Okay, when I got it, my '83 GSL with stock, worn out suspension it would screech around sharp fast corners, rather than quietly slide out the way my first two SEs did. I was disappointed about that, yes I am 47 years old, but like to slide the rear out in a controlled, quite way that does not draw undue attention. The front tires were Bridgestone Weatherforce, and the rear Sonar S780. All stock size with good tread, although one front is worn smooth on the innermost edge from a poor alignment. I just rotated the fronts to the rear and vice-versa, to prolong the life of that tire. Now it drives like I want it to; I can slide the rear out on corners without screeching, just quiet sliding and easily controlled. Also, I get a bit more tire spin from a dead stop, which allows for better acceleration as it gradually hooks up. So, the question is, what is it about the two different tire brands that allow the car to perform the way I like now that they are rotated? This info is important to me because I will eventually choose all new tires and I want to choose a tire that performs the way the set up does now. I plan to upgrade springs and shocks at some point, too.

 

No track pro Dave - but seat-of-my-55-yr-old butt tells me fun, controllable things happening with my set of Summitomo HTR 205-60-13s on my dead-stock 80SA. Popular amongst forum members, cheap, HR-rated. Sears sells 'em 4-for-the-price-of-3 regularly.

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

the tyres on the rear first must be much better grip!!!!!
they gripped more than the fronts inducing push understeer and squeal
when u rotated the grippy tyres to the front
the front now grips more, giving better turn in and the rear grip is less letting the rear slide slightly, and spin a bit for your hookups
differences between tyres brands can be ridiculously drastic
go those sumitomos 205/60/13s!!!!! for the price they will be great!!!

 

Thanks guys, that is extremely helpful info. I'll get those tires and an alignment. Thanks for the pic, nice looking tire, too. Dave