Thread: Tire Dilema

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In the process of building a 32 Roadster. For tires I have decided on 165R15 on the fronts and 225/75R15 on the back. This is the combo I decided on after looking at dozens of 32's at Indy and Louisville. To stay with these sizes I have two sources.

1. Go with Michelins, order the fronts from Coker as they are the only source I can find for 165R15 Michelins. Rears I can buy locally.

2. Go with Kuhmo. From what I have been able to find out Kuhmo is Korean, is the 5th? largest tire manufacturer in the world, supplies OEM tires for the Dodge Viper, Ford Taurus, and Chrysler mini vans.

Here is where I am struggling with who to go with. Michelin is well recognized as a "Brand Name". Kuhmo is a name most people would not recognize. There is roughly a $400.00 difference in the cost of the two. Something tells me to spend the extra money and go with Michelins. I want to do this car "right" and am not sure I want an off brand tire on it.

Any thoughts?

Thank You

The rein in Spain never travels in a plane .

I've ran Kuhmo's on a couple cars, have them on my Mustang now.... Good traction and decent wear--for a lightweight overpowered cars. No complaints on them at all. Are Michelin's worth $400.00 more???? Not unless name recognition is really that important to you IMO.....

Well, in my opinion, which ain't worth much, I'd spend my money on the Kumho's and spend the difference on something else nice for the rod. Sure Michelins are good tires. Hard rubber, long mileage. Not always the best for wet. Kumho's are hardly "off-brand" tires. Maybe if you live in Sticksville, but not in most other places in the modern world. Don't think Chrysler would use a substandard tire on their vehicles. No one likes litigation.

Have you looked at all brands? Can't believe they are the only two. My front tires are as big (or bigger) than your rears. Hope you plan on using a traditional rims with those skinny-ass tires, otheriwise they might look a little strange on a billet rim.

Don't forget to post some pictures, I just love good looking 32's.

ive seme some vw tires on the front of my car i think they are 165 15's ??? cost like 60 bucks each or less, at les-schwab

Have you looked at all brands? Can't believe they are the only two. My front tires are as big (or bigger) than your rears. [/I]

I've done numerous searches on line and the brands (blackwall) I have found are Michelin, (only available from Coker), Kuhmo and Vredestein.

Hope you plan on using a traditional rims with those skinny-ass tires, otheriwise they might look a little strange on a billet rim.

DAH!!!!

I think the Kuhmo's on the Mustang are right up there with Goodyear Eagle's for traction.... In the wet, think I might give the nod to the Kuhmo's. When the Goodyear's let loose in the rain, the car is gone instantly where the Kuhmo's seem to slip a bit, but not busted loose all at once like the Eagle's....

Since most of your braking is done with the front I'd suggest a bigger tire---like maybe 195 or 205 on the front and 275 on the rear---usually Farm and Fleet there in Sycamore has several tires that you can see and compare or come over to Elburn and see them on my car.

Jerry

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Since most of your braking is done with the front I'd suggest a bigger tire---like maybe 195 or 205 on the front and 275 on the rear---usually Farm and Fleet there in Sycamore has several tires that you can see and compare or come over to Elburn and see them on my car.

Jerry

I'm with Jerry!!!! The big N little looks neat, but sure can mess up the braking and handling of the car!!! I'd get a size or two bigger on the front---or keep the car in the trailer when you're traveling. Too many idiots on the road these days to sacrifice safety for show......

Two sets is a great way to go. Another consideration is matching the treads from front to rear. It takes away from the looks if the tread patterns are too dissimilar between the two. The attitude, tires & wheels make or break a hot rod.

Good plan for two sets, until the car's front suspension is set so low that only the tiny tires will fit in the fenders.....another consideration if you're building a fendered car....

tractor front tire tread, slicks on rear

I've done numerous searches on line and the brands (blackwall) I have found are Michelin, (only available from Coker), Kuhmo and Vredestein.

BTW, Vredestein's are excellent tires as well. Equal to the Michelin's in my experience (SCCA racing). If you really feel the Michelin's are what you need, go with them. They will be a good investment and I am sure they won't disappoint. And you won't have to have two sets of tires and two sets of rims.

The problem----driving, modern disc brakes, skinny front tires

Most braking is done at the front end---it is not impossible to get a balanced f/r braking with skinny fronts, but very difficilt
I used 195/65/15 and 255/75/15 keeps good big/little and decent tread on the fronts for braking/steering

Jerry

I'm surprised that the BF Goodrich brand has not been mentioned here as this is a very popular brand of tires run on street rods. I'm sure that the price has a great deal to do with it. This brand of tire is produced in the Ardmore, Oklahoma Michelin plant as well as others nationwide. Keep in mind that a nameplate change on a mold and a rubber compound recipe change may be the only difference between one tire brand and another. It's still the same tire building machines and presses and person building the tire. Try pricing the Michelin "Harmony" line of tire as well as the BF Goodrich. You may also want to look at a 195/65/15 or 205/65/15 for the front rather than the 165R15 tire size. Hope this helps.