Hey Gang,
As some of you may remember, for quite awhile now I've been trying to decide on a new set of rear tires for my car. My dilemma was this... I'm beyond the point where I need to have ultra-sticky street tires for the occasional stoplight launch. I've borrowed several different types to test and frankly nothing hooks up a 600+HP car on the street. I have slicks for the track so that's not a concern. I have two small boys now that will soon be riding in the car so I'm giving up traction for safety. What I was searching for was the biggest "real" street tire I could find. For years, the biggest I found in a true radial was a 275/60. As we all know these are about 28" tall and 9" of tread. I wanted something bigger that would handle well and not kill me if I got caught in the rain.

What I finally found was Hoosier's new Pro Street Radial. They range in size from 29x12.5 to 31x18.5! I grabbed the "smallest" and mounted them on my 15x8 (4.5 b.s.) Welds. I have to say, they look, handle, and fit great! I did roll the fender lip just in case and they never rub.

I have just two negatives about these tires. First, if you're used to seeing the traditional continuous tread pattern of a racing-type tire, the more open block tread of the Hoosiers takes a little getting used to. This, however, is the very trait that lets a tire shed water and that's what I wanted.

Secondly, the price. By far, what made my decision to buy these difficult was the $220. price tag. For the bigger tires that the tubbed guys run I could see it, but for the "little" tire, I almost couldn't justify it.

As luck would have it, any regrets were quickly put to rest when I got caught in a heavy downpour, 45 minutes from home Saturday (damn weatherman!) They handled great! I had no fear that the azz-end of my car would come around on me (which actually DID happen with a set of Hoosier Quick Times!)

So, (here's the big finish!) if you are looking for the biggest, longest lasting, "real" radial street tire, check out these tires.

Oh yeah, let me know if you want pictures, I can post them later.

------------------
Jim

"You're not afraid of a little mouse, are you?!"
My '69 (http://www.geocities.com/jimschevellepage/)

How is the traction compared to what you've used previously?

Hey, thanks for all the info! I've been wanting these tires for a while now also! I was gunna get the same size too. In fact, the only thing stopping me at the time is the price. I had one question, I know you can't FOR sure because you just put them on (from what it sounds like) but if you had to take a guess, how many miles would they last? Like is their compound really soft or really hard? Thanks!

id like to see some pics on how they fit , i have 4.5 b s on my welds too and was looking for a similar tire

let us know how long they last miles wise. Most of the pro street guys I know eat up tires quickly :eek:

Wow! Three years and no replies and now this!

Well, after three years I'm happy to report that these tires are still on the car. I'm at work now so the only picture I can offer is in my sig. I can try to get more if anyone's interested.

I'd say the Hoosiers are comparable to MT Sportsmans, maybe a bit harder. They don't squeal when you spin them, they kinda roar. This makes me think they're at least stickier than a plain old passenger car tire, although it could be the tread pattern too. I like them because they handle great for being so big. As I mentioned in my original post, I needed something I could feel safe having my family ride on.

The downsides... Yep, they're pricey. They've served me well though. I only put a couple thousand miles a year on my car but I do smoke 'em up now and then. Secondly, they're technically classified as a LT (Light Truck) tire according to the sidewall. It's probably because of this that they have such a meaty tread. If you're used to small, shallow tread patterns these take a little getting used to.

I get a lot of questions when people see these tires. Most think they're in the same class as the Quick Time, Quick Time Pro, ET Street, and BFG Drag Radial and want to know how they stack up. I tell them all the same answer... if you're looking for a lauch tire, the Pro Street Radials are not for you. If you need a big, safe, radial, these fit the bill.

Hope this helps!