TIRE EXPERTS HELP HERE PLEASE (and center caps)

[gfhoward]

Hey ya'll, well I'm about to buy some Cobra R rims from the tirerack (unless ya'll have better advice) and I have a tire question. I've heard that H-rated tires last longer and provide a comfier ride than the higher rated tires like Y and Z. Since I don't drive over 100, is there any drawback to putting these cheaper tires on my 2000 GT? I've laso heard that the higher rated tires (like Y and Z) grip better, but you would think that softer tires grip better, so how does that make sense?

Then about center caps, does anyone know a good source for the ones with the red "R," and are they easy to swap myself? Thanks!

 

[Ghostface]

All your answers are on the tirerack page and then some, it's a good read. Also, I don't think tirerack has the best prices when it comes to Cobra wheels, sorry don't know any right now off the top of my head.

 

[Cobra Jay]

You can get Cobra R replica WHEELS from Partshopper and I believe Mustang Tuning

 

[ACSPONY]

I don't have any experience with H rated tires. I bought the car with ZRs on it. They seem to hold up very well and don't really wear. I've had the car almost a year and the tread depth looks the same as when I bought it. Granted I am not putting a ton of miles on it though...I don't see a problem with hooking or safety in going with H rated tires over Zs. I do see it being an issue depending on what brand tire you go with- especially hooking. Some are just better than others.
~A.C.

 

[Mikhail]

Get 'em on eBay...they're cheap and available. Check this out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7969013668&category=43958

 

[slytherin]

Or try www.buyfordracing.com thats were I got my 10th annv. wheels. stay with the higher speed rated tires even if you dont go over 100mph the Z's will handle better in the corners.

 

[Nater]

There will be no issue with using H-rated tires over Z-rated other than a little in the handling department and I think the speed rating is 112 or 118. As for the life of the tire/tread, look into the Treadwear Rating: the higher the number the longer the tire will last but grip will be sacrificed because it is a harder rubber. On the other hand, if you want more grip, a softer compound will work (lower Tread Rating) but you will sacrifice longivity.

 

[SonicB]

I've done the H rated tire swap and did not like the results. I didn't like the ride quality and handling was degraded.

I'd look for a z or higher rated tire with longer tread wear. imho.

 

[jmk97GT]

Get 'em on eBay...they're cheap and available. Check this out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7969013668&category=43958

Yes, buy from this seller. I got my '95 Cobra Rs from this guy for $350 (O.E Wheels in Sarasota FL) and I couldnt be happier.