Hoosier or Michelin TB15. That's the question!

[Bola964]

I'm restoring my narrow body '88 3.2 and got a set of Campagnolo Wheels from Group 4 in England.

They are 15x7 for the front and 15x8 for the back.

I've been researching for the right tires for street use with a retro look, and haven't been able to decide between the Hoosiers and the Michelins TB15 Series.

Does anyone have experience with either one of these two tires?

The Hoosiers would be the 28x9.50R15LT (19100) for the front and the 29x12.50R15LT (19150) for the back.

The Michelins would be the 18/60 - 15 TB15 (215/55 R 15) for the front and the 23/62 - 15 TB15 (270/45 R 15) for the back.

TIA for any advice!
R.

[mreid]

I used the TB15s on my RSR clone. In fact, that size you are considering for the rear on the front. It's very soft compound and expensive! Great traction, though, just make sure you have a "perfect" wheel alignment.

[msterling]

Those Hoosiers are waaay taller than the stock 24.7". 28" for the fronts and 29" for the backs. I think they will look like tractor tires on your car. The Michelin TB looks like a much better fit at 24.2" fronts and 24.5 backs. Big $$$ for the Michelins. You could run Hoosier R7 dot radials. Maybe 225/50-15 and 245/50-15 (or 275-50-15). No real tread but they would fit and are of a reasonable diameter.

Depending on the offset of the Campys you will need to do some massaging to get a good fit without rubbing.

[Bola964]

mreid,
I assume you have the wide flares front/rear.
What do you run on the back?
Do you have pictures?
Thanks!
R.

[Bola964]

msterling,
The R7 are too slicky for daily use. It rains a lot in Miami, and I don't want to face the incoming traffic very often! I need the treads.
The hoosiers and michelins are very compatible price wise as I could find. There several hoosier retailers, but could only find the michelins at coker tires.
As for the hight, you're right, 4" to 5" more seems too much.
R.

[mreid]

Yes, turbo width. Here is a picture with the Michelins front and back:



I then pulled them:



And replaced them with 17" tires on powder coated black rims:



That Hoosier will not fit. Just fooling around, I put a 28" Hoosier on the rear. Check it out!

[mreid]

Summit racing sells both.

[Bola964]

Thank you mreid.
Your pictures showed a lot. The hoosiers are not an option.
Will go with the michelins. Got figure out the fight ones now.
Thanks!
R.