matwaz

As the topic says, need some tires to replace the GY gatorbacks. Would prefer them to appear similar in tread design. 255/50/16 and 245/50/16. Z-rated ofcourse.

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1984 L69 5-speed Z28, T-tops, Polished Irocs, Dynomax headers, Flowmaster exhaust, 14.87 in the quarter. Currently 50,370 original miles.

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

SLP (www.slponline.com) has 245/50-16 GY GS-C takeoffs for $100 each. How's that?

Js92RS

What are takeoffs?

Pukka

Another name for "used"

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ORIGINAL OWNER
92 Camaro RS, LO3, 5-spd, T-tops

Performance:
K&N Open Air Filter, Partial TBI mods, Edelbrock performer TBI intake, Fastchip Prom, Timing +4 degrees, Centerforce clutch, Xact 8mm wires, SLP 1 3/4" Headers (coated), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Richmond 3:42 gears, Torsen HD Posi
Sights & Sounds:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers. Spectre valve covers and accessories, Z28 grille w/aftermarket lights, MacEwen whiteface gauges
NEXT UP: the rest of the TBI mods & Suspension upgrades

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

I'll check into exactly how used is "used" and post what I find. I understand "takeoffs" to be on the car only long enough to get the car to SLP for modification and then taken off. We'll see.

Mikos_89

I had this same problem also. Since I believe Goodyear discontinued nearly all sizes of the Eagle "gatorback" except for a 225/6OZR16(?) import size still offered, I had to search for a tire with a similar tread pattern and sidewall design.

I knew I wanted a performance Goodyear brand tire in the Eagle series. I considered the SLP GSC takeoff's, but I didn't particularly care for the tread pattern of the GSC and the tread-block pattern near the sidewall. Except for the Eagle GA, which doesn't come in a P245/50R16 size, most of the new performance tires in the Eagle series now have a "ribbed" sidewall pattern that I also disliked.

Fortunately, I discovered a tire in the Eagle series line that comes in a P245/5OR16 size which has a sidewall design and tread-block pattern that's very similar to the Eagle ZR "gatorback".

The tire is called the Goodyear (Eagle) T/R which is sold exclusively for Sears through their automotive service centers. The tires sell for about $125 each for the P245/50R16's or around $500 total for mounting/ balancing. The appearance (sidewall/tread-block) is very similar to the "gatorback" except for a slight asymetrical pattern in the tread footprint and slightly more aggressive tread-block at the sidewalls.

The tires have a speed-rating of (T) which I think is good for 120mph+. Don't get to hung up on the ZR speed-rating. How often do you go 150mph+ at a sustained pace? Or even 130mph+ at a sustained pace?

For an OEM appearance, the Eagle T/R's are the closest you'll find unless you happen to find a set of NOS (new old stock) "gatorbacks" hiding somewhere.


-Mike

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Why are you guys concerned about it? Tire technology has come far from the gatorbacks. The OEM tires on our cars were crap. I'll go one step further and say that Goodyear tires in general are crap. They're expensive, they wear out fast, they have terrible traction in dry weather not to mention what its like in rain or god forbid snow or ice. Why does original appearance matter? Its a tire. At a carshow its not going to matter if the tires are right or not, unless you're shooting for a concourse trophy 30 years from now. I'm as picky as anyone, and I show my cars regularly, but I'll be damned if I'll pay a premium for a POS tire simply because that's what GM could get at the lowest price. I've had several experiances with goodyears now. Gatorbacks, RS-A's, GSC's etc from a standing start on dry pavement the RS-A's would spin till the car hit 60mph, a change to BFgoodrich V rated Comp T/A's resulted in instant traction... The RS-A's would not grip the road if there was any form or condensation. Every set of GSC's I've seen reacted basically the same way, they rott quickly and get weather damaged, they have horrible traction and wet weather performance, etc. Hell my convertible with its L03, heavy weight, and 2.73 gears can spin the hell out of the OEM goodyears. These experiances are all with nearly new Goodyear tires.

Just my opinion

IROCKZ4me

Since modern styling has changed, and tire technology has taken leaps and bounds since the now 18+ year old Eagle VR & ZR gatorback design, it will be difficult to find a truely high performance tire that is very compairable today. While by todays standards these tires may seem like "crap", back in '84, '85, '86, etc., the Gatorback tire was really a top performing (and costing) tire. They just don't stand up to todays standards though.
A good modern day equivalent is the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS tire. The traction, both wet and dry, is much better than the Gatorbacks. Handling is improved while ride quality is also improved. They are much quiter as well. The treadwear is 300 compaired to 220 for the Gatorback. Traction is rated "AA" (the best rating) compaired to the Gatorbacks "A" (the best back then) rating. The temperature rating is "A"(the best rating).
I have used them on the street, autocross, and drag strip. They seem to be a very good all around tire. I compaired them at the strip to BFG Drag Radials on a naturally asperated Z28 with all stock suspension, except lowering springs. The full treaded 245/50,16 F1s would consistantly 60 foot @ 1.94. The 255/50,16 BFG Drags were running 60' @ 1.86. Thats only 8 hundredths of a second difference. Not bad at all considering the F1s handling, way better treadwear and wet traction, not to mention that they were $20 a peice cheaper than the special purpose BFGs Drag Radials.
Last time I looked you could pick them up at http://www.tirerack.com for $139.99 each for the 245/50,16. That's not to bad either considering I payed $240 each for the first Gatorbacks that I bought way back when.