The last high speed-rated tires?

[Michael H.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

I have never run across a 205/75R-15 tire that was better than T-rated - maybe U, but that is not a common rating - so none have the nylon cap belt. They're all van tires!

Duke

Ok, thanks Duke.

[Clem Z.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

hell in my younger days we used to run 140+ MPH on the original bias ply tires and i am still here. if your bias ply are 40 years old that is different.

[Duke W.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

In a sense, the old OE bias ply tires are safer than modern low-speed rated radials. The heavy steel belt package in the latter is subject to significant centrifugal force at high speed and that force increases with the SQUARE of speed. Double the speed - four times the centrifugal force. It's not the steel wires that fail, but the organic binders that bond the steel belt package to the carcass.

That's why H and above rated tires have one or more spiral wound nylon cap belts. It keeps the steel belts from tearing away even if there is an internal failure of the bonding material.

If you have a tread separation on an H or above rated tire, it will usually stay intact and hold air, but you know you have a problem due to a major vibration. This has happened to me three times on race tracks. I drove back to the paddock and saw the big bulge in the tread were the failure occurred. I even drove home on one once because I had already used my spare. The separated tire got me home, but it wasn't a very smooth ride!

Duke

[George J.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

Duke,
Do you know how much the Avon's cost? A link? I assume that DOT approved means they are street legal.

Thanks,

George

[Duke W.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

I haven't checked the price lately. Google Avon Roger Kraus.

Kraus is the West Coast distribtor. There may be one nearer you. Google is your friend.

DOT legal means they meet all DOT legal requirements for road tires.

Duke

[Ronald L.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

Duke--

Historically not been a FS fan, but these are a nice looking and reliable option. They handle very nice on an original C2.

The Firehawk Indy 500 (TM) tire pays tribute to the performance of the Firehawk Indy Racing (TM) Slick. Engineered with UNI-T technology (TM)adapted from some of the technology originally developed for professional drivers racing at speeds up to 200 mph. Excellent wet and improved dry handling make this S- and T-Speed rated tire ideal for all-season driving. With its attractive tread and sidewall design, the Firehawk Indy 500 (TM) tire looks like it performs like a champion.

[George J.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

Duke,
thanks. I checked and they are $357/each for the 215/75 size. Pricey, but I guess if I need to buy a set in 5 years, or so, and they last 10 years, I'm ok with that.

George

[Duke W.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

It's not available in a "215/75 size".

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

Duke--

Historically not be a FS fan, but these are a nice looking and reliable option. They handle very nice on an original C2.

The Firehawk Indy 500 (TM) tire pays tribute to the performance of the Firehawk Indy Racing (TM) Slick. Engineered with UNI-T technology (TM)adapted from some of the technology originally developed for professional drivers racing at speeds up to 200 mph. Excellent wet and improved dry handling make this S- and T-Speed rated tire ideal for all-season driving. With its attractive tread and sidewall design, the Firehawk Indy 500 (TM) tire looks like it performs like a champion.

I'm sure they'll handle normal cruising as well as any other, but they are just another van tire.

Their marketing copy is a big load of BS.

Duke

[George J.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

It's not available in a "215/75 size".

Duke

Duke,
sorry, I meant 215/70.

George

[Duke W.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

My PV41s arrived yesterday, on time, though the vendor was a PIA to deal with. My UPS guy remarked how heavy they are - 29 pounds each.

The manufacturing date codes are all 0910.

Interestingly, the sidewalls are marked "inside" and "outside", but the tread is not directional, so I figure it's just for cosmetics.

I actually prefer the inside sidewall appearance since it it smooth with no serrations like the outside, so the "inside" will go outside.

If you do a google search you will likely still find some vendors that claim they have them, but you'll have to call to verify.

Duke

[Terry M.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

Interestingly, the sidewalls are marked "inside" and "outside", but the tread is not directional, so I figure it's just for cosmetics.

I actually prefer the inside sidewall appearance since it it smooth with no serrations like the outside, so the "inside" will go outside.
Duke

My Goodyear RSA 235 R70 15 (V102) are marked inside and oiutside because the tire tread is asymetrical. The more agressive (and noisier) part of the tread faces the outside of the vehicle. Or at least that is what a Goo0dyear tech told me some years ago.

[Alexander C.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

hell in my younger days we used to run 140+ MPH on the original bias ply tires and i am still here. if your bias ply are 40 years old that is different.

Yeah call me crazy but I've already been 120+ in my 1956 a couple weeks ago on the Coker repros...non-public road of course. It was a stretch of brand new feeway not open to the public yet...

[Duke W.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

My Goodyear RSA 235 R70 15 (V102) are marked inside and oiutside because the tire tread is asymetrical. The more agressive (and noisier) part of the tread faces the outside of the vehicle. Or at least that is what a Goo0dyear tech told me some years ago.

The PV41 tread design is neither directional nor asymmetrical, which is one reason I prefer it visually. Asymmetric tread patterns were not the norm "back in the day".

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: The last high speed-rated tires?

My PV41s arrived yesterday, on time, though the vendor was a PIA to deal with. My UPS guy remarked how heavy they are - 29 pounds each.

The manufacturing date codes are all 0910.

Interestingly, the sidewalls are marked "inside" and "outside", but the tread is not directional, so I figure it's just for cosmetics.

I actually prefer the inside sidewall appearance since it it smooth with no serrations like the outside, so the "inside" will go outside.

If you do a google search you will likely still find some vendors that claim they have them, but you'll have to call to verify.

Duke

i wonder if it has to do with side wall strength as the "outside" can take hitting the curbs better ??? also some tires had a rim protector bead built in