Looking for tire advice.

Been looking at new tires for my 78. It has old worn BFG  Radial T/A's. I'm staying stock size - P225-70 / R15. A local dealer suggested either  Goodyear Eagle GT II or the BF Goodrich Radial T/A. Both were already on my short list. He checked his supplier and said he can get the BFG's in 2 days which I been hearing and reading that they are hard to find.
Which would be a better choice as far as ride, handling or even looks?
Price difference is only about $3.00 ea. so that don't matter.

Looking forward to words of wisdom from the Vette pros. Actually, I'll take advice from anyone willing to toss their 2 cents worth in.

Thanks,   Jeff

Jeffm2007-05-17 18:42:39

All I can do is give my opinion... GTIIs

I've never used the Goodyears, but I have had the BFG's...excellent ride and handling. I also like Cooper Cobra's for the same reasons.

Discussing tires is one of those topics where there is no wrong answer but lots of opinions. A lot depends on personal opinion, dollars you're willing to spend, availability, dealer service, warranty, etc.

My feeling is that most tire manufacturers spend the bulk of their technology and engineering effort on the tires demanded by modern cars and not for the sizes our older cars use. That's why you don't find tires for our cars with the performance ratings that new Vette's receive. While the tires we buy do benefit some the advanced technology, the manufacturers only make occasional runs of them due to lesser demand.

I believe eventually the tires we want will be available primarily through specialty companies like Coker Tires and Diamondback Tires as the big companies give them up due to decreasing demand. So many tire companies are now owned by bigger conglomerates that the accountants will demand giving up tire lines that are low volume and don't provide a high enough return on investment.

[QUOTE=Gunslinger]I've never used the Goodyears, but I have had the BFG's...excellent ride and handling. I also like Cooper Cobra's for the same reasons.

Discussing tires is one of those topics where there is no wrong answer but lots of opinions. A lot depends on personal opinion, dollars you're willing to spend, availability, dealer service, warranty, etc.

My feeling is that most tire manufacturers spend the bulk of their technology and engineering effort on the tires demanded by modern cars and not for the sizes our older cars use. That's why you don't find tires for our cars with the performance ratings that new Vette's receive. While the tires we buy do benefit some the advanced technology, the manufacturers only make occasional runs of them due to lesser demand.

I believe eventually the tires we want will be available primarily through specialty companies like Coker Tires and Diamondback Tires as the big companies give them up due to decreasing demand. So many tire companies are now owned by bigger conglomerates that the accountants will demand giving up tire lines that are low volume and don't provide a high enough return on investment.[/QUOTE]

  I think this assessment is dead on !

There was a thread on this subject earlier this year, check it out here;

Earlier Tire thread

I went with 255 / 60 R15 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s and they perform great and look great to boot.

DaveAutom8r2007-05-18 09:22:27

I had the Cooper Cobra and loved em. 

I have BFG" 255/60 on my 73 they ride and handle great! That's my story and I'm stickin to it. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

I have Goodyear GA's on my Impala.......they howl like a pack of wolves and are lousy in the rain !!!