Handling Mods

[Archangel]

Witch wheels 2 steel or chrome (would rather sell all 4 chrome ones togeather) The EVOs new were 195.00 each selling for 120.00 each for the 225x75x16s or the 285s (would rather sell the 235s as a set) The half worn 235x 85x 16s like 50.00 each.

I'll think about it, depends how much I'm gonna have to shell out for insurance for the Lincoln. Also my front tires are actually the 3k load ones, the E-range, and not D's like the rear - makes me feel a bit better about the whole situation., would be nice if they were RWL tho.

[Archangel]

i have a set of firestone affinity lh30's on my lincoln, 225/60/16... they stick like glue.....they have been discontinued but i'm told the replacement (firehawk gt) is better.

Scott, how much improvement would these make over let's say 235/60-15s? Give it an educated guess...

[Lincolnmania]

it would be noticeable......all depends on tires too.....i have 225/60/15's on the turd and the v8 volvo.....also H rated......ride is better with the 16" wheels i can tell you that

[1987cp]

whatever tires you get make sure they have at least a H speed rating

Are H speed rated tires just stickier? 'cause I've never had my car up to 130mph .....

[gadget73]

stiffer sidewalls usually. Higher speed rated tires tend to have heavier sidewall construction so they have less sidewall flex in turns.

[1987cp]

Hm, that would tend to explain why my RS-As handle so awesomely, and also part of why they'd be so dang expensive to get them brand-new - aside from why all my S rated tires seem a little flimsy by comparison. Though I notice the Ecsta ASX like Greg has are V rated - would they probably be even stiffer than the Goodyears, then?

[Lincolnmania]

the higher the speed rating the stiffer the sidewall
example a lincoln mark 7 on a cheapie korea or china set of 225/60/16's=bowl of jello
lincoln mark7 on v rated 225/60/16= handling machine
i cant afford v rated tires, so the h rating is a compromise

[1987cp]

Even a V-rate Kumho?

What brand tires do you run?

[Lincolnmania]

firestone

[85crownHPP]

you will definitly notice a difference colin - wether or not it is "worth it" is up to you

[gadget73]

I've driven HPP's with tires that made them handle like jello, and i know those cars normally handle pretty well. The tires definitely do make a difference in how the car feels. They are after all what connects the car to the road. Without good rubber, all the handling mods in the world will do you no good.

[88Vic]

Have anyone used Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's? Those are a cheap RWL tire option and I want a set in 255/70/15's for my truck with 15x7 wheels (I think that's the widest that'll fit). I'm not gonna take it on the track or offroad, I just want to know if they grip the road pretty well.

[torquelover]

The V-rated Kumho ASXs on the POS are the softest sidewall tire ever on the POS with 2 exceptions:

1) The crappy all different size/type/brand/tred depth tires on the car when I got it.
2) The Yokohama Avid Tourings I had that didn't have intact side lettering in spite of running 35-40 PSI at all times. Worst....tire....ever.

Not all V rated tires are created equal.

Oh, and the newer Firestones rate really well with the Tire Rack, so I see why Scott likes them so much.

Colin,
Forget about any of the hilljack 325-50-15 tires you're looking at for handling. A lot of these fatter tire sizes will have a hopelessly sad contact patch and a flaccid sidewall. Go with some sticky summer compound tires in a 17" size after you go visit Scott for some new poly bushings, late model steering box, and P72/P71 bits. My car handles well, and stays extremely flat in corners, even though the suspension has seen a lot of miles. It startles anyone in the car whenever I push it's limits. If you aim for precision, feel, and linear breakaway characteristics in your setup, you'll shame a much fatter tired Panther in almost any situation just on the confidence and trust you will have with your car.

[gadget73]

2) The Yokohama Avid Tourings I had that didn't have intact side lettering in spite of running 35-40 PSI at all times. Worst....tire....ever.

I had a set of these, they did indeed suck. All 4 popped belts and got really lumpy.

[torquelover]

I had a set of these, they did indeed suck. All 4 popped belts and got really lumpy.

Ah, yes. They found thier way onto a Ranger (16" steelies and chrome caps) and eventually all four produced a bad vibe that could not be balanced out. They were so bad in the snow, that my roommate when I lived in Detriot could coax his Goodyear Eagle GS-C equipped 302 Mustang Notchback into getting us around when my brand new all-season tired POS sat covered in snow. That car, with those tires on it, is why I refuse to drive to Detroit if snow/freezing rain/ice is a possibility. I was really hesitant to equip the Fusion with Yoko Avid TRZs. After having them in snow and taking them on a 3k mile trip to warmer weather, I would say they are the best all-around family sedan tire I have ever experienced, especially for the price.