Pin Drive Tires

[Bren]

I know this has been asked frequently on the forum, but I haven't been able to find a decent answer (they usually get very specific about one brand/model). I've ordered the 15" Trigo pin drive wheels from FF and I need to order tires. They recommend 235/60 R15 for the front and 275/50 R15 for the rear tires. As with everyone else on the forums, I'm having a hard time tracking down properly sized street (i.e., DOT approved) tires. I really like the look of the sidewalls that bulge out like on the Goodyear "billboard" tires (yes, I know those are not DOT approved).

How far from the recommended sizes can I deviate? What tire brand and size are others using? Do most people order them online or at a local shop?

Thanks

[David Hodgkins]

Hi Bren,

I feel your frustration. I have295/50/R15's in the back and they fit fine in my MKIII. It seems like there are two basic options: Cooper Cobras or Avons. There are a few others but you don't want T/A radials (too hard) and they don't make Goodyear Eagle GTII's anymore. Someone will chime in with another option or two I'm sure.

The Avons are very, very nice but are very VERY expensive! Last time I checked a few years ago they were >$400/corner.

One of my Eagle GTII's went bald on the inside because I run too much camber to try and tuck the passenger side front tire in and I haven't been able to find one. They are a decent tire and I wish they still made them!

For my next set I'm going with the Cooper Cobras. They have decent road manners and the raise white lettering is a plus for me. If I was working without a budget I'd get the Avons.

:)

[carbon-12]

Here's information on the Avons:
http://www.avonmotorsport.com/historic/road-legal/cr6zz

I bought mine at Roger Kraus Racing. As far as I know, they're one of the very few vendors in the US to sell them. Luckily for me, they're just a short ride from my house, so I could pick them up in person. Otherwise, I think they'll ship to you.
http://www.rogerkrausracing.com
http://rogerkrausracing.com/racetirepricing/index.php?dir=Avon+Race+Tires%2F&download=Avon+CR6ZZ+2014.pdf

I bought 245/60R15 for the fronts and 275/55R15 for the rears. I haven't run on them yet, since I'm still in the early stages of my build, but they sure look great. Of course, as David said, they're not cheap. With mounting, balancing, and tax, I paid over $2k for the set.

27262

I bought the FIA Pin Drive Wheel Set (http://www.factoryfiveparts.com/fia-pin-drive-wheel-set/) at the time I ordered my kit, and I fretted a lot over tire sizes. It took several hours of poring over the forums, and a little leap of faith to go over the 235/60R15 & 275/50R15 FFR recommendations. Other guys do so. I figure I can make it work. I gave myself a bit of extra breathing room for width up front by getting the Fat Front Tire “F” Panel Kit ([URL="http://www.ffmetal.com/FatTireFpanels.html) from FFMetal.

Good luck!

[CraigS]

Here is another tire option that has gotten good reviews in the past.
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/street.php?item=SportsmanSR
26x10 front and 26x12 rear.

[Bren]

Well, I think I'm going to go with the Cooper Cobra tires (1) for the price, (2) for the looks, and (3) for the price. After shelling out all that money for the engine and transmission, I feel like I need to take it easy for now. $2000 for a set?! Nah, I can always upgrade later if I need to.

Thanks for the help!