C2 radial tire recommendations

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 radial tire recommendations

Mark, How do the new radials work in a hard corner? I put Michelin's on my 67 back in the early 1970's and they went into a corner and they kind of shifted the rear end a little and then caught. We figured it was the side walls and after realigning the rear end for radials, it still did it. It felt like the rear end just started to beak lose and then caught. I did not like it and went back to I dont remember what. I have Firestone red lines now. Just courious how they behave now. Dale

Dale
I installed the Pirelli P4000 Supertourings last summer. What an incredible difference from the garden variety passenger car radials I had before. The ride, comfort, control and handling make it feel like a different (and I mean much better) car. I have over 6000 miles on them including 5210 miles last summer on a trip out Route 66 and back to Illinois. These tires stick incredibly well and I feel no "shifting". I can't speak highly enough about them. The recommendations I received from many on this board really steered me in the right direction for my wants and needs.

It's important to note that not everyone has the same desires in tires. For me the selection criteria was all about peformance, handling and traction. The 205/75x15's that were on the car were awful in any wet condition. Traction was nearly non-existant. With the Pirellis P4000's 215/70x15 I got a little more rubber on the ground, a much stickier compound and a far superior ride with much improved comfort and handling. There are many on this board that are working towards Top Flight. The Pirelli's are probably not the right choice. As it comes down to many things in life, it's about choices. Good luck whichever way you go. Make sure you have fun along the way!

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 radial tire recommendations

Michael,

I'm going with a set of Pirelli P4000s mounted to a set of chrome American Racing Torq Thrust D model VN6055761. These wheels are 15 x 7, with -5mm offset, and 3.80" backspacing.
Here is something very interesting about the Pirelli P4000s:
"Standard" P4000 Super Touring 215/70 ZR-15 are 129.00 ea at Tire Rack, but look at this:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?width=225%2F&ratio=65&diameter=15&startIndex=0&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&x=67&y=8&RunFlat=All

Not sure why the large price difference, or whether or not the 225/65s will clear the fender lips. More likely I'll go with the P4000.

Hey Joe - You can't go wrong with the Pirelli P4000's. I can't speak to the other Pirelli tire you referenced. All's I know is that I couldn't imagine they are worth $100 per tire more that the P4000's. Also I believe you'll find issues with the 225/65x15's. I'll try to attach some pics of my 215/70x15s. They are pretty tight, particularly in the rear. However I see no signs of rubbing in front or rear. My fear on the 225's is that they would rub the fiberglass in the rear.... not a good thing.

IMG_2183.jpg
As for the Torque Flights, I love the look. I have a 66 roadster and got the 15x6's. I don't know the actual offset and backspacing. All I know is that Tirerack guaranteed that they would fit with the tires... and so they did! Now if I ever get some extra bucks I may spring for a set of the spinners I saw that Paul LaTour got. They really finish off the package.

Good luck Joe. Let us know what you decide. Now's a great time to be installing a new set of shoes just before the driving season starts in earnest.

Cheers,

[Zale P.]

Re: C2 radial tire recommendations

I have the 215/70/15 Michelin tires on my L36.. V rated...

Blackwall... Looks good and I don't worry about having a flat because these are high quality rubber tires... Only thing is I think V rated is no longer available in this size.. Speedometer is just barely off at 65 - 70 MPH.. I am running probably 3-4 MPH faster at that speed than what my speedo show...

Those darn Coker tires only come in an S rating, is what I hear...

Cheers, Zale