Point Difference Between Bias and Radial Tires

[Kirk M.]

What is the actual point difference between running radials vs. bias ply tires?

I lost 15 points out of 30 for originality running redline radials. How much would I save by running bias plys?

If the bias tires save me points, any suggestions on the best judging bias plys? I've read Kelsey are best but I cannot find a 775/15 5/8" whitewall on their website. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Kirk

[John H.]

Re: Point Difference Between Bias and Radial Tires

What is the actual point difference between running radials vs. bias ply tires? Kirk

Kirk -

The standard deductions for all the various configurations of non-original tires are covered in great detail in the "Corvette Judging Reference Manual" on page 21.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Point Difference Between Bias and Radial Tires

Don't have the judging manual, just the technical. Dang, now I guess I need to get that too! Thanks.

Kirk

[Joe R.]

Re: Point Difference Between Bias and Radial Tires

Hi Kirk:

I used the Kelsey Firestone redline reproduction, and got only the standard 3-point deduction for DOT markings.

However, I don't think I would go with full reproduction tires if I had it to do again. The bias pliy tires are no fun to drive on, so I only use them for judging. To make swapping the tires easier, I bought a second set of wheels for my radial driver tires.

If you look at the total investment required to use the full reproduction tires (assuming you also have a set of radials for everyday use), the cost of those last few points translates to a pretty high ratio in terms of dollars-per-point.

I think you could use a carefully selected radial tire for both driving and judging, and apply the money saved to another area of the car where you could buy more points for the same dollars.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Point Difference Between Bias and Radial Tires

Good point Joe. Was that 3 points total or per tire?

I am currently running red line radials mounted to older repro bolt ons. They look great, but cost me 15 points (a pretty large chunk), but then again, I lost all my paint points since my car was too shiny in all those areas suppose to be dull - that is really what blew my exterior section points. So, I could mount bias plys to the original rallys I bought and gain most of those points back, but then if I really like the original rally look, I won't be able to drive them like a bat out of hell! I really just need to make up my mind!

[Jeff M.]

Re: Point Difference Between Bias and Radial Tires

I understand the points, but my 67 survivor had Tiger Paw radials on it when I got it, and I was in the say situation as you (radials vs.bias). After a lot of thought and opinions I went with the bias red lines They look super cool and they don't drive as bad as everybody said they would, and my car has all the original suspension and steering parts. After all these were the handling cars of the time with the bias tires, I think we just expect them to drive like something we are use to driving today. Oh yea and the best thing is they leave cool black marks!

[Steven G.]

Re: Point Difference Between Bias and Radial Tires

The black marks are really cool for the cops to check-out also, since I can't remember now, do they make a louder squeeling sound after changing gears than radials?? I hope so, I can get rid of the new tire mold stems. ANYONE remember M/T's?

[James W.]

Re: Point Difference Between Bias and Radial Tires

Burned up a det of wrinkle walls on a 70 Roadrunner. They made a lot of smoke!

Jim