Tires on 1986 GT (Page 1/2) CSM842M4 MAR 05, 01:56 PM The tires that were on my '86 GT when I bought it gave started to fail from dry-rot. Just as well, since they were winter tires, and I hated the look. So, I've started shopping the usual suspect retailers for matched sets (brand and model) of 205-60r15 and 225-60r15. Seems to be limited selection of that size combination in the same manufacturer and model. As much as I would like having the same stuff on all 4 corners, I'm not going steady with the idea. With all that being said, has anyone had any memorable experiences, wonderful or horrible, with mixing and matching brands and/or models of tire front to back? If so, what seemed to work best and worst, where? My priorities will be: traction/handling first, treadwear next, and finally price. Additionally, the car will most likely stay at home if there's snow on the ground or HEAVY rain in the forecast. I look forward to hearing from any/all with your input. Thanks in advance - Chris olejoedad MAR 05, 06:08 PM Check out Cooper tires. I've always run 215-60-15 front and 225-60-15 rear with no issues 85 GT 86 SE 88 Formula CSM842M4 MAR 05, 06:58 PM Thanks, olejoedad. Just jumped on Cooper 's website to see what they had available, and they only offered a 205/60 in 16-inch size. And 225/60 were available in 16, 17 and 18-inch only. Did you buy yours from somewhere like Tire Rack or Discount online? I liked the looks and the stats on the two tire models they showed, but no 15's. 1985 Fiero GT MAR 05, 08:55 PM Check out bf Goodrich, Radial T/A, they may not be the best tires for track or racing, but they are available in a lot of "old car sizes" they are basically the default classic car tire, at least here in Canada, they make 205/60r15 and 225/60r15. They are also raised white letter, and have a good looking symmetrical aggressive tread, if you like white letter, they'll look really good on your Fiero. CSM842M4 MAR 05, 09:17 PM Thanks for chiming in, '85. I've always liked their Radial T/A and the All-Terrain T/A. I had heard that Goodruch stopped having as many quality issues after Michelin bought them (many years ago) and climate-controlled the warehouses. And, yes, they are a good choice "go-to" for stuff like ours. I'm holding out on a decision until I can price some Pirelli's, Continental's and the like. I know they'll be stupid high and the treadwear characteristics will feel like I'm setting $100 bills on fire. But, hey, it's only money, right? 1985 Fiero GT MAR 05, 10:19 PM quote Originally posted by CSM842M4: Thanks for chiming in, '85. I've always liked their Radial T/A and the All-Terrain T/A. I had heard that Goodruch stopped having as many quality issues after Michelin bought them (many years ago) and climate-controlled the warehouses. And, yes, they are a good choice "go-to" for stuff like ours. I'm holding out on a decision until I can price some Pirelli's, Continental's and the like. I know they'll be stupid high and the treadwear characteristics will feel like I'm setting $100 bills on fire. But, hey, it's only money, right? Yeah, I mean they would have been $1200cad for my 215/60r14s, and I used a set with 75% tread life last summer, put 14,000 km on them, autocrossed once, and "drove it very spiritedly" , they are certainly worn down, but still have 25% tread life, I got a new set, as they started off 7 years old, and for me in Canada, they were literally the cheapest/only option for 215 width 14" tires. It does help that the tread is very thick to start with, gives extra rubber to wear down. jelly2m8 MAR 05, 10:51 PM There are so many better choices than those terrible BFG's Take your pick These are available in both 205 and 215/60R15 Tires olejoedad MAR 06, 06:44 AM I've also have very good results with Falkan and Uhtmo. (Uhtmo.makes.Falkan, and is one of the worlds largest tire manufacturers) I highly recommend 215s on front if you upside the rear to 225, otherwise the car will push like crazy under power when exiting a corner. The WS6 suspension on the pre88s is too stiff in front. I also recommend the Fiero Store matched set of front and rear sway bars if you want to do some serious curvy driving, they do an amazing job in balancing out the handling. ArthurPeale AUG 30, 01:34 PM quote Originally posted by jelly2m8: There are so many better choices than those terrible BFG's Take your pick These are available in both 205 and 215/60R15 Tires Dang it, almost got me. I've got 14" rims, and need 215 60 R14 I was oogling the prices and about to pull the trigger when I saw the R15. Right now it looks like my choices for my current rim size are BF Goodrich at nearly $200 a tire, or Riken Raptor at $97 a tire. 1985 Fiero GT AUG 30, 06:56 PM quote Originally posted by ArthurPeale: Dang it, almost got me. I've got 14" rims, and need 215 60 R14 I was oogling the prices and about to pull the trigger when I saw the R15. Right now it looks like my choices for my current rim size are BF Goodrich at nearly $200 a tire, or Riken Raptor at $97 a tire. Yeah, the 14" tires are getting rare, of all you want is some cheap cheap rubber on the road to get the car to work every day, check with your local tire shops, it was a very common size, and they might have a stockpile of N.O.S. tires from the 90s or early 2000s, sure they won't last as long, abs you must keep an eye on them and replace as soon as any signs of cracking, dry rot, bubbling, not holding air, anything, but my dad uses them on his beater car, a Cutlass Ciera, cost $40 per tire, installed and balanced, generally last 1 year of driving, just make sure they don't have any cracking and dry rot to start with. If you want show worthy tires, BFG is the way to go, they look great. If you want performance... You kindof need a different wheel size/tires. With a ported/bolt on mod 2.8 (guesstimate 160hp based on other people's dynos with my mods and my 0-60 time) I find the BFGs great, just enough power/grip to spin in 1st (if I want), and chirp in 2nd, and I love the look. I'll probably have to change my wheels/tires when I start/finish the 3400 turbo I'm planning for this winter. I'm trying to look for a 17" rim that is not super expensive, but suits the car, and I'm not having any luck haha.