My friend went to a local track we have around here (Mostport). He was riding in his gf's dad's 98 Cobra and he said it was the best time he had ever had in a long while (and he's not into cars like me and my other friend!... I mean, he is, but not hardcore)

So now he has my friend and I all pumped up, and wanting to go. So my question is... how strict is the speed rating on tires?

The 98 Cobra hit about 240 km/h and from what I heard about it.. it sounds pretty damn close to what my Camaro will put out (performance wize). So I'm guessing I'll hit about 240-250 km/h as well.

Problem is... the speed rating on my tires is "H" and it says thats good up to 210 km/h.

The 240 that the Cobra hit was only for a short time on a straight away. But I don't exactly want to risk blowing a tire. But a new set of tires is a hell of a lot of money, especialy since the ones I have are still good.

Thanks! And btw... this hobby has to be up there on the "most expensive hobbies" list

 

I wouldn't try it. Think about what control you lose when you blow a tire doing 70 MPH. You are possibly going to be going 1.5X faster. Not a chance I would take.

 

Even for such a short period of time?

 

Put it to you this way. I sold a 70 SS w/S rated tires (112 mph). The dumb a$$ that bought it took it out to see how fast he could go. He got up to 120 mph just fine (not a long run either), but shortly there after he lost air in 1 tire and the next day the 2nd tire went. Both had sidewall failure. He's just lucky both tires didn't give out while he was at speed. These are tires I had been driving on w/no probs.

So yes, you may get by with it once or twice but chances are it'll catch up to you sooner or later. The question is, is your car and life worth the gamble?

You may not even pass inpection with lower rated tires.

On a side note, just because a tire is Z rated, doesn't mean I'd trust it either. Sorry, but you can't tell me a cheap tire like a Kumho 712 or Sumitomo is going to hold up at speed as well as or be as stable as a GY GSD3, BFD KD, or even a better Kumho (MX). Again the question is, is your car and life worth the $ difference between running the cheapest tires you can find vs good tires if you know you're going to be racing? Not to mention the performance difference. Tires make a HUGE difference.

 

the speed rating means that that tire can go Xmph for 2 hours(give or take) straight

 

Honestly there is no way to really tell, speed ratings are kinf of a gimmic. They can be used as a good guideline, and im sure they are not way off, but the speed ratings are not governed by anyone, so basically the manufacturer can put what ever speed rating it wants on a tire...

So yeah, a cheapy Hankook isnt going to be as safe as a Michelin Pilot Sport.

 

Can you answer me a question about these tires then?

Will the 245/50ZR-16 Falken Ziex ZE-512 hold up to 168 MPH?

I don't run the track often at all and for the most part I'm a calm and easy going driver... How long can I expect these to last?

 

Hey, I thought I would chime in on this one seein' I have a set of 4 on my 94' Z28. I've maxed out my 120MPH speedo on them...got a 150MPH speedo I'm putting in soon with interior modifications...and I've had no problem on the tires so far...I've not gone to the track yet...but I hop-on-it quite often on the street. I got a good deal on mine from the Discount Direct Tire online...paid like $350 approx. for the set and chrome valve stems including delivery. I hope this helps you in some way...have fun, be safe, and not matter the car...ITS STILL THE DRIVER!

 

Ok

All I needed was one doubtful post, thanks

There is no way I'm risking my car and life over tires. I was just checking, thinking maybe tire speed ratings are always well under what they can do.

Time for a new set of tires. Which btw... what do you guys think of the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3? Seems like a great tire for the price.

My next choice would be the Khumo ECSTA MX. They also look nice, and a little cheaper.

Thanks

 

I absolutly hate goodyears, and have heard of a lot of ride complaints with the GS-D3s.


Go for the kumho.

 

Sorry I had to put in my two cents since theis is my industry. I am the operations manager for 3 retail tire and service centers.

As someone else already posted speed ratings are based on speed sustained for 1 hour. So an H rated tire will do fine for for as fast as you can go for a few moments.

The higher the speed rating on a tire will usually provide two benefits. One being additional nylon cap plys in the construction of the tire and two, softer rubber for higher performance and handling.

My favorite question when someone comes into one of the stores is how long will these Z rated tires last. My answer, as long as you want them to.
The Z rated tires have extrememly soft rubber and will last from 10,000 miles to 30,000?

BTW, just buying a 1999 Z28. THE MID-LIFE CRISIS HAS BEGUN.

BRANDON