If you want tires that last and still perform you're going to have to go to
radials. A lot depends on you definition of last. If you mean the number of
heat cycles that the tire will provide good performance you'll still have a
relatively short life. If you mean continue to be reasonable and show tread
then almost any radial should last at least a season.
The Hoosier 60 series DOT tires I tried two weekends ago would probably not
fit without spacers (215R60 15) but if you can get them in they look
wonderful and perform extremely well. Might as well try for those. I bet a
pair of them would last two years.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On Behalf
Of Henry Frye
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 5:19 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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