Topic: Re: Tires tires tires
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2466
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

F4Gary said: Which tires? You never said in your previous post.
Talking about Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's.
The OP stated his Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's are now 8 yrs. old and making him nervous due to their age. Also stated Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires are discontinued. I stated to the OP that I would contact Coker Tire to see if they might possibly be reproducing these tire meaning the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's in the near future.
Now I'm wondering if there is a big interest in the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's if Coker was to repro them. I may post a thread regarding this.
Remember Firestone Firehawk Indy 500....






TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975

Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Well, wouldn't you want the Goodyears that originally came on your car instead of the 500's? If it's from Coker, it's gonna be expensive regardless. Next question, of course is, did your car come with the 500's, as I'm not familiar with 81's.
The Coker reproductions are usually around $400 each.
The Coker reproductions are usually around $400 each.

The Goodyear tires in the rain were one of the worse tires I ever had on my car. I was on an off ramp driving like an old lady when my car did a 360 without warning. I immediately took those off and put a set of BF Goodrich T/A's. Those were a major improvement. Then in 2010 I score one of the last remaining sets of Indy 500's. A lot of the vette guys in my area raved about the Indy 500's. Man they were right. Great grip and low road noise plus I can take a corner in the rain without sweating bullets. I know Coker tires are pricey, but I have stupid amounts of money into my rest-modded vette. So I'd gladly pay the money for a good tire.
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975

Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Gunslinger said: I've used both the BFG and Cooper Cobra. This is subjective but I think the BFG has the more classic look to the lettering but they're each excellent tires. As far as quality and performance goes they're equal.
FYI...the Pep Boys Futura GLE is a Cooper Cobra under the Pep Boys name.
Same thoughts as Gunslinger. I have the Cobras now and they're good tires, no regrets, but I think I do like the looks of the BFGs just a bit more. The white lettering on the Cobras seems to get dingier more quickly, too, but a small quibble. On the flip side, the Cobras are one speed rating higher.
if I need tires on 79 I would look for goodyears but I do like bfg,s now worried abount cost look what spent on this car,tires what the big deal when it comes to tires ,this were going to look to save money? just a thought. dwa

dwa175 said:
if I need tires on 79 I would look for goodyears but I do like bfg,s now worried abount cost look what spent on this car,tires what the big deal when it comes to tires ,this were going to look to save money? just a thought. dwa

Well, $100/tire vs $400/tire for a tire that is a current design is worth it unless the car needs the OEM tires for judging purposes.

DeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
Jeffm said: I replaced mine in June for the same reason. Like you said, not a whole lot to pick from these days.
I went with the Cooper Cobra because it's a good name and the price was right. So far after logging about 1200 miles I'm very happy with them.
Got them online from Discount Tire for $99.00 ea. plus an instant rebate of $40.00 on 4 and free shipping. Can beat that.
Dang! I thought I was getting a deal at $111.00 no tax and free shipping! Still cheaper than everywhere else I could find. Got my Cobras in today from Discount Tire Direct...was going to go with Simple Tire that were cheaper but when I found out they were almost two years old, I backed out of that. I checked the date code on my Firehawks today and was shocked to see 503 on them. That means they were 3-4 years old when I bought them and 12 yrs old now instead of 8! They still look fine though but way past time to go. I'm anxious to get the Cobras on and see how they handle. Now I'll be able to put that 5th gear to good use...


|UPDATED|9/16/2015 1:37:14 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas...
I went with the Coopers too - got them from Treaddepot.com $ 75.00 each back in February. I like them - couldn't see spending over $ 100 each on BFG's when I'll never wear them out, I'll only be replacing them due to age.
Only thing I wasn't crazy about was the idea of the word "Cobra" on side of a Vette - but when the new Corvette America catalog came with a picture of a Vette with coopers, I didn't feel so bad.
After all 15" tires are not the easiest to come by these days!
BG3
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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