Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Title says most of it...1979 Coupe de Ville, running 235/70R15's, currently Cooper Cobra GT's, will need new tires this spring. I used to run performance tires (235/70VR15, as used by the CHP), but can't get them anymore.
So...does anyone still make a speed-rated performance tire in a 235/70R15?
Well, I'll tell ya what!
Of the tires in your size listed on The Tire Rack, most of them are for turck/suv's with the exception of the first 4 tires.
1)General Altimax RT...A very good tire for almost any vehicle today but, I couldn't answer how they'd be on a '79 Caddy. Funny thing is, my buddy has'em on a '61 Corvette and he loves'em
2)Kumho Solus KR-21...A fine tire too but, they're wearout warranty isn't holding up; 80,000 miles and most owners aren't getting anywhere near that. Only getting about 1/2(40K miles) and Kumho's price has been climbing due to their popularity.
3)BFGoodrich Radial T/A...Not a bad tire but, a very expensive and dated design that BFGoodrich may or may not be updating the rubber compound as time goes on; keeping them competitive. I never thought they were anything special either, just MHO! The T/A's are popular amongst the muscle car crowd as they seem to be the most period correct tires for those older muscle car. Those whom I know using them, like'em but, they are what they are!
4)Firehawk INDY 500...I personaly have the Firestone FIREHAWK INDY 500 on my 1980 Firebird FORMULA V8 and they're the best tire I have ever had on this car and I have owned it since new! The INDY 500 have absolutely transformed the car into something that I actually like to drive these days and they're a new(er), maybe the newest design with the highest customer rating of their type(Eagle GT-old version, Dunlop GT Qualifire-discontinued, Cooper Cobra-Ah, so-so!, Kelley Charger-haven't seen these in a while & BFG T/A's)...
1st choice...I beleive that the General Altimax RT would be the best "overall tire" of all the tires listed for your Caddy[Jarlaxle] depending on how you drive the car and what kind of suspension setup you have.
The Altimax have the best/newest design with great hydroplaning resistance and very good performacne for a passenger type tire. Will outperform many muscle car type tires but not true HP tires. More than enough for a '79 Caddy and the best price of the bunch with at least a "T" speed rating!
2nd choice...INDY 500("S" speed rating) but not for a Caddy unless you want raised white letters(RWL). For a Firebird or true muscle car, YES, as they do have the look for these cars. The INDY 500 have improved my Firebird's cornering ability, ride, over broken pavement and straight line tracking on the hiwy, as these cars tend to wander on their best day.
There may be other tires too that are better choices, IDK!
This is just my personal opinion based on personal experience with many of the tires listed. I haven't seen many tires in 235-70-15 that fit the bill as a HP tire.
