Shocks-Tires for STREET Only.

[CobraHorse]

Hello fellow Cobra Owners.

Yes, I'm A newbie and am glad to be here. To borrow from another member, I've already learned a lot in reading some threads over the last few minutes.

My main question is this: I'm going to be needing new tires for my '97 Coupe. Is it alright to go with 255/45ZR17's all the way around without affecting anything ? Or should I stay with the stock 245/45ZR17's as a replacement ? TireRack would love for me to purchase all of their goodies, but money is tight, and I'm only going to be driving this on the miserable roads in New Jersey. A mechanic suggested to me just getting tires and KYB GR-2 Struts. I want to know what some of you might suggest for just slightly upgrading the stock version, and how the comfort of the ride might be improved. Thanks to all in advance.

[STANGBUM]

If it helps any I am running the 255/45ZR17's on the front and 275/40ZR17's on the back on 17x9 cobra R rims. The ride is comfortable.:thumbsup:

[smashedheadcat]

The 255/40's will fit on the stock wheels without problems. There will be zero rubbing issues. I don't know anything about KYB shocks/struts. When I get mine, i'll be getting either coil overs, bilstiens, or Steeda Drag shocks/struts.

[Mario95]

I can recommend the Tokico Performance "Blues" Shocks and Struts if you’re on a budget. The ride quality is like the Illuminas set at #3. You might also try and locate a deal for a set of Bullit shock & struts since they are Bilstiens and should fit your ride.

[flynfink]

The diff. between the 255 & the 245 is small (uh, 10 cm) My 99 came w/ 245 and I put 255's on. The older cobras came w/ 255's.

[CobraHorse]

Thanks for the recommendations . So, unless I want to put Eibach Pros on the vehicle, by putting 255's all the way around won't affect the camber? The tires would go on , and a simple balance is all it needs? Will an alignment need to be done by just putting new tires on?

I really would like to put springs on too, but if it entails to much adjustments with the camber/caster , then I'd rather not.

Does anyone suggest putting the Eibach's on just for street use ?

Thanks a lot.

[GUMBALL]

I would suggest either H&R or Hyperco springs, as Eibach have had quality control issues in the past......and they make spring rates for street, or race.
If you are only doing tires, the alignment should be fine, but obviously, if you do springs and/or shocks, alignment will need to be re-set.

NOTE: BEFORE you do an alignment, on ANY car, REGARDLESS of modifications,
First: before the car is raised off the ground, measure ride height from floor to fender lip, on each corner, write these numbers down. When you pick the car up, it will not settle to its original ride until driven 30-40 miles.
THEN: when the car is on the alignment rack, it may be necessary to physically pull the car down to these measurements when doing camber-toe.
If you don't, the settings will be done at the wrong ride height......therefore, when the car does settle, the camber-toe will be wrong.....so much for your alignment :D