Running 225/60/15 on the rear and 205/60/15 on the fronts. What do you guys recommend for air pressures?
That’s my same size tires and I usually keep it around 37
Id start at 32 in front and 28 or so in rear….alot depends on rim width. Too much pres ruins ride and takes away contact area. You can spray a little protecerent on the tread and go for a short drive…look at the tread , if its still shiney on the outside edges , maybe too much air
I agree with your points on ++pressure, but my choice of 37 isn’t overinflated anywhere near max nor has ever caused uneven wear on my new or old cars and i like the firmer ride too.
LE pursuit driving schools will have you drive high speed slalom courses at different tire pressures to demonstrate the differences. At recommended 32 PSI for most tires you get the best long term wear. At 60 PSI you can navigate the course with ease comparatively. Lower pressure means softer and more body roll, so less control. Higher pressures mean firmer (to a point…don’t go crazy) and a more solid grip on the road. As always, the answer is more complex than what is better. What is better for what you want to do?
I run my tires at 32 psi and figure that gives some leeway when running interstates that build pressures by a few pounds. Probably as important is watching date codes and changing. I put new tires on this year after 7 years. Noticed a difference in ride and handling. Old tires not only crack but harden. It’s easy to forget when you put on tires and get past you.
What is good modern tires for these??? Mine has 15’ Mag 500s. BF Goodrich radials. I’m sure they more than 10 years old. I plan on DRIVING mine. I want modern tires. So???
First do you plan to stay with 15” size, because tire diameter matters much for how wide brand availability is out there anymore in 2025. most popular size (which also equates to most options and wide price range and/or good deals) will be 17” across the board. Personally I dont like to see a nice classic car go past 17” but that’s of course a very personal and subjective thing. I’ll likely go for a new look next season with 17”s. AFA 15” size goes, I have ran BFG Radial T/As back to the ‘80s on many cars and never once had any issue with them.
No I plan on keeping it mostly stock as far as rims. Don’t want to go bigger. I just know your options are limited staying close to stock. But I’m a stock and stock looking kinda guy. Just a more modern ride. I STILL can’t believe these cars rode on bias plys.
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Again many opinions out there, but from personal experience here on many ‘60s ‘70s ‘80s cars across the decades all ran BFG brand and all were 15” size and trouble-free. I’d say spend time to choose the wheel you want for your look and run the BFGs and no worries👍
Thanks. I personally LOVE Michelins. I bought a set of Pilot Sport AS 4s for my 300s. Wow those things are awesome
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yep on my new cars they’ve run Michelin Pilot Sport 19” or 20” But the previous reply was again geared towards a classic car running 15” wheels, and a tire for reliability and good looks too✅
If you want raised white letters in a 15”, you’re pretty limited to BFG Radial TA or Cooper Cobra’s. BFG has more size options. I’d rate the BFG’s as OK - I’d like better grip in wet weather but don’t want to give up RWL. Go up to 17” BW than lots of good choices in performance tires. I replaced BFG’s with another set this spring so far so good. Only 1,000 miles so far and hoping for some good weather this fall to put more on.
I’m happy with my 15” BFG radials. They handle and ride just fine and look great.
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IMOP. I could go without the raised white letters. I would RATHER have driveablity than looks or stance. I plan to drive in anything but snow. Well let’s not get carried away
BFGs, they also have like 13 size options in 15” diameter. just have your tire guy mount them with the RWL on the inside. they’re always there if you want them later on✅ Drivability & safety are always priority, but wheels/tires can make or break any car, new or old. So they are definitely a big part of any classic car’s look, vibe and stance which are all a huge part of having a classic. Hope you get what you want👊
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Thanks. I’ll put my findings out there. Appreciate any advice.
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As noted here 15” tire options with correct aspect ratio for sidewall height are rather limited especially in higher performance requirements. The Mustang guys on Vintage Mustang Forums have a poor view of BFG Radial T/A’s. I went with 17” wheels to clear my brakes and have a wide variety of tire options. Perhaps a vintage wheel style in larger diameter to open up your tire choices might be an option?
IDC what they say, long term, real-world life experience on no less than 6 completely different cars over 30+ years here that ran BFG tires. ZERO issues. none, nada. but that aside… I also explained earlier as you mentioned, about the 17” world being the best bet these days for wide open options & value/deals. Next year Im doing just as you touched on, going 17” with a modern sized version of a classic, old-school brand and wheel. already have it all picked out but hard to justify rn as my car came with brand new wheels and tires and currently $$ needs go to correcting all their poor mechanical work and having everything working as well 1st. next season i’ll sell my BFG/Magnun 500 set and put the scratch towards the new wheels/tires.
I might be interested. West coast classics just got back to me. $50000 is there bottom. Kinda scared. If I pay up, I don’t have much left to put the car back on the road this year.