View Poll Results: If Goodyear offered Gatorbacks for our cars would you buy them?
Voters: 372. You may not vote on this poll
If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
10-30-2011, 09:31 PM
#1
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Kind of a spinoff from the other thread. But, if Goodyear offered classic Gatorbacks with modern compounds, in a 245/50/16 size for our 3rd gens, would you buy them?
10-30-2011, 09:44 PM
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
No.
I had to look up what a gatorback tire was.
It was a cruddy all season tire. Not worth paying extra for. if it was a super cheap price point it might be considered.
I had to look up what a gatorback tire was.
It was a cruddy all season tire. Not worth paying extra for. if it was a super cheap price point it might be considered.
10-30-2011, 10:16 PM
#4
Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Batesville, AR
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 Formula Firebird
Engine: 350 (5.7) TPI
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 POSI
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
What's a Gatorback?
10-30-2011, 10:22 PM
#5
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Are you guys kidding me?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e+ZR+Gatorback
It was the original equipment, top of the line, high performance tire on our cars from 1985-92.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e+ZR+Gatorback
It was the original equipment, top of the line, high performance tire on our cars from 1985-92.
10-30-2011, 10:28 PM
#6
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Would depend on the car. If it was a 10k mile original, then yes, but purely for restoration purposes, NOT as a performance tire. If it was my RS, then no (granted I realize my RS didn't come with them).
Trending Topics
10-30-2011, 11:08 PM
#8
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I don't care if anyone wants to buy them, I'm just shocked that there are members of TGO who don't even know what it is. It's like saying, "what's TPI?"
10-30-2011, 11:11 PM
#9
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Set the Tirerack review to "lowest rated" and read up. Fun stuff.
These are just highlights, there are several more pages of people calling them junk. So yeah... Hell no! **** Goodyear and the blimp they rode in on.
Under 8,000 miles of tread wear, on warm dry asphalt, they¿re glue on the road. Very noisy but handle well with a rough ride, that 1990s NASCAR feel. On wet roads over 40, it¿s kind of like an ice skate. In snow or ice¿ if you can get the vehicle to move at all, please consider another form of suicide that won¿t endanger your fellow man!!!
Do not buy this tire if you ever plan on driving in weather that is not 75 degress and sunny. You would get more traction driving on your 17" rims with no tires mounted than these provide in wet conditions. Even in high humidity conditions where the road is only slightly damp it can be dangerous to merge onto the freeway. Keep shopping.
These are the worst tires I have ever had on any of the 4 mustangs I have owned.They are absolutely dreadful and dangerous to drive in any wet road condition.DO NOT BUY THESE TIRES!!!!!! Not to mention ......they are very poor even in dry conditions.
I bought this car new with these tires on it, after 14,000 miles I replaced these tires with Kumho Ecstas. They are way better these Goodyear tire ----. At 14,000 they had about half the tread left but I hated them so much that I replaced them. DO NOT buy these tires.
With only 18,000 miles, these OEM tires are severely dry-rotted on the tread. Complete garbage.
i would not consider buying these tires when there are better tires for less money. i have experienced major understeer with these tires in the dry. these spool big time when they break loose even when bald. but they are very good burnout and doughnut tires.
This tire is one of the worst tires Ive ever had. Ive had Poly tires on my 1968 cougar that handled better than them. They were alright in dry weather, horrible in wet.
These OE tires were junk. I didn't wait until they were worn out, I went ahead and replaced them with Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Positions at 7200 miles. The Goodyears were completely unsafe in the rain. Hydroplaning and fishtailing under anything but the lightest acceleration even with the traction control on. Above 80 mph, the car shook so bad that I don't even think the tires were round, even after wheel rebalancing. I loved the car before, but the with the S-03's, the car is a thousand times better, dry or wet in every way: steering response, braking, cornering stability and grip, high speed stability. Gatorbacks should be relegated to the history books. Ancient tech.
10-30-2011, 11:12 PM
#10
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I have NO idea why you're remotely surprised. I could poll 250 random people off the street and unless I hit a late model Mustang owner that bothered to read his side walls, I bet not a one would have a clue what Gatorbacks are.
10-30-2011, 11:18 PM
#11
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Oh, there are lots of good reviews too. It seems the bad ones are from people who are mad that they bought a summer tire and can't drive it in the rain and snow. Boo Hoo.
10-30-2011, 11:26 PM
#12
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Actually, I'm quite surprised. I mean, we're not on OldSchwinn.org, we're on Thirdgen.org. The Goodyear ZR50 Gatorback was an integral, OE component for our cars for a long time from the factory. I just figured anyone who's into 3rd gens would be familiar with that.
10-30-2011, 11:28 PM
#13
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
It's not so much that people buy a summer tire and expect it to work all season... They're original equipment on cars that normal people would expect to be able to drive year round. Almost all of the reviews are from people with late model Mustangs.
Arrange the reviews by positives and the first page is full of people who have no miles on the car/tires, or enjoy the adrenaline rush of constantly being out of control. As you go further into the positive reviews, almost every reviewer makes excuses for why they suck so bad.
Arrange the reviews by positives and the first page is full of people who have no miles on the car/tires, or enjoy the adrenaline rush of constantly being out of control. As you go further into the positive reviews, almost every reviewer makes excuses for why they suck so bad.
10-30-2011, 11:29 PM
#14
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,696
Received 747 Likes
on
506 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I would buy a set or 2, If If they use modern compounds, construction and were reasonably priced (which they wont be).
That will make them nicer but they sure aren't a rain/snow tire because it was designed as a dry tire. They prolly won't even be made by Goodyear like most of the repops but I'm sure Goodyear will get money from them.
Just for giggles one year I put a one wheel peel rearend in my car and with the gators on, it didnt do to bad in the snow, 2ish inches with some weight in trunk. Only when the posi was in it with no weight I had problems. I got the damn thing stuck 4 inches outside of the garage in the driveway in the same snow .. same car with posi and snow tires wasnt much better..
That will make them nicer but they sure aren't a rain/snow tire because it was designed as a dry tire. They prolly won't even be made by Goodyear like most of the repops but I'm sure Goodyear will get money from them.
Just for giggles one year I put a one wheel peel rearend in my car and with the gators on, it didnt do to bad in the snow, 2ish inches with some weight in trunk. Only when the posi was in it with no weight I had problems. I got the damn thing stuck 4 inches outside of the garage in the driveway in the same snow .. same car with posi and snow tires wasnt much better..
Last edited by TTOP350; 10-30-2011 at 11:40 PM.
10-30-2011, 11:32 PM
#15
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
We're talking about what would be a $200-300 PER TIRE reproduction. To suit everyone you'd have to have the VR50 and ZR50 reproduced since early Thirdgens got the VR, and later got the ZR. Corvettes used a different size. Mustangs use a different size. The half dozen of you that would want a 245/50*R16 probably aren't even going to agree on the V vs the Z.
10-30-2011, 11:32 PM
#16
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
It's not so much that people buy a summer tire and expect it to work all season... They're original equipment on cars that normal people would expect to be able to drive year round. Almost all of the reviews are from people with late model Mustangs.
Arrange the reviews by positives and the first page is full of people who have no miles on the car/tires, or enjoy the adrenaline rush of constantly being out of control. As you go further into the positive reviews, almost every reviewer makes excuses for why they suck so bad.
Arrange the reviews by positives and the first page is full of people who have no miles on the car/tires, or enjoy the adrenaline rush of constantly being out of control. As you go further into the positive reviews, almost every reviewer makes excuses for why they suck so bad.
10-30-2011, 11:35 PM
#17
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
LOL I never drive my thirdgens in the rain, and I still wouldn't buy them because the BEST part about owning a TPI car is vicious 0-60mph acceleration. Everytime I've put Goodyears on the back of my Formula (several times, surprisingly) traction goes in the crapper and it turns into a burnout machine. It burns out worse on Goodyear tires then it did on a 100hp shot of nitrous. It's fun for a few minutes, but then it's completely lame.
Last edited by scottmoyer; 10-31-2011 at 07:35 PM.
10-30-2011, 11:38 PM
#18
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
We're talking about what would be a $200-300 PER TIRE reproduction. To suit everyone you'd have to have the VR50 and ZR50 reproduced since early Thirdgens got the VR, and later got the ZR. Corvettes used a different size. Mustangs use a different size. The half dozen of you that would want a 245/50*R16 probably aren't even going to agree on the V vs the Z.
IIRC, the actual tires didn't change, it was DOT which changed the way they rated speed.
10-30-2011, 11:41 PM
#19
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
LOL I never drive my thirdgens in the rain, and I still wouldn't buy them because the BEST part about owning a TPI car is vicious 0-60mph acceleration. Everytime I've put Goodyears on the back of my Formula (several times, surprisingly) traction goes in the crapper and it turns into a burnout machine. It burns out worse on Goodyear tires then it did on a 100hp shot of nitrous. It's fun for a few minutes, but then it's completely lame.
Which Goodyears did you have?
The point is moot anyway, we don't have a whole heck of alot of choices for our cars.
Last edited by scottmoyer; 10-31-2011 at 07:35 PM.
10-30-2011, 11:59 PM
#20
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
My Iroc still had Gatorbacks when I got it in 98, drove absolutely terrible on them. The Formula had Eagle RS-As when I bought it. I put BFG Comp T/As on both cars, the Iroc has been driven about 10k miles so they're still like new, but the Formula never gets spared the rod. When the BFGs on the rear started throwing sparks during burnouts, I happened into a pair of Eagle GSCs. It was like driving in the rain all the time. Even with the pressure dropped they couldn't hook up to save my life. I picked up another pair of new Comp T/As (right before they were discontinued) and all my traction came back.
I've got Eagle GTs (GT IIs?) on my convertible. Bone stock 2.73 geared, TBI auto, almost 4k lbs, spins the rears with ease.
My brother in law wanted a Mustang so we found a 91 LX 5.0 auto convertible, again with Eagle RS-As. It had a few mods, off road H, 3.73 gears, etc it was still dog slow, but it'd chew those 245/50ZR16s like nothing. It was entertaining, but slow. Did I mention it was slow and still could do a sick burnout?
There have been others... Goodyear sells a lot of tires as OEM, so they always show up in the tire pile. I've had several pairs on the back of winter beaters. I've got a set of take off Eagles from my brother in law's other 5.0 Mustang on the back of my turbo Mustang. They seem alright, but then boost doesn't kick in until around 3k rpm, so they aren't under the abuse that the tires on the Formula are subjected.
I've got Eagle GTs (GT IIs?) on my convertible. Bone stock 2.73 geared, TBI auto, almost 4k lbs, spins the rears with ease.
My brother in law wanted a Mustang so we found a 91 LX 5.0 auto convertible, again with Eagle RS-As. It had a few mods, off road H, 3.73 gears, etc it was still dog slow, but it'd chew those 245/50ZR16s like nothing. It was entertaining, but slow. Did I mention it was slow and still could do a sick burnout?
There have been others... Goodyear sells a lot of tires as OEM, so they always show up in the tire pile. I've had several pairs on the back of winter beaters. I've got a set of take off Eagles from my brother in law's other 5.0 Mustang on the back of my turbo Mustang. They seem alright, but then boost doesn't kick in until around 3k rpm, so they aren't under the abuse that the tires on the Formula are subjected.
10-31-2011, 12:34 AM
#21
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 97 LT1 W/ Alot of goodies.
Transmission: 4L60E W/ Yank SS3600
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 Bolt BW
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Nope.
10-31-2011, 02:40 AM
#22
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I know it's meaning because I read some car magazines (and then some) back then. But for the most part, I just called them Eagle VR50s back then.
10-31-2011, 09:00 AM
#23
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
My Iroc still had Gatorbacks when I got it in 98, drove absolutely terrible on them. The Formula had Eagle RS-As when I bought it. I put BFG Comp T/As on both cars, the Iroc has been driven about 10k miles so they're still like new, but the Formula never gets spared the rod. When the BFGs on the rear started throwing sparks during burnouts, I happened into a pair of Eagle GSCs. It was like driving in the rain all the time. Even with the pressure dropped they couldn't hook up to save my life. I picked up another pair of new Comp T/As (right before they were discontinued) and all my traction came back.
I've got Eagle GTs (GT IIs?) on my convertible. Bone stock 2.73 geared, TBI auto, almost 4k lbs, spins the rears with ease.
My brother in law wanted a Mustang so we found a 91 LX 5.0 auto convertible, again with Eagle RS-As. It had a few mods, off road H, 3.73 gears, etc it was still dog slow, but it'd chew those 245/50ZR16s like nothing. It was entertaining, but slow. Did I mention it was slow and still could do a sick burnout?
There have been others... Goodyear sells a lot of tires as OEM, so they always show up in the tire pile. I've had several pairs on the back of winter beaters. I've got a set of take off Eagles from my brother in law's other 5.0 Mustang on the back of my turbo Mustang. They seem alright, but then boost doesn't kick in until around 3k rpm, so they aren't under the abuse that the tires on the Formula are subjected.
I've got Eagle GTs (GT IIs?) on my convertible. Bone stock 2.73 geared, TBI auto, almost 4k lbs, spins the rears with ease.
My brother in law wanted a Mustang so we found a 91 LX 5.0 auto convertible, again with Eagle RS-As. It had a few mods, off road H, 3.73 gears, etc it was still dog slow, but it'd chew those 245/50ZR16s like nothing. It was entertaining, but slow. Did I mention it was slow and still could do a sick burnout?
There have been others... Goodyear sells a lot of tires as OEM, so they always show up in the tire pile. I've had several pairs on the back of winter beaters. I've got a set of take off Eagles from my brother in law's other 5.0 Mustang on the back of my turbo Mustang. They seem alright, but then boost doesn't kick in until around 3k rpm, so they aren't under the abuse that the tires on the Formula are subjected.
The other thing, I certainly don't want to be put in the position of defending Goodyear. Yes, they have put out some sucky tires, as have other manufacturers.
At this point in time though, the pickings are pretty slim as far as performance tires for our cars go. Some of the better ones are just plain gone for good. We now have exactly 4 options: 1 from GY, 1 from BFG, (currently back ordered), 1 from Firestone, and 1 from Yokohama, (in limited supply). The rest are all season/snow tires or second tier name brands.
Generally, my Gatorbacks ***WHEN NEW*** , performed pretty comparably to the newer offerings out there. Plus they'd have the advantage of having the proper OE "look" for our cars. That's all. That's enough to make me want to buy them if they were available. I mean, let's face some facts, no manufacturer currently offers something in a 245/50/16 size which is substantially better.
Last edited by chazman; 10-31-2011 at 09:35 AM.
10-31-2011, 12:35 PM
#24
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Don't forget the thirdgen rule of thumb... When the times comes to part with real cash ($200+ each, per tire) the yes votes are going to drop by between 50 - 75%.
10-31-2011, 12:44 PM
#25
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
The very day I picked up my brand new IROC-Z from the dealer, I was caught in a violent thunderstorm on the way home. I made it home okay. 
10-31-2011, 01:07 PM
#26
Supreme Member
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
First time posting in weeks... glad to see the usual suspects showing up with sour grapes and stirring the pot...
I'd buy a set of reproduction Gatorbacks and mount my 91 16" wheels on them and leave them in the garage. I'd then throw the original tires out.
I'd only use the Gatorbacks for show; I'd much rather have new Good Year Eagle F1-GS-D3s for driving, or the Firestones that I currently have. Or if I ever get those 18" CCW Classics, then I'd go for Michelins.
I do wish they'd reproduce them, though. People debating the performance merits of a 20 year old tire versus modern offerings are missing the point. This is a thread posted in History / Restoration. In the era of the thirdgen, the Gatorbacks were the best factory performance tire available as the car hit its peak performance years. Tires are significant part of a complete restoration.
I'd buy a set of reproduction Gatorbacks and mount my 91 16" wheels on them and leave them in the garage. I'd then throw the original tires out.
I'd only use the Gatorbacks for show; I'd much rather have new Good Year Eagle F1-GS-D3s for driving, or the Firestones that I currently have. Or if I ever get those 18" CCW Classics, then I'd go for Michelins.
I do wish they'd reproduce them, though. People debating the performance merits of a 20 year old tire versus modern offerings are missing the point. This is a thread posted in History / Restoration. In the era of the thirdgen, the Gatorbacks were the best factory performance tire available as the car hit its peak performance years. Tires are significant part of a complete restoration.
10-31-2011, 02:37 PM
#28
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I do wish they'd reproduce them, though. People debating the performance merits of a 20 year old tire versus modern offerings are missing the point. This is a thread posted in History / Restoration. In the era of the thirdgen, the Gatorbacks were the best factory performance tire available as the car hit its peak performance years. Tires are significant part of a complete restoration.
10-31-2011, 02:50 PM
#29
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
People debating the performance merits of a 20 year old tire versus modern offerings are missing the point. This is a thread posted in History / Restoration. In the era of the thirdgen, the Gatorbacks were the best factory performance tire available as the car hit its peak performance years. Tires are significant part of a complete restoration.
I disagree that tires are an important part of a restoration. They're barely important on classic cars, where the tires looked vastly different then modern replacements. Tire technology hasn't changed that much since 1985. The biggest difference is modern tires don't have to sacrifice all season suitability for ideal condition performance. Modern tires don't even look that different, you're talking about paying a premium price for a lower quality tire for a tread pattern, and sidewall markings. The vast majority could care less about such things.
It's not about missing the point, or stirring the pot, this is a discussion forum and we're discussing the merits. If you can't grasp that, than you've missed the point of this community. Personally, I'm glad they're history. It's for good reason, they are really terrible tires. As for restoration, they're about the last thing most people are going to be concerned about. I'm not even aware of a single car show, applicable to our cars, that is meticulous enough to care about the brand, tread pattern, or sidewall markings of the tires.
10-31-2011, 03:02 PM
#30
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MN
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 7.5" 10 bolt, 4.10, torsen posi
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I think it would be interesting to see a new "modern" Gatorback tested against currently available street performance tires like the G-Force etc.
10-31-2011, 03:16 PM
#31
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Me too. The Gatorback is old tech and not perfect. But in it's day, it was THE most badass performance tire which money could buy. The best of the '80's vs modern, second string, compromise/econoperformers. Let's face it, the manufacturers are not spending much development and production money for our sizes.
I think a ***new*** Gatorback, (as in manufactured recently rather than a couple of decades ago), would fare very well against a budget tire like the G-Force. In fact, just going off of my first hand experience, I'd guess it would pretty much blow it away. Now, if BFG still made KDWs in 245/50/16, now that would be a whole other story.
10-31-2011, 03:42 PM
#33
Supreme Member
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I would ONLY for it to look authentic (with the original rims on of course
)
)
10-31-2011, 04:02 PM
#34
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
You don't like them. Got it. So then, what's good? Which tire available today, in our sizes, is the best? NONE of the manufacturers offer their premiere tires in our sizes. NONE.
10-31-2011, 04:08 PM
#35
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,696
Received 747 Likes
on
506 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
10-31-2011, 05:53 PM
#36
Supreme Member
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Let me see if I understand you correctly... Your argument is that they're an important restoration part, so it doesn't matter that they'd only be good for car shows? It doesn't matter that they suck at so many things, as long as they are accurate for the car?
I disagree that tires are an important part of a restoration. They're barely important on classic cars, where the tires looked vastly different then modern replacements. Tire technology hasn't changed that much since 1985. The biggest difference is modern tires don't have to sacrifice all season suitability for ideal condition performance. Modern tires don't even look that different, you're talking about paying a premium price for a lower quality tire for a tread pattern, and sidewall markings. The vast majority could care less about such things.
I disagree that tires are an important part of a restoration. They're barely important on classic cars, where the tires looked vastly different then modern replacements. Tire technology hasn't changed that much since 1985. The biggest difference is modern tires don't have to sacrifice all season suitability for ideal condition performance. Modern tires don't even look that different, you're talking about paying a premium price for a lower quality tire for a tread pattern, and sidewall markings. The vast majority could care less about such things.
No need for all the bitterness. They're just a set of tires. Nobody's making you run them.
10-31-2011, 09:16 PM
#39
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 163 Likes
on
118 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Out of all of the tires I have ever owned Michelin tires are the only ones that I have gone back to over and over... I have Yokohama tires and I like them ok, and I have some Dunlap tires and honestly I like them a lot. I have also had Firestone tires and have also liked them... My Wife had some Continental tires and they did not wear well at all...
With that said, I have had the following and will NEVER buy these brands again:
Goodyear
General Tire
BF Goodrich
I did not have good experiences with these brands, The BF goodriches i had one tire delaminate, another tire always ran like it was out of balance even after I had them balanced and balanced and balanced. It was just lumpy from Day 2. General Tire... Not sure why but I had one set that I got 3 out of 4 flats, at different times... I guess it probably was not their fault, but that is my sentiment....
With that said, I know of people that have had great luck with these brands
I have never read anything good about the gatorbacks, ever... Would I get a set... Probably for my 1989 but that would be as a restoration, beyond that nope.
With that said, I have had the following and will NEVER buy these brands again:
Goodyear
General Tire
BF Goodrich
I did not have good experiences with these brands, The BF goodriches i had one tire delaminate, another tire always ran like it was out of balance even after I had them balanced and balanced and balanced. It was just lumpy from Day 2. General Tire... Not sure why but I had one set that I got 3 out of 4 flats, at different times... I guess it probably was not their fault, but that is my sentiment....
With that said, I know of people that have had great luck with these brands
I have never read anything good about the gatorbacks, ever... Would I get a set... Probably for my 1989 but that would be as a restoration, beyond that nope.
10-31-2011, 09:34 PM
#40
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
The all around best tire I presently own are Continental Extreme DWS. I have these on my daily driver 1988 Thunderbird with 5.0 HO 5 speed Mustang drivetrain, and they are incredible. I have never had traction in rain or snow with that car until I put those tires on. They may not be sticky like an all out performance tire, but if your car goes through seasonal extremes like mine does, they are fantastic.
As far as the Gatorbacks - I would get them for my TTA because the tires are the only non-original item on the car. I baby it, and don't drive it to extremes, so for that car which is a show car only, I would definitely want a set - but not if they price them too high.
As far as the Gatorbacks - I would get them for my TTA because the tires are the only non-original item on the car. I baby it, and don't drive it to extremes, so for that car which is a show car only, I would definitely want a set - but not if they price them too high.
10-31-2011, 09:36 PM
#41
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
You missed my point... read it again. I'd rather enjoy driving the car on modern tires that aren't Gatorbacks; I posted a thread in wheels/tires talking about how much better my new Firestones were than the original Gatorbacks. However, I'd love to have available reproduction Gatorbacks so that should I want to make my car 100% correct again, I could do it. Hence me wanting a new set to hold in the garage. Having the right tire is important in a restoration. Many classic tire producers strive to make their new radials look just like the 60's bias-ply tires.
No need for all the bitterness. They're just a set of tires. Nobody's making you run them.
No need for all the bitterness. They're just a set of tires. Nobody's making you run them.
You can argue that the real world performance or lack there of doesn't matter, because YOU would use them only for shows or restoration use, but that doesn't change the fact that the topic before you got involved, was about modernized Gatorbacks. Why modernize a tire that's not intended to actually be driven on? Now who missed the point?
I already touched on why 60's tires aren't comparable to 1980's tires. You might want to go back and read my reply again and see if it soaks in this time.
What bitterness? Before your smart *** remark, this was just a discussion over the merits and potential success of a reproduction tire applicable to our cars. I couldn't care less if they reproduce them or not, but if the topic comes up I'm going to throw in my 2 cents, so that those who haven't had the pleasure of driving on Goodyear tires can get both sides of the story. A quick perusal of the Tire Rack reviews shows that I'm not even close to the only person with a negative opinion of these tires. Fortunately anyone who's interested can go and read both positive and negative reviews, they don't have to take my word, or Chazman's word on it.
At $800 a set (conservative estimate) I doubt many people are going to be interested in buying a set to just rot in the garage, or bolt on at car shows. I would wonder how many of the yes votes would still be positive if they had to enter their credit card number to place that vote.
10-31-2011, 10:11 PM
#42
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Out of all of the tires I have ever owned Michelin tires are the only ones that I have gone back to over and over... I have Yokohama tires and I like them ok, and I have some Dunlap tires and honestly I like them a lot. I have also had Firestone tires and have also liked them... My Wife had some Continental tires and they did not wear well at all...
With that said, I have had the following and will NEVER buy these brands again:
Goodyear
General Tire
BF Goodrich
I did not have good experiences with these brands, The BF goodriches i had one tire delaminate, another tire always ran like it was out of balance even after I had them balanced and balanced and balanced. It was just lumpy from Day 2. General Tire... Not sure why but I had one set that I got 3 out of 4 flats, at different times... I guess it probably was not their fault, but that is my sentiment....
With that said, I know of people that have had great luck with these brands
I have never read anything good about the gatorbacks, ever... Would I get a set... Probably for my 1989 but that would be as a restoration, beyond that nope.
With that said, I have had the following and will NEVER buy these brands again:
Goodyear
General Tire
BF Goodrich
I did not have good experiences with these brands, The BF goodriches i had one tire delaminate, another tire always ran like it was out of balance even after I had them balanced and balanced and balanced. It was just lumpy from Day 2. General Tire... Not sure why but I had one set that I got 3 out of 4 flats, at different times... I guess it probably was not their fault, but that is my sentiment....
With that said, I know of people that have had great luck with these brands
I have never read anything good about the gatorbacks, ever... Would I get a set... Probably for my 1989 but that would be as a restoration, beyond that nope.
My wife had a Passat with factory Continentals. Worst tires EVER! I bitched and moaned until VW changed them to some sort of Goodyear, (can't remember which ones), and those were great.
I guess we all have varied experiences and expectations.
10-31-2011, 10:13 PM
#43
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
At $800 a set (conservative estimate) I doubt many people are going to be interested in buying a set to just rot in the garage, or bolt on at car shows. I would wonder how many of the yes votes would still be positive if they had to enter their credit card number to place that vote.
Less than the F1s. I'd pay 200 bucks a pop for them.
11-01-2011, 02:50 AM
#44
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I'd probably buy them at least once for nostaglia, I'm just that way LOL. Anyone wanting originality or to use authentic parts would buy them as long as they were priced decently, period. I admit that I put Nitto DRs on the back because my KDWs (also unavailable now and I wasn't that fond of them) could not get traction, so I doubt I'd be all that happy with the VR50s from what I hear.
Also, now that I've seen how the DRs kick up rocks and how I'm not really looking for races anymore, I have to find a really good street tire for the next time around and am unsure of what to get. We don't have alota great choices right now. It's probably between F1s or G-Force Sports I guess.
Also, now that I've seen how the DRs kick up rocks and how I'm not really looking for races anymore, I have to find a really good street tire for the next time around and am unsure of what to get. We don't have alota great choices right now. It's probably between F1s or G-Force Sports I guess.
11-01-2011, 03:49 AM
#45
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City North Carolina
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 86WS6 30K and 82WS7 24K
Engine: 86:305 TPI, 82: 305 LG4
Transmission: 86:700R4, 82: T200C
Axle/Gears: 86:3:27 9 bolt, 82: 3:23 10 bolt
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
My car is not a 10K mile original, but it is a 29K mile original car, and all it does is ride around in an enclosed trailer and go to shows. Yes, I do start the engine weekly, sometimes drive it around the block or up to the gas station for some fresh non-ethanol premium, but other then that it does not see much use. When the snow and ice is out, it goes up and down the driveway a few times (my driveway is 700 feet long), but not on the street. Can't get road salt on the baby. Granted as a 29K mile car it is no number one, but it is a real nice number two. The car shows in the stock class, and has never lost points for having non-OEM tires. Granted most of the shows we attend are 100 point shows, not the 1000 point shows where they check for dirt behind your brake drums/discs, so maybe that is the reason... We did enter one 1000 point show, and did get honorable mention, however it is hard to compete with a thirdgen against classic cars from all years. No one takes a thirdgen seriously, except another thirdgenner, and sometimes other gen f-body people. In that 1000 point show, no one give a s*** what kind of tires were on the car. I don't see the OE tires as a big deal one way of the other, however the ever OCD me might actually buy a set of repoduction Gatorbacks for the sake of originallity. That does not mean that Goodyear sucks any less...
11-01-2011, 07:23 AM
#46
Supreme Member
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Mine is a 21K and not trailered. I enjoy it on nice days.
I love the generals I have on them. great traction and good ride. and at <90$ a tire a great deal for this size. I dont like the aggressive tread on the sidewalls though. maybe cool for others, I dont know. Not speed rated, but I am not going fast in this car and they dont light up easily like the gatorbacks used to in the day.
I love the generals I have on them. great traction and good ride. and at <90$ a tire a great deal for this size. I dont like the aggressive tread on the sidewalls though. maybe cool for others, I dont know. Not speed rated, but I am not going fast in this car and they dont light up easily like the gatorbacks used to in the day.
My car is not a 10K mile original, but it is a 29K mile original car, and all it does is ride around in an enclosed trailer and go to shows. Yes, I do start the engine weekly, sometimes drive it around the block or up to the gas station for some fresh non-ethanol premium, but other then that it does not see much use. When the snow and ice is out, it goes up and down the driveway a few times (my driveway is 700 feet long), but not on the street. Can't get road salt on the baby. Granted as a 29K mile car it is no number one, but it is a real nice number two. The car shows in the stock class, and has never lost points for having non-OEM tires. Granted most of the shows we attend are 100 point shows, not the 1000 point shows where they check for dirt behind your brake drums/discs, so maybe that is the reason... We did enter one 1000 point show, and did get honorable mention, however it is hard to compete with a thirdgen against classic cars from all years. No one takes a thirdgen seriously, except another thirdgenner, and sometimes other gen f-body people. In that 1000 point show, no one give a s*** what kind of tires were on the car. I don't see the OE tires as a big deal one way of the other, however the ever OCD me might actually buy a set of repoduction Gatorbacks for the sake of originallity. That does not mean that Goodyear sucks any less...
11-01-2011, 08:02 AM
#47
Moderator
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Maybe if it was an extremely low mileage car that didn't get driven. I personally wouldn't. You never know when you might get caught in the rain. Even if it's barely driven. There are much safer better performing tires. Putting them on a nice IROC trying to be super original is just silly if it's driven. It would be a shame to lose it on poor performing tires and crash.
11-01-2011, 09:58 AM
#48
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Personally, if F1s are currently available (they were not when I bought tires for the 88 duo), I would grab those...
I agree that there are no good, high-end tires in our size. The problem I find isn't the traction, but the response. The sidewalls feel like mush. I have G Force Sports on the IROC, and Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500s on the 88 TA. Both were the best available when I bought them...Firehawks in June, IROC last May.
They simply don't have the crisp turn-in feel of my ancient Comp TA 60 series 15s on my 86 TA. Not even close. So, I have a set of tires pushing 15 years old with a bigger sidewall smacking down brand new 16s. Not good.
The Comp TAs give a great burnout now, even with the paltry 190hp the 86 puts out
Because of our recent October blizzard, I went out for my final ride Friday night...chose the '86. Did a gorgeous, non-power-braked burnout coming off a light and got rubber all the way through first gear. I was impressed my little 305 gave a good show
Of course, it shifted to second and fell flat on its face, but I digress
I agree that there are no good, high-end tires in our size. The problem I find isn't the traction, but the response. The sidewalls feel like mush. I have G Force Sports on the IROC, and Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500s on the 88 TA. Both were the best available when I bought them...Firehawks in June, IROC last May.
They simply don't have the crisp turn-in feel of my ancient Comp TA 60 series 15s on my 86 TA. Not even close. So, I have a set of tires pushing 15 years old with a bigger sidewall smacking down brand new 16s. Not good.
The Comp TAs give a great burnout now, even with the paltry 190hp the 86 puts out
Because of our recent October blizzard, I went out for my final ride Friday night...chose the '86. Did a gorgeous, non-power-braked burnout coming off a light and got rubber all the way through first gear. I was impressed my little 305 gave a good show Of course, it shifted to second and fell flat on its face, but I digress
11-01-2011, 10:05 AM
#49
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Maybe if it was an extremely low mileage car that didn't get driven. I personally wouldn't. You never know when you might get caught in the rain. Even if it's barely driven. There are much safer better performing tires. Putting them on a nice IROC trying to be super original is just silly if it's driven. It would be a shame to lose it on poor performing tires and crash.
11-01-2011, 10:12 AM
#50
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
You do know that your non-WS6 86 T/A and both your WS6 88 T/A and 88 Iroc have completely different steering boxes right? You can't make a valid comparison of the tire's steering response when the steering ratio and effort is different. I'd tell you to swap wheels and try it the other way around, but I doubt it would overcome your preconceived notions...