DeTomaso Mailing List: April 1997, Message #159
     



From: firanzi@erols.com (Jim Firanzi)

Subject: Re: Tires

Date: Fri, 18 Apr 97 16:56:23 GMT



Mike,





On 4/18/97 1:28PM, in message <970418132849_-1233770174@emout03.mail.aol.com>,

MikeLDrew@aol.com wrote:

>

> I'm running 8's and 10's, with 245/50ZR-15's in front, 305/50HR-15's in the

> rear.  Overall tire diameter is perfect.  It would be nice if I could get a

> better rear tire, but beggars can't be choosers.



I notice you had to go with an H rated tire in the rear just to get the section

width you wanted.  Unfortunately, you no doubt gave up quite a bit in the way

of tire compound in that trade, as I don't know of any sticky H rated tires out

there.  The BFG ZR is quite a bit different than their V or H rated tires, both

in tread design, sidewall stiffness, bead reinforcement and compound.



> Doesn't BFG make a V-rated 275/60-15 anymore?  That would be just about

> perfect.  I know there's several 265/50-15's out there, a much better choice

> than a 245 for the rear.



I'm not sure about the 275 in a 15" tire, but I'll check.  Again, you lose the

ZR design in their V rated tires.



> If European rumors are true, the P-7 will soon be returning in both 275/55

> and 285/50.  That might be the hot setup.



Now, a 275/55 mounted on an 8" rim?  I wonder what the contact patch would look

like when the tire was inflated to track pressures?  It's a stretch, but at

least the overall diameter would be close to stock. (26.9" vs the stock

european 26.85 -  27.4 depending on tire option.)  When are they planning to

ramp up production???



Jim