may be the way to go. Hook well, Handle well, good in rain, and a fair price. I think they are better than the XGT's. I'm sorry I got the XGTs. Way over priced, but I promised myself no more burnouts. Hopefully I'll get 30,000 miles out of them.

------------------
1995 GT Black sleeper
Edelbrock aluminum heads,Edelbrock aluminum intake,Edelbrock cam, 70mm TB,75mm pro-m mass air,Taylor wires, Underdrive pulleys,Equal length headers,K&N filter
Flowmaster cat-back, Eibach pro rate springs
lower control arms
3.73 rear gear New: Centerforce clutch,plan to remove a/c

S Howard · 12-31-2000, 03:55 PM

Check out 'Stone Pony' in MM&FF Sept 2000 pg 108.

Mad Horse · 01-02-2001, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I've always liked Michelins becuase I think they are a good and dependable tire. I don't want you guys to think I'm only concerned about the treadwear though. I am hoping to find a tire that sticks to the road too. In the mean time I'll keep researching the tires and their prices. I'll let you know what I decide when I finally do.

01-02-2001, 09:24 PM

Did you guys know that Michelin bought out BFGoodrich in 1986? I just found that out last night. I looked up WWW.bfgoodrich.com ... I thought it was interesting...

01-03-2001, 01:07 AM

Have you checked out www.tirerack.com ? If you look at the different brands and then click Specs you will see the different heights, widths, contact patch, suggested rim width, and so on. It should be very helpful. 245 50 16s should be almost exactly the same height as the stock tires that came on your car 225 60 15s. 245 50 16s would be good for all purposes on the back, I think you would have a problem with them on the front though. I tried 235s on the front of my 89 once and immediately had them replaced(rubbed badly).

pro88 · 01-07-2001, 05:39 PM

If you're going to do a little drag racing here and there, just get you a set of used 26x10 drag slicks and mount them on a set of spare wheels. Those drag radials aren't really a good thing to putting on a daily driver and keeping them there. You know the drag radial only came to be because of the "street racing" classes with IHRA and other so called "DOT" class rules. M/T drag slicks will last you a long,long time. I've got 2 full seasons on mine and I still have 7/32 left on them. Big hint, M/T don't need a smoke-show type of burn out. I just get mine spinning and hit 2nd. and pull out and get staged. I have consistent 1.70 60ft times doing it like this.

LX XLR8R · 01-08-2001, 01:24 PM

i said this b4 and ill say it again..the sumitumo z rated tires have good tread life and hook like MOFO's..i used to spin any new tires with my old combo but when i put these tires on i went to power shift second and it just hooked and threw me and my buddy back in our seats and we looked at eachother like WTF?!?!?!i think i payed 102 a peice but thier up to 110 now..these tires only come in 16's i think but go to http://www.tirerack.com and look for them..i had 245/45/156 all around and they are my favotite all season out there

Mad Horse · 01-08-2001, 08:45 PM

Here's another question? Is it worth putting wider tires in the rear and smaller ones in the front? For example P245/50/16 on the rear and 225/55/16 on the front. You can't really rotate your tires if you do this? Does this do anything to steering or ride feel?? Is this a bad idea or good idea?

------------------
88GT 5-speed
Bolt ons:Ram Air, K&N,
PS91 coil, Accel Cap/Rotor, 190lph Fuel pump, Pro 5.0, March Pullies, DynoMax Cat-back, 16" Ponies, 3.73 gears.
"Nip it in the Bud"
My Mustang Homepage

01-08-2001, 10:30 PM

well here is something you may find a little crazy to hear. Try some Blizzaks, these are the winter tires that Firestone sells. These things are like driving on gum. These things hook awsome on dry pavement. I am currently in the process of trying to get some for my fairmont to go street racing with. GOOD LUCK

PUP'S '95 GTS · 01-09-2001, 07:18 PM

I am running the BFG Comp T/A's and they are really good they have a 360 tread waer rating and they seem to hook up really good but my car is stock. not a bad price either. i run the 245/45/17's and have no complaints.

------------------
Kris Stewart: 95 gts no mods yet!

93SVTstang · 01-09-2001, 10:47 PM

I currently have the Sumitomos on the back of my car now and they hook up good, and the only thing I didn't like about them was that when they spin, they don't make any noise, that can be bad or good at times, just depends on how you look at it.

------------------
93SVTstang-93 Cobra: 80mm MAF, K&N, 8mm plug wires, shorty headers, off road h-pipe, Borla Cat-back, centerforce clutch, hurst shifter, 3:55s

withamc · 01-10-2001, 11:44 PM

I'm running BFG Comp T/A's and I like the way they hook up, they seem to be wearing well too. I've also heard lotsa guys saying they like the Pep Boys Futuras - cheap, and they supposedly hook up well too, that's what I was running before and I like the BFG's better.

------------------
86 GT, GT40P heads, Cobra cam, 1.7 RR's, Cobra intake, 65mm TB, 73mm Vortech, 24# injectors, 2-1/2" BBK H-pipe (w/cats), Flowmasters, 3.55s.

12-30-2000, 05:18 PM	#1
Mad Horse Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Dayton, OH., United States Posts: 467	Which of these tires?? Hey Guys, I know it has been awhile since I have posted but this past semester of college has been tougher than hell so I haven't had the time to get on here. It is time for me to put some new rubber on my Ponies. I'm looking for a good performance tire with good tread life too. Right now I'm looking at the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS, Nitto NT-450 and NT-555ZR, and Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 which I currently have on my car. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions. I like the treadwear to be close to 300. I plan on doing a little drag racing with them until I can afford some more serios Drag Radials, but mainly plan on using them for highway driving and a lot of street racing. On another note I have 3.73 gears and wouldn't mind lowering my RPM a tad...so my question is..Does the tire diameter really have that much affect between a P235/55R16 with a diameter of 26.14" compared to a P245/50R16 with a diameter of 25.59"??? If not I plan on going with the wider tire P245. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Great upcoming New Year! ------------------ 88GT 5-speed Bolt ons:Ram Air, K&N, PS91 coil, Accel Cap/Rotor, 190lph Fuel pump, Pro 5.0, March Pullies, DynoMax Cat-back, 16" Ponies, 3.73 gears. "Nip it in the Bud" My Mustang Homepage

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12-30-2000, 05:53 PM	#2
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Hey Horse, I like BFG Radial TA's for mostly street use. Seem to wear OK with fair traction. Nothing like drag radials though. The tire size question will have only minimal effect on final drive ratio. The diameter effect is linear. 26.14/25.59 X 3.73=3.81. It would be just as if you changed from a 3.73 to a 3.81 axle. Not noticeable. My $.02. Rev ------------------ '66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph 1/4 mi.

12-31-2000, 02:24 AM	#3
90dpscoupe Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: sanantonio, Tx, usa Posts: 1,407	Like i always say on these post, i beleive firestone firehawks ss20's are a dang good tire for the money, i havent checked into treadwear yet, but know they hook better than my michelin pilots ever thought about, but i have 60's on a 15x7 rim. ------------------ 90 lx coupe: Mac cold air fenderwell, accel supercoil,advncd ignition,3-core radiatr, FMS alum D/S, Black magic fan, 3.27grs, 3chbr flows. Best time: 14.26(on 225/60/15 firehawks) Best mph 96.33 (with a passenger) Best 60' 2.1 next mods: subframes, 3.73's

12-31-2000, 02:46 PM	#4
mustang17 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Concord, MA, USA Posts: 264	I just got the XGT Z4'S and got rid of my Potenza RE940's For the price and the fact your looking for a long lasting street tire, the RE940's may be the way to go. Hook well, Handle well, good in rain, and a fair price. I think they are better than the XGT's. I'm sorry I got the XGTs. Way over priced, but I promised myself no more burnouts. Hopefully I'll get 30,000 miles out of them. ------------------ 1995 GT Black sleeper Edelbrock aluminum heads,Edelbrock aluminum intake,Edelbrock cam, 70mm TB,75mm pro-m mass air,Taylor wires, Underdrive pulleys,Equal length headers,K&N filter Flowmaster cat-back, Eibach pro rate springs lower control arms 3.73 rear gear New: Centerforce clutch,plan to remove a/c

12-31-2000, 03:55 PM	#5
S Howard Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 195	Check out 'Stone Pony' in MM&FF Sept 2000 pg 108.

01-02-2001, 09:14 PM	#6
Mad Horse Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Dayton, OH., United States Posts: 467	Thanks for the replies guys. I've always liked Michelins becuase I think they are a good and dependable tire. I don't want you guys to think I'm only concerned about the treadwear though. I am hoping to find a tire that sticks to the road too. In the mean time I'll keep researching the tires and their prices. I'll let you know what I decide when I finally do.

01-02-2001, 09:24 PM	#7
rbatson Guest Posts: n/a	Did you guys know that Michelin bought out BFGoodrich in 1986? I just found that out last night. I looked up WWW.bfgoodrich.com ... I thought it was interesting...

01-03-2001, 01:07 AM	#8
rbatson Guest Posts: n/a	Have you checked out www.tirerack.com ? If you look at the different brands and then click Specs you will see the different heights, widths, contact patch, suggested rim width, and so on. It should be very helpful. 245 50 16s should be almost exactly the same height as the stock tires that came on your car 225 60 15s. 245 50 16s would be good for all purposes on the back, I think you would have a problem with them on the front though. I tried 235s on the front of my 89 once and immediately had them replaced(rubbed badly).

01-07-2001, 05:39 PM	#9
pro88 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: roseburg, oregon Posts: 87	If you're going to do a little drag racing here and there, just get you a set of used 26x10 drag slicks and mount them on a set of spare wheels. Those drag radials aren't really a good thing to putting on a daily driver and keeping them there. You know the drag radial only came to be because of the "street racing" classes with IHRA and other so called "DOT" class rules. M/T drag slicks will last you a long,long time. I've got 2 full seasons on mine and I still have 7/32 left on them. Big hint, M/T don't need a smoke-show type of burn out. I just get mine spinning and hit 2nd. and pull out and get staged. I have consistent 1.70 60ft times doing it like this.

01-08-2001, 01:24 PM	#10
LX XLR8R Dirk Diggler Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: SLOATSBURG, NY Posts: 1,931	i said this b4 and ill say it again..the sumitumo z rated tires have good tread life and hook like MOFO's..i used to spin any new tires with my old combo but when i put these tires on i went to power shift second and it just hooked and threw me and my buddy back in our seats and we looked at eachother like WTF?!?!?!i think i payed 102 a peice but thier up to 110 now..these tires only come in 16's i think but go to http://www.tirerack.com and look for them..i had 245/45/156 all around and they are my favotite all season out there

01-08-2001, 08:45 PM	#11
Mad Horse Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Dayton, OH., United States Posts: 467	Here's another question? Is it worth putting wider tires in the rear and smaller ones in the front? For example P245/50/16 on the rear and 225/55/16 on the front. You can't really rotate your tires if you do this? Does this do anything to steering or ride feel?? Is this a bad idea or good idea? ------------------ 88GT 5-speed Bolt ons:Ram Air, K&N, PS91 coil, Accel Cap/Rotor, 190lph Fuel pump, Pro 5.0, March Pullies, DynoMax Cat-back, 16" Ponies, 3.73 gears. "Nip it in the Bud" My Mustang Homepage

01-08-2001, 10:30 PM	#12
mikos chris Guest Posts: n/a	well here is something you may find a little crazy to hear. Try some Blizzaks, these are the winter tires that Firestone sells. These things are like driving on gum. These things hook awsome on dry pavement. I am currently in the process of trying to get some for my fairmont to go street racing with. GOOD LUCK

01-09-2001, 07:18 PM	#13
PUP'S '95 GTS Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: SUNBRIGHT,TN Posts: 13	I am running the BFG Comp T/A's and they are really good they have a 360 tread waer rating and they seem to hook up really good but my car is stock. not a bad price either. i run the 245/45/17's and have no complaints. ------------------ Kris Stewart: 95 gts no mods yet!

01-09-2001, 10:47 PM	#14
93SVTstang Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Metairie, LA, United States Posts: 80	I currently have the Sumitomos on the back of my car now and they hook up good, and the only thing I didn't like about them was that when they spin, they don't make any noise, that can be bad or good at times, just depends on how you look at it. ------------------ 93SVTstang-93 Cobra: 80mm MAF, K&N, 8mm plug wires, shorty headers, off road h-pipe, Borla Cat-back, centerforce clutch, hurst shifter, 3:55s

01-10-2001, 11:44 PM	#15
withamc Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 396	I'm running BFG Comp T/A's and I like the way they hook up, they seem to be wearing well too. I've also heard lotsa guys saying they like the Pep Boys Futuras - cheap, and they supposedly hook up well too, that's what I was running before and I like the BFG's better. ------------------ 86 GT, GT40P heads, Cobra cam, 1.7 RR's, Cobra intake, 65mm TB, 73mm Vortech, 24# injectors, 2-1/2" BBK H-pipe (w/cats), Flowmasters, 3.55s.