BFG vs Cooper Cobra Radial Tires

15x8 with 275/60-15 rear

The new set of  BFGs on my Torino have been ok but not great.  They were tough to balance and the letters definitely brown easier than the old tires, but they do clean up (Goo Gone works well).  I bought another set around the same time, they weren't for my Torino, and I actually had to warranty them due to having issues balancing.  

Coopers have a higher "T" speed rating vs the lower "S" rating of the BFGs. They too seem to have some browning letter issues but not to the same degree as BFGs.  They are also usually a bit narrower in general than BFGs when compared size for size.

Are the Cooper's better? I don't know.  I have always considered Cooper a 2nd tier brand, while BFG a 1st tier (they are part of Michelin).  However, BFG has definitely put these tires out to pasture and not improved them with time. They used to be made in USA but now are made in Mexico. Honestly, both are pretty mediocre tires by today's standards and are probably pretty close in real world performance on our old cars.  I'd say buy which ever one you like the looks of better and has the best dealer.

Here is an AP news article on the news of Goodyear acquiring Cooper last year :

-Chris

I researched this extensively and Cooper Cobras G/T had a lot of positive feedback.  

I’m looking forward to this upgrade for my Gran Torino.  I’ll let the forum know how things go in my project thread.

-Chris

and Starfire tires.  

Replacement tires for defects are free of charge, there is no mention of exclusions for classic cars.

It also provides a 45 day test drive warranty.

The warranty also has a tread wear protection for the Cobras G/T for 40,000 miles.  The tread warranty is a pro-rated warranty against the 40,000 miles.

-Chris

The Cooper brand has become a popular truck tire choice, I have had several sets so far, and just ordered another for my SUV, 255/70/16's.

The Mastercraft was a good choice I saw when I was deciding. I have the 255/60/15's I ordered just before the ETA date of the wheels I want. They pushed back the ETA a few weeks later, and I think they are doing it again now. I ordered the other wheels from Summit, and were due about now. I have to call them all again to see what news is official.

I ran 295/50R15 coopers on my mom's 1976 Elite in high school as my first driver. I switched to BFG radial TA's in the mid-late 90's on my 1984 F150. 255/60R15 and 295/50R15's on all four corners during summer months. Leared Armorall destroyed/dry rotted the material BFG tires are made from.

Buddy from Bangshift, Dean, has a restored Clydesdale 71-73 mustang. Think it was either 2010, or 2011, his tires has been on his car 4-5 years, with the car resting on jack stands out of the sun. Blew two near-new BFG's with low miles and wasted his quarter panels, on regular non-abusive driving. BFG claimed his tires, at over 4 years old were the issue and he had to take them to court if I recall.

Personally? I only buy goodyears for my car trailers, because I don't trust chinabomb trailer tires.

My 2015 Superduty is running Goodyear all terrains.

The GTS has run Nitto tires since 2009. 

Wife's Kia runs Kumho all-season radials, and no issues with them.

I say run what is in your budget, but spend money where it counts. Tires are one such factor.

Other things...Get a proper four wheel alignment. Nut and bolt the suspension.

If you shocks are old, replacement should be considered.