Tyre sizes for V8S
Discussion
Hi Guys
We are just about to put new rubber on our V8S but have run into an unexpected dilemma.
We all see the raging discussions on which tyre type is best but I don't seem to have ANY choice. If I stick to 205/60/ZR16 then I have one option - the RE71. TVR say that in 2 weeks or so they might be importing a Toyo in that size but it is a definate maybe.
I don't really want to put a non ZR rated tyre on the S. From memory, the RE71 was a good tyre but it's a ten + year old design and tyre design has moved on in leaps and bounds since then. The other option seems to be changing profiles. Has anyone done this and what were the effects/downsides?
I'd be glad to hear any suggestions and comments. If I decide to go the different profile route then I can start worrying about which make/ type to go for.
Kevin
We are just about to put new rubber on our V8S but have run into an unexpected dilemma.
We all see the raging discussions on which tyre type is best but I don't seem to have ANY choice. If I stick to 205/60/ZR16 then I have one option - the RE71. TVR say that in 2 weeks or so they might be importing a Toyo in that size but it is a definate maybe.
I don't really want to put a non ZR rated tyre on the S. From memory, the RE71 was a good tyre but it's a ten + year old design and tyre design has moved on in leaps and bounds since then. The other option seems to be changing profiles. Has anyone done this and what were the effects/downsides?
I'd be glad to hear any suggestions and comments. If I decide to go the different profile route then I can start worrying about which make/ type to go for.
Kevin
Well the RE720 (which is V rating rather than Z) was the natural successor and so "should" incorporate any technological advances. The reports from those that have used both are that the grip levels are not noticeable between the 2 tyres and on that basis the RE71 may not be as long in the tooth as people suggest.
I would have thought the best person to ask would be Mr Humphries, as he must go through more tyres on his V8S than the rest of us do petrol
I would have thought the best person to ask would be Mr Humphries, as he must go through more tyres on his V8S than the rest of us do petrol
kevin secker said:
If I stick to 205/60/ZR16 then I have one option - the RE71.
Are you running 16" rims, or 15"? Standard would be 15" all round. 205/55/15 or 205/60/15 both fit fine on these rims. The difference in ride height is less than the difference between new and worn tyres, and in any case ground clearance should not be a problem in the V8S. (If it is, I would get the dampers sorted and check for saggy springs.)
If you want good grip and handling, I can recommend S02pp and S03pp. They aren't the cheapest tyres in the world, and no doubt there are other good tyres out there, but these are a known quantity with class-leading performance. Which may not seem important this time of year, but makes a heck of a lot of difference come autumn ...
Hope this helps.
Cheers for the replies,
Peter, you are quite right, my wheels are 15"rims. Just a typo. Does the smaller diameter of the "55" tyres have any appreciable effect on the gearing or speedo? Have you ever tried a 215/55/ZR15 or 225/55ZR15 as they have the same rolling radius as the standard 205/60/15.
SO2s seem to be a thing of the past, from an availability point of view, and TVR said "nothing against Bridgestone or the SO3s in general but they don't work for TVRs". I have never used SO3s but have been delighted with the SO2s on the Chimp. There seemed to be a lot of negative vibes floating around when the SO3 first came on the scene. Peter has obviously had some good experience with SO3s. How about anyone else? What are the differences between SO2s and SO3s?
Kevin
Peter, you are quite right, my wheels are 15"rims. Just a typo. Does the smaller diameter of the "55" tyres have any appreciable effect on the gearing or speedo? Have you ever tried a 215/55/ZR15 or 225/55ZR15 as they have the same rolling radius as the standard 205/60/15.
SO2s seem to be a thing of the past, from an availability point of view, and TVR said "nothing against Bridgestone or the SO3s in general but they don't work for TVRs". I have never used SO3s but have been delighted with the SO2s on the Chimp. There seemed to be a lot of negative vibes floating around when the SO3 first came on the scene. Peter has obviously had some good experience with SO3s. How about anyone else? What are the differences between SO2s and SO3s?
Kevin
I suppose it depends on your level of commitment, driving style and whether regular tracking of the car is a possibility.
I'm happy with RE71 for normal road use. I've only done a few track days and boy do they squeal
but they still let go progressively, once they've rolled onto the shoulder a bit I think 
.
Listen to Peter H if you've got any sense, I'll give S03's a go next time round.
Harry
I'm happy with RE71 for normal road use. I've only done a few track days and boy do they squeal
but they still let go progressively, once they've rolled onto the shoulder a bit I think . Listen to Peter H if you've got any sense, I'll give S03's a go next time round.
Harry
peter, the only non standard parts are the SS exhaust in V8 style arrangement and the handbrake handle, which i replaced with a leven one to match the steering wheel.
edited to say..... looking at your car i think that was a tongue in check remark? or have i missed the plot completly? lol
>> Edited by markbigears on Wednesday 23 July 18:02
edited to say..... looking at your car i think that was a tongue in check remark? or have i missed the plot completly? lol
>> Edited by markbigears on Wednesday 23 July 18:02
GreenV8S said:
thats good to know as im trying to keep the car as original as possible, thanks
Top man. It is really sad when people take one of the best cars TVR ever made and mess it about. Shouldn't be allowed!
:cough::cough: can't believe YOU just said that,
in some ways i agree,others i think mods enhance the car i.e leven bits hifi,exhaust etc
just get the decorating finished Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff