Best tires for Gen 1 SHO (as of 09/2024)

[DaveSHOtime]

I'm looking to get new tires soon for my '89 SHO MTX. Want to stay with stock size 215/65/15. There aren't many options out there in this size. Ideally I'd get the best summer tires available, e.g. Michelin Pilot Sports. But of course those aren't available in this size. Here are the best option in my opinion. Any other recommendations please post below.

1. Cooper Cobra Radial GT
--> Says Cobra in whitewall letters which might be cool on a Ford product. Apparently can also switch around to regular black lettering.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Cooper&tireModel=Cobra+Radial+G%2FT&partnum=165TR5CRGTRWL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

2. Falken Pro G5 Touring A/S
-->Falken performance tires can be pretty good. These A/S seem like the best option from them for oem size.

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[DaveSHOtime]

One option I'm considering is to get the oem blade wheels. Maybe there would be better tires options in that size.

 

[Texas Marauder]

Check out Walmart. 3 tires listed but, 2 show out of stock. Nexen may be a good choice.

 

[Irish Pride]

In that tire size I would go with
Toyo Extensa A/S II
or
BFG Radial T/A

The BFG also has white letters like the Coopers.

-Chad

 

[DaveSHOtime]

Check out Walmart. 3 tires listed but, 2 show out of stock. Nexen may be a good choice.

Thank you, Walmart is a good idea.

 

[DaveSHOtime]

In that tire size I would go with
Toyo Extensa A/S II
or
BFG Radial T/A

The BFG also has white letters like the Coopers.

-Chad

Appreciate your advice, will consider. I'm not sure if white lettering would look good or not on the '89 SHO. Hmm

 

[Irish Pride]

Appreciate your advice, will consider. I'm not sure if white lettering would look good or not on the '89 SHO. Hmm

 

[Texas Marauder]

Consider the speed rating on whatever tire you buy. 215/65-15 looks to be available in H and T ratings. H=130 mph, T=118 mph. Speed rating is indirectly related to handling performance.

 

[DaveSHOtime]

Thank you for those photos. I'm still undecided, I'm going for more of an oem look overall.

 

[DaveSHOtime]

Consider the speed rating on whatever tire you buy. 215/65-15 looks to be available in H and T ratings. H=130 mph, T=118 mph. Speed rating is indirectly related to handling performance.

That's a great point. Those Cooper tires I mentioned above are only T rated at 118mph. My SHO top speed is 143mph, so those won't do.

 

[SHOnion]

This is what is currently on mine https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...2077278616493&utm_content=GSAPI+5ba2a475a0ef1 I was also wondering how much/if any better the tires can get in this (mostly)phased out size.I will look into the Toyo's.

 

[DaveSHOtime]

This is what is currently on mine https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...2077278616493&utm_content=GSAPI+5ba2a475a0ef1 I was also wondering how much/if any better the tires can get in this (mostly)phased out size.I will look into the Toyo's.

Ok thanks for your input. The Uniroyal seem like decent quality tires actually. But H rated 130mph isn't good enough.

 

[Greg Corcoran]

But H rated 130mph isn't good enough.

H should be fine unless you are going racing. It gives better handling than the T rated and is a bit less jarring on RR tracks and potholes than the factory V rated tires.

 

[TankII]

General Altimax RT 45 in 225/60-15 is an option.

Too bad the Cooper Pro Control isn't available in either size.

 

[TankII]

Addendum: you could do what Ron Porter did on his '89 and go with 215/60-15's.

 

[Majestic]

I've always had good luck with Continentals.

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