Several of us had the same conversation at Roebling Road this weekend.
We were surprised to see a Volvo with a set of Goodyear Bluestreak
5.50x15s that had very short sidewalls but is apparently an approved
SVRA tire. According to the Goodyear website, the Bluestreak comes in 2
different 5.50x15 sizes (short or tall sidewall). The short sidewall
ones have the same diameter (22.8") as the Kumho V700 205/50x15. The
only differences appear to be about an inch wider tread and about $50
less per tire. Unfortunately, there don't appear to be any tall
sidewall race tires left that are cheaper and/or wear better than the
Hoosiers.
Another option we discussed is going down to a 14" wheel, for which
there appear to be a number of 60 profile options. Either going to a
shorter sidewall or a smaller tire may require some gearing changes.
OTOH, going up to 16" also presents some options that might let us keep
the same overall diameter but with a 50 profile. For those who don't
want to have to invest in another set of Panasports, the last time I
bought some they were about $170 each, almost exactly the same as a
Hoosier. If we could use a tire with double the wear of the Hoosier,
the first set basically pays for the new wheels. For those of us who
haven't done the spindle upgrade yet, another 25% improvement in tire
wear easily pays for that. Don
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Henry Frye
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 8:19 AM
To: fot@autox.team.net
Subject: Tires for TR3 and TR4
Hi gang,
We had a fantastic time at Watkins Glen last weekend, when I get a
moment
I'll write a report. But more important things to ponder at the
moment...
After a trip to Bob Woodman Tires I found a set of Hoosier Vintage TD
5.5X15 cost me $885, including mounting, balancing and tax. It is well
known that Hoosier changed the compound of our tire this year making it
softer, and pretty much limiting it's life to less than 2 race weekends.
So I started thinking. I think we have done plenty of upgrades to
enhance
the safety of our cars (the Southwick axle and front hubs, and the
uprated
spindles) so that our cars can safely handle different rubber.
I talked to the TR racers at the Glen, and asked them what tire would we
LIKE to run, then we should see if we can get Jack Woerle to approve it.
Jeff Snook opened the door by chatting with Jack at the Saturday dinner,
and Jack is open to a conversation about our tires.
So, the ball is in our court. I would like a tire that meets any, but
preferrably all, of these requirements. I want a tire that is faster,
lasts
longer and is cheaper than the Hooiser Vintage TD. I also want World
Peace,
and have similar expectations about our tire selections...
I'm assuming Jack Woerle is going to stick to his guns on the
requirement
for a 60 series profile.
Jeff and Randy Williams want a tire that will fit under the stock
bodywork
of their TR3's.
Tony, I know you are planning to experiment with a different tire, have
you
had the chance to run them yet?
Bob Kramer, I know this is a subject near and dear to you, do you have
any
recommendations?
Does anyone have any experience with the Hooiser Street TD that can
offer a
comparison to the Vintage TD? I know the Street TD is a little shorter
and
wider than the Vintage TD, and some wicked fast cars run them and seem
to
drive where ever they damn well want to on the track.
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