Just received my set of 4 Firestone FIREHAWK INDY500(225-70-15) tires from the TR. I really wanted 255-60-15(samd diameter as the 225-70's) but they wont fit on the front comfortably without rubbing and I don't want to run 2 different size tires. These are for my '80 Firebire FORMULA. I still have the factory UNIROYAL Steel Belted Radial(which I romoved at 23,000 miles) in storage and on the car now is GOOD/YEAR EAGLE GT OWL that I installed back in 1988 at those 23,000 miles. Car now only has 38,000 miles and yes the Eagle GT's are in need of replacement after only 15,000 + miles. One of the Eagle's is still very good although I did rotate regularly but, the other 3 are no good.
So anyway, I chose the FIREHAWK's as they were the highest scoring tire in their catigory and the lowest price to boot. Highest scoring compared to other tires such as:
Radial T/A's
Eagle GT II
Dunlop GT Qualifier(discontinued) but can still get them on some sites, probably old stock...Ya think!
Cooper Cobra
and too many off brands to mention.
The Firehawk's I received had been on back order and the build date is "1910". The 19th week of 2010. Man, these tires are 3 weeks old! Hands down the newest tires I have ever purchaced.
The RWL lettering on the sidewall looks OK(not my favorite as I prefer OWL) and the tread is really nice, quite modern compared to the others more bold designs/tread. I prefer OWL but, haven't been able to find OWL and have been searching for years. Non that I liked anyway! With the exception of truck tires being OWL, most MFG's have gone to RWL(full block).
I'm sure that these INDY500's will be great tires for this old car, my only concern is that the tires are a bit narrower than the old EAGLE GT's(measure a bit wider that the newer GT II's). This car need a beefier looking tire just for the purpose of appearance if nothing else, which is why I wanted to run 255's.
Well, Im going to have to live with these tires as they're going to be the last tire I'll ever have to put on this car and, at least they are the correct(factory recomended) size.
I sure I'll love their ride/handling and they do look good from the side view even if they're a little narrow from the rearend view.
I post their real road test when I have a real chance to give them a workout. Til then, any comments are welcome.
So anyway, I chose the FIREHAWK's as they were the highest scoring tire in their catigory and the lowest price to boot. Highest scoring compared to other tires such as:
Radial T/A's
Eagle GT II
Dunlop GT Qualifier(discontinued) but can still get them on some sites, probably old stock...Ya think!
Cooper Cobra
and too many off brands to mention.
The Firehawk's I received had been on back order and the build date is "1910". The 19th week of 2010. Man, these tires are 3 weeks old! Hands down the newest tires I have ever purchaced.
The RWL lettering on the sidewall looks OK(not my favorite as I prefer OWL) and the tread is really nice, quite modern compared to the others more bold designs/tread. I prefer OWL but, haven't been able to find OWL and have been searching for years. Non that I liked anyway! With the exception of truck tires being OWL, most MFG's have gone to RWL(full block).
I'm sure that these INDY500's will be great tires for this old car, my only concern is that the tires are a bit narrower than the old EAGLE GT's(measure a bit wider that the newer GT II's). This car need a beefier looking tire just for the purpose of appearance if nothing else, which is why I wanted to run 255's.
Well, Im going to have to live with these tires as they're going to be the last tire I'll ever have to put on this car and, at least they are the correct(factory recomended) size.
I sure I'll love their ride/handling and they do look good from the side view even if they're a little narrow from the rearend view.
I post their real road test when I have a real chance to give them a workout. Til then, any comments are welcome.
