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Topic: New tires...

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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New tires... (1/53)
 2/24/09 2:08pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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Elma, WA - USA

Vette(s):
Red 1973 Convertible. L-48 Auto #'s matching Red 1970 LT-1 Convertible #'s matching


Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692

I am putting new tires on the LT-1.

I have read many of the threads about what was said months ago.

I want the white letters out and am kind of between the Firestone  and BFG's
255/60 15 is whats on the car now.
I know some didnt like a tire in the rain but really I doubt this car will see much rain at all. So for a good dry weather tire...
What do you recommend as of now?

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New tires... (2/53)
 2/24/09 2:23pm
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Rain...........in Washington?Rolling%20On%20The%20Floor%20Laughing

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New tires... (3/53)
 2/24/09 2:30pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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[QUOTE=corvette440hp]Rain...........in Washington?Rolling%20On%20The%20Floor%20Laughing[/QUOTE]

It has happened!
New tires... (4/53)
 2/24/09 3:27pm
indy99
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Newport, MI - USA

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1980 L-48 still in the middle of a frame-off.


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Based on previous experience and reviews I purchased the Firestone Indy 500 tires. I hope to run them this year but I have had good luck with ither Firestones as well.

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New tires... (5/53)
 2/24/09 3:40pm
KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

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I'm thinkin' a set of red line radials would look sweet on that vert of yours.
Diamondback offers a Cooper Cobra radial in the 255/60 15 size. They cost a few bucks, but they look good!
I almost had a set on my Corvette but I counted my chickens before they hatched. Ah well, I'll get 'em soon enough. Maybe even this spring.
Lots of members here have good things to say about the Firestone Indy 500's. And the BFG's are a good tire, too.
That's my take on tires.
Let us know what you go with.
Kevin
New tires... (6/53)
 2/24/09 3:47pm
NorskyLifetime Member
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West Burke, VT - USA

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SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


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I went with the BFG T/As on both "The Toy" (16" blackwalls) and "BIGBRRD"(15" RWL).  Neither car sees much foul weather but when caught in the rain both have done nicely on those tires.

The only set of Firestones I ever had good luck with (and liked btw) were on our '93 Explorer, and those were eventually recalled!  Go figure.


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New tires... (7/53)
 2/24/09 4:28pm
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Irving, TX - USA

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I've got the BFG T/A's like Jim does and I like them.Thumbs%20Up  Rain or shine!Wink

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New tires... (8/53)
 2/24/09 5:13pm
PP52
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Newland, NC - USA

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Before you buy.. check out Discount Tires online.   I did for my cars and saved big bucks compared to local dealers. 
 
Phil
New tires... (9/53)
 2/24/09 6:58pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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Elma, WA - USA

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Red 1973 Convertible. L-48 Auto #'s matching Red 1970 LT-1 Convertible #'s matching


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[QUOTE=PP52]Before you buy.. check out Discount Tires online.   I did for my cars and saved big bucks compared to local dealers. 
 
Phil
[/QUOTE]
I went to the local discount tire store yesterday but they didnt have anything in stock I could look at. Just pictures. The BFG's were $114 plus mounting.


I thank you all for your exp and am sure open to more opinions!
Keep em coming.

New tires... (10/53)
 2/24/09 10:46pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
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Sykesville, MD - USA

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I got the Firestone Indy 500's and couldn't be happier!  I bought them from the tire shop my company uses.  They are a BFG dealer but they told me to put the Firestones on the car.  Try 'em, you'll like 'em!
 
Barry
 
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New tires... (11/53)
 2/24/09 10:51pm
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COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA

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I guess I'm the odd ball!! I'm running Dunlop tires, they have been real good so far, have had them about 8 month's.

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New tires... (12/53)
 2/24/09 11:02pm
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Summerville, SC - USA

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My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.


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I love the Firestone Indy 500's I got them on my car and i have the best ride. I am like you, i hate bringing the car out in the rain. They are great driving tires to go cruising.
 
Jeremy H.
New tires... (13/53)
 2/25/09 12:04am
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Moses Lake, WA - USA

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Joined: 4/16/2005
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[QUOTE=corvette440hp]Rain...........in Washington?Rolling%20On%20The%20Floor%20Laughing[/QUOTE]
 
What is it with everybody. Just because the coasties drive the state (can we say tree huggers, except for a few who cut them down before their timeLOLLOLLOL) does not mean it rains every where. I live in the desert region of the state.
suncountry2009-02-24 21:05:59
New tires... (14/53)
 2/25/09 11:53am
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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Elma, WA - USA

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Red 1973 Convertible. L-48 Auto #'s matching Red 1970 LT-1 Convertible #'s matching


Joined: 6/25/2007
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[QUOTE=suncountry][QUOTE=corvette440hp]Rain...........in Washington?Rolling%20On%20The%20Floor%20Laughing[/QUOTE]
 
What is it with everybody. Just because the coasties drive the state (can we say tree huggers, except for a few who cut them down before their timeLOLLOLLOL) does not mean it rains every where. I live in the desert region of the state.
[/QUOTE]

Glen, we call it "harvest" instead of "cut".
I paints a nicer picture!Smile

So after I FINALLY decide I like the look of the BFG's, 4 tires installed $625, I get all these folks who LOVE the Firestones.

I havent seen the Firestones except for pictures so I will get a better look at em before I pull the trigger on this deal.

May I ask why those who choose Firestones did so? Look, Cost, ratings, ect?


New tires... (15/53)
 2/25/09 8:32pm
movie collectorLifetime Member
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My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.


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The cost is low for the tires. they handle very nicely for all speeds and corners. And they are the original tire for the vette back when they were made of the production line.  These are the current and newest generation of the original tire for the car.  Also, i dont know what you plan on doing with your car whether you show it off at shows or not, but i do and the judges give me extra points and mention how they like seeing the original tire for the car.
 
Jeremy H.
New tires... (16/53)
 2/27/09 1:02pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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Elma, WA - USA

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Jeremy, thanks for responding.

The Firestones are the "Firehawk"?
again thanks....
New tires... (17/53)
 2/27/09 1:43pm
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SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


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[QUOTE=Movie Collector] ... And they are the original tire for the vette back when they were made of the production line.  These are the current and newest generation of the original tire for the car.  Also, i dont know what you plan on doing with your car whether you show it off at shows or not, but i do and the judges give me extra points and mention how they like seeing the original tire for the car.
 
Jeremy H.
[/QUOTE]
 
Car makers and tire manufacturers have bounced back and forth, sometimes from year to year, so depending on make, model, and year (and car assembly plant) you may have different brand of tire than a prior or later model year.


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New tires... (18/53)
 2/27/09 1:51pm
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Bloomfield Hills, MI - USA

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I got BFG 245 60R 15 for $425.80, tax, installation, balancing, nitrogen filled and new valve stems at Costco. They told me BFG no longer makes the 255's
New tires... (19/53)
 2/27/09 5:38pm
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

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[/QUOTE]



So after I FINALLY decide I like the look of the BFG's, 4 tires installed $625, I get all these folks who LOVE the Firestones.

I havent seen the Firestones except for pictures so I will get a better look at em before I pull the trigger on this deal.

May I ask why those who choose Firestones did so? Look, Cost, ratings, ect?


[/QUOTE] John go on Tirerack.com and you can do a comparision on all tires that will fit your car.
After I did that it was a no-brainer. The Indy500 tops the chart and is a great price.
I put them on my car on a Thursday and ran it balls out at the Glen on Sunday they held real nice....ebo woman made more noise than the tireLOL
Great ride and the look grows on you. I have not heard any complaints from any member here that has them.
Sarge81 is the one that had a problem with new Goodyears on wet roads, he almost wraped up his car on an exit ramp and took them off right away.
Check out Tire Rack.....good luck.
Evil%20Smile
ebo2009-02-27 14:40:22

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New tires... (20/53)
 2/27/09 7:16pm
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Summerville, SC - USA

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My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.


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yes the firehawk ones
New tires... (21/53)
 2/27/09 7:43pm
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[QUOTE=ebo]
Check out Tire Rack.....good luck.
Evil%20Smile
[/QUOTE] Very good people, and prices. I've bought numerous wheels and tires from them. I had two wheels that I felt wasn't perfect. They told me that they would ship two others right away. They told me to leave the wheels outside so that the UPS guy could pick themt up as they left the new ones. UPS left the new ones but didn't take the other ones back. I waited about 5 weeks, then called to ask if they wanted the other wheels back. They were greatful, because they forgot about them. I was only paying for 4 but had 6. They sent UPS to pick them up. I even buy wiper blades from them.Thumbs%20Up

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New tires... (22/53)
 2/28/09 12:45am
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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Elma, WA - USA

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Wow, thanks to all for the info and web sites.
Went to Tirerack but they said the 255/60 15 would match and gave no results.
The ncrs book said my 70 came with either Goodyear or Firestone tires.
Also said 235/70 15's. That's  a taller/ narrow tire correct?

Looks like the car wont be coming home for 2 weeks anyway.
I got time.
New tires... (23/53)
 2/28/09 11:44am
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Greensburg, IN - USA

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Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


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I'm always the odd man out with Coker Redline Radials. They are BFG Goodrich made for Coker tires and ride / look great.

They might look good on a red car. Just one word of caution with them though. Be prepared for the Iove / hate those tires comments. Every car show I entered I heard them. Funny thing.... both comments made me smile......    Tuxblacray2009-02-28 08:45:32

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New tires... (24/53)
 3/3/09 10:32pm
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did u decide on what your gettin'?
New tires... (25/53)
 3/3/09 11:59pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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Elma, WA - USA

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I have been consumed with getting ready for a race in Phoenix this weekend!
Once I get back I am going to pull the trigger on something.

I really like the looks of them BFG Radial TA's.
But I will look at the Firestones also.
I have the Firehawks on the car right now but they really dont float my boat.
New tires... (26/53)
 3/4/09 10:10am
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[QUOTE=Tuxblacray]

They might look good on a red car. Just one word of caution with them though. Be prepared for the Iove / hate those tires comments. Every car show I entered I heard them. Funny thing.... both comments made me smile......    [/QUOTE]
I love em on the blackray, reminds me of the original "Batmobile" Evil%20Smile "Holy Shark Bait TuxMan"


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New tires... (27/53)
 3/5/09 9:46am
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Franklin, IN - USA

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Hello everyone!  Just a quick one to say that I put a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s on the '78 PC yesterday.  Originally had BFG TAs on it, but they were of unknown age - pre DOT - and jus time to replace before this year's events.  Paid $452 for the set at a Firestone store. 
 
On the ride home, first impressions were that tires are much quieter than the BFG, but think maybe initial pressure may be too high.  I will check today. 
 
Warm days are upon us folks!   Temps to be in 60s for afew days.
 
Take care
GaryC - Franklin, IN - PC #3359
New tires... (28/53)
 3/5/09 6:03pm
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Lake Oswego, OR - USA

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1972 Steel Cities Gray T Top. Original Owner, Original Paint and Interior. The running gear has been rebuilt. only 250,000 miles on the clock..


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Check with Firestone. Sometimes they have a sale. Buy 3 get 1 free.
I have the 255-60 x15 Indy 500 Firehawks on my Vette. Handle really good in the dry as well as in the rain. Yes we do have rain in the NW.Thumbs%20Up
FYI: when you get the tires installed make sure you ask the installer to line up the "DOT"  letters (on the casing) with the valve stem. The tires will balance much better and you won't have as much weight in each wheel.
WETVET2009-03-05 15:06:11

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New tires... (29/53)
 3/5/09 8:15pm
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Indianapolis, IN - USA

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John, my money goes to Firestone.  I had a set of those recalled tires (mine came from a different factory and weren't recalled, but were the same model) and they lasted just shy of 100,000 miles!
 
I had a set of BFG Radial T/A's on a car when I was back in high school, and I agree, they look great, but they did not last.  I would not buy them again.
 
My $.02


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New tires... (30/53)
 3/5/09 8:25pm
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I agree with Marshall. IMO  the Firestones look better, last longer, and will definitely  give you more bite than the BFG's.
New tires... (31/53)
 3/10/09 12:51pm
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Again, thanks for the info. I am going to look at the Firestones tomorrow.
Mileage isnt a big deal really. If I manage 3000 miles a year on the car and they only last 30,000 miles I still got 10 years out of them.

Steve thanks for the info on the dot and valve stem deal.
Thats cool to know!
New tires... (32/53)
 3/10/09 3:40pm
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John,
I think the Firestone dealers are have a sale going on. Check out the buy 3 get 1 free deal. Hope so. Approve


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New tires... (33/53)
 3/14/09 12:00pm
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Here's what the Firehawks look like on the Silver Fox. The car handles beautifully with them. 

Look quick B4 Norsky edits it...

Dave
 
 
(sorry Dave - had to do it.  Large picture modified to a clickable link - Norsky)
Norsky2009-03-14 20:47:48
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 3/14/09 12:32pm
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Dave, That is one beautiful car there.

We are now rebuilding the alt so I dont have to decide for a week.

Those Firehawks look GREAT but I am still torn between the Goodyear's and the BFG's. Somehow I just like the letters better.
New tires... (35/53)
 3/14/09 1:33pm
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I'm pretty proud of it, went to the drag strip last weekend and edged out a 2004 C5, my14.105 @ 97.88 MPH to his 14.368 @ 99.41 MPH.... Tires hooked up great too... 2.088 60' time to the C5s 2.399.

Dave
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 3/14/09 11:40pm
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Wow I was just checking the reviews on Tirerack for those Firestones.

Man those kicked tail over both the BFG's and the Goodyears.

By a longshot.

I will let you all know when I get the car back and get some tires on it.

Firestone may have just made a sale.
New tires... (37/53)
 3/15/09 12:20am
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

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My 81 has her BFG's on.  No reason to change that ... yet!!
Dan


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 3/15/09 7:26am
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Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


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My Pop used to tell me that "a half wore out set of Michelins were better than a new set of Firestones." Although I always considered my Pop to be a smart feller I challenged this thinkin on this matter.

I had a used set of Michelins on a Caddy when I went and bought Mrs. Tux a different Caddy. Caddy #2 had the proverbial new set of Firestones on it. I drove it and thought they were ok ( a little more road noise but ok).

Like the Beverly Hillbillies we loaded up the Caddy and took off for Sarasota, Florida. Just about Lake City, Florida the front end started to vibrate and shimmy. Not real bad but noticable.

When we got to Sarasota and got setteled in I took the car to have it checked. Well lo and behold a belt had broken in the right front radial. Pops words rang back in my head " A half wore out set of Michelins are better than a new set of Firestones."

At that point I had the Firestones removed and Michelins put back on. Maybe it was a fluke, an omen, karma, or just a bad tire, but you won't ever find another set of Firestones on my rides.   

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New tires... (39/53)
 3/15/09 12:54pm
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Tux, you are not helping!Rolling%20On%20The%20Floor%20Laughing

To see what I was looking at go to Tirerack, plug in 255/60/15 and check the reviews for the 3 different tires. (Goodyear, BFG and Firestone).

The Firestones rated way better in the road noise and traction areas and everyplace else for that matter.

I still like the LOOKS of the Goodyears best, then the BFG's and then the Firestones.

Sooooo, I guess the question really becomes do I buy tires for my Vette based on looks or quality?
I hadnt broke it down like that before!


New tires... (40/53)
 3/15/09 1:49pm
Autom8r
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Old Hickory, TN - USA

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I had a set of old Michelins, old, but with lots of tread remaining, on the Fox when we ran Tail-of-the-Dragon back in '06. It RUINED the Michelins for anything over 55 MPH. I think the tread belts shifted half way up the sidewalls....

(........... and my picture lasted almost 12 hours, Norsky's slowing down in his old age...)

Dave
New tires... (41/53)
 3/15/09 2:02pm
78silver
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burleson, TX - USA

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I read this entire post and nobody ever mentioned Goodyear. Whats up with that???
New tires... (42/53)
 3/15/09 2:59pm
Autom8r
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.... cause this is NOT a GOODYEAR!
New tires... (43/53)
 3/15/09 4:18pm
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The BFG's

Survey Results

Results based on 726 submissions of our online tire survey.

Survey%20Tabs
Surveyed Averages 3 86% 7.6 6.9 6.9 7.6 8.2 7.8 6.0 5.4 5.2 7.9 7.8 7.6 14,842,569

  The Firestones

Survey Results

Results based on 981 submissions of our online tire survey.

Survey%20Tabs
Surveyed Averages 1 100% 8.5 8.3 8.4 8.5 9.0 8.5 7.5 6.7 6.6 8.6 8.5 8.5 12,479,109


The Goodyears

Survey Results

Results based on 593 submissions of our online tire survey.

Survey%20Tabs
Surveyed Averages 5 82% 6.6 6.3 6.5 7.6 8.2 7.7 5.6 5.0 4.7 7.3 7.2 7.4 12,451,266




New tires... (44/53)
 3/15/09 5:09pm
tuxblacrayLifetime Member
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Greensburg, IN - USA

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Well I looked at the 10 year old on-going survey from Tire America.

For me surveys help to make me aware what other folks like and give me a refence of information to formulate and opinion of my own.

Unfortunitly for this survey my experience overides the opinion. I guess that why I have a classic Vette in the garage vs. a Mustang......

I do like the looks of the Firehawks and they might be good treads to run...... I just couldn't do it though.....

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New tires... (45/53)
 3/16/09 12:34pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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I will check out the Tire America place Tux.

But a MUSTANG?

You would put Firestones in the same class as a MUSTANG?

Man you must not like them tires!!!!


New tires... (46/53)
 3/16/09 9:49pm
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Irving, TX - USA

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[QUOTE=Tuxblacray]My Pop used to tell me that "a half wore out set of Michelins were better than a new set of Firestones." Although I always considered my Pop to be a smart feller I challenged this thinkin on this matter.

I had a used set of Michelins on a Caddy when I went and bought Mrs. Tux a different Caddy. Caddy #2 had the proverbial new set of Firestones on it. I drove it and thought they were ok ( a little more road noise but ok).

Like the Beverly Hillbillies we loaded up the Caddy and took off for Sarasota, Florida. Just about Lake City, Florida the front end started to vibrate and shimmy. Not real bad but noticable.

When we got to Sarasota and got setteled in I took the car to have it checked. Well lo and behold a belt had broken in the right front radial. Pops words rang back in my head " A half wore out set of Michelins are better than a new set of Firestones."

At that point I had the Firestones removed and Michelins put back on. Maybe it was a fluke, an omen, karma, or just a bad tire, but you won't ever find another set of Firestones on my rides.    [/QUOTE]
 
Well.........I have to agree with Tux on this one, guys!Big%20smile  My dad told me that Michelins were the best tires on the market a long time ago.  My dad was an Engineer, so I still believe him to this day.  Got rid of my Firehawk Run Flats on the 2000 and replaced them with the Michelins Sport Run Flats.  Worth every penny!Tongue  When I was runnin' the Firehawk's, I had to pull over more than once because it sounded like I had a flat or some tire problem.....way too much road noise.   Awwwwww.....life is so much more quite & smoother now.....Big%20smileWink


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New tires... (47/53)
 3/17/09 7:31pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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OK, so after many hours of deliberation I finally decided on a set of tires.

I will be putting on a set of Firestones.

I dont like the way they look as much as I liked other tires but I do believe them to be the best tire at this time for the car.

Now mind you I have owned the LT-1 for about 2 months now and my wife still hasnt seen it. (cept pictures).
Its been in the shop getting a few things fixed and I want it to look good when I do get it home.

Looks like that SHOULD be end of this week or beginning of next week.

I am excited!Clap
New tires... (48/53)
 3/17/09 8:44pm
rearn2go72
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Bladenboro, NC - USA

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1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.


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Thumbs%20Up I think you will be happy with your decision. If not, you should have listened to Mick. LOL
New tires... (49/53)
 3/17/09 10:07pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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[QUOTE=rearn2go72]Thumbs%20Up I think you will be happy with your decision. If not, you should have listened to Mick. LOL [/QUOTE]

That was good!Clap
New tires... (50/53)
 3/17/09 10:33pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
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Irving, TX - USA

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[QUOTE=rearn2go72]Thumbs%20Up I think you will be happy with your decision. If not, you should have listened to Mick. LOL [/QUOTE]
 
............Yeah....I hope I don't have to say, "I told ya' so!"LOLLOL


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New tires... (51/53)
 3/17/09 10:40pm
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

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[QUOTE=ebo]
 
 
[/QUOTE]



So after I FINALLY decide I like the look of the BFG's, 4 tires installed $625, I get all these folks who LOVE the Firestones.

I havent seen the Firestones except for pictures so I will get a better look at em before I pull the trigger on this deal.

May I ask why those who choose Firestones did so? Look, Cost, ratings, ect?


[/QUOTE] John go on Tirerack.com and you can do a comparision on all tires that will fit your car.
After I did that it was a no-brainer. The Indy500 tops the chart and is a great price.
I put them on my car on a Thursday and ran it balls out at the Glen on Sunday they held real nice....ebo woman made more noise than the tireLOL
Great ride and the look grows on you. I have not heard any complaints from any member here that has them.
Sarge81 is the one that had a problem with new Goodyears on wet roads, he almost wraped up his car on an exit ramp and took them off right away.
Check out Tire Rack.....good luck.
Evil%20Smile
[/QUOTE]
I had the same feelin about the look, but I dig it now!
Good choice........and When BF Goodrich sold off the tire line to become Goodrich Aerospace...they sold the line and name to Michlin......


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