15" Tire Questions

[SCFFR]

Getting to the point in my MkIV project where I need to start looking at tires. I have researched most of the forums and have narrowed the list down to Cooper Cobras, Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T radials or BFG Radial T/As. I would really like to have a set of Goodyear “billboard” tires, but since my car hasn’t been titled or registered yet, I’m concerned that the DMV inspector might catch the non-DOT status of the tires.

Looked at the recommended Cooper tire sizes on the Discount Tire Direct website for the 245/60R-15 and 295/50R-15 tires but looks like all of their warehouses are back ordered on the 295 tires. Thought it was odd that all are out so not sure if Cooper has discontinued this size or not.

I then went to Tire Rack for the BFG tires in the recommended 235/60R-15 and 275/50R-15 sizes. The 275/50 tire is no longer listed so not sure if it has also been discontinued so looked at the 295/50R ones which are in stock.

Like most everyone else, my goal is to fill the wheelwells with tire. I noticed the diameter of the BFG 295 tire is 26.7 but the 235 tire is 26.1 so looked looked at the 245/60R tire which has a diameter of 26.6 but the tread width is 0.2" less than the 235 tire.

If I can’t get the 295 Cooper tires for the rear, I was wondering if I went with the BFG tires in the 245/60R-15 and 295/50R-15 sizes, would I have any rubbing issues?

Same question for the Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T tires. Folks that are using these tires are going with the 295 rears and 235 fronts. Has anyone used the 245 fronts?

Asking these questions since I will probably plan to have a little taller ground clearance since I will be running an under the car exhaust. I assumed that if I raised the ride height, it would result in an increased clearance between tires and wheelwells. Just trying to fill these gaps.

I’m using a Fox width rear end, FFR front LCAs and SN95 front spindles with the FFR 15" Halibrand replica wheels.

As always, many thanks for your feedback.

Ron

[skullandbones]

I had to chime in since I was under the car yesterday measuring the ride height for the very first time. I'm using some 235s that were new but just sitting around. At first, I thought of just using them as rollers until I get it running but now (if they clear the wheel wells), I will probably drive with them until I find the exact combo I want like Cobra Rs with a tire that fills the space. I like the look (27.5 in dia and 5.5 in ride height).

I was wondering if you have checked on Coker Tire yet. They might have something you are looking for. They are based in Chattanooga, TN. I have a feeling that the tires you want are getting more scarce and more expensive going forward. WEK.

[SCFFR]

Thanks for the info. No, haven't checked with Coker yet but on my list. I have a local Cooper dealer getting me a price on tires and seeing if there are any available through his network.

Decided to put together a detailed spreadsheet on all of the available 15" tires so I can easily compare the differences. All are pretty close to the same dimensions.

[CraigS]

You will be fine w/ 295s on a MkIV. I ran them on my MkI but had to do the 315 mod due to the diameter. Since the 315 mod has been incorporated by FFR since the Mk3.1 you will be fine.If you don't already have wheels and are researching anyway, you might want to look into 17s. I was researching for a non mechanical friend w/ a MkI who picked up some 8 and 10 x15 wheels recently.The only tires i found that were a perfect fit are 1-BFG drag radials (the only tire I saw that still makes a 275)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+T%2FA+Drag+Radial+2&partnum=75R5GFTADR2&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
and 2-the Mickey Thompson S/Rs
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/street.php?item=SportsmanSR
USe the 26x10s on the front and the 26x12s on the back.

[hinoonaz]

You will be fine w/ 295s on a MkIV. I ran them on my MkI but had to do the 315 mod due to the diameter. Since the 315 mod has been incorporated by FFR since the Mk3.1 you will be fine.If you don't already have wheels and are researching anyway, you might want to look into 17s. I was researching for a non mechanical friend w/ a MkI who picked up some 8 and 10 x15 wheels recently.The only tires i found that were a perfect fit are 1-BFG drag radials (the only tire I saw that still makes a 275)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+T%2FA+Drag+Radial+2&partnum=75R5GFTADR2&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
and 2-the Mickey Thompson S/Rs
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/street.php?item=SportsmanSR
USe the 26x10s on the front and the 26x12s on the back.

i agree with CraigS on the Mickey thompson S/Rs. Stay away from BFG RT's. They do not stick very well. This is based on 15 " tires and personal experience. The car handling is like night and day difference. I understand the Cooper tire is the same as MT's S/Rs.

[SCFFR]

Ended up with the Cooper Cobra G/T tires (295/50R-15 rear and 245/60R-15 front). Got them for a great price through the local Cooper tire dealer. His prices were as good as any of the discount places and I didnt' have to pay that $15 each for shipping. Decided to mount them with the blackwalls to the outside which looks so much better.
Total price was $632 which included tires, mounting and sales tax. The guy who mounted them babied them as if they were his own. Surprisingly, they were in stock at the local warehouse.

[NHolds]

If you are going with a black wall.. Pep Boys carries those sizes that are out of stock or discontinued with the other brands.

[riptide motorsport]

Call richard Oben at North race cars.

[SCFFR]

Thanks for all the information.

I'm very happy with the Cooper tires and with the fact that I was able to support a local business. I live in a small town where everyone needs as much work as they can get to stay afloat. If I ever have a problem with a tire, it will certainly be easy to go back to him for repair or replacement.

[wrw2497]

Richard is a cool guy....very nice of him to answer my questions....I do not like(hate) the short tire look in my wheel well...FFR seems to have a much larger opening than all others....315/35/17 on 10.5 with 6.8 backspace is not making me happy....I like the tall 15" look the best...but all the sizes I like are drag radials,which I can't use for road race/track days.....So I just bought 6 new nascar radial 27.5/12/15 Goodyear eagles (all right side) and put them on 15x10 Aero steel race wheels with 6" backspace....these are large tires,but fit well and fill the wheel well....I mounted them black side out so the slicks won't be so noticeable (very large yellow letters) .....I won't be able to get to the track next week (wedding,not mine) to try them out....but am curious to know if anyone uses these tires and what air pressure to run ??? I have read anywhere from 18 to 44 ....I have another set on 15x10 aluminum race wheels with 5.5 backspace (0 offset),a little too far out,but work and don't rub,that I have been using for local street testing (don't like street driving though).....Richard,of course, knew that 6.25 is optimal backspace for a 10" wheel and I will have to buy a set of his wheels when my testing is complete....these are rear only,of course..the front has never come unstuck in the corners....and I never drive in rain...I could melt...... if you have info on this setup...I would be interested......and now you know what will fit