Turbo R Tyre Choice

[Scotty2]

Just looking at replacing two rear tyres on the Turbo R.

Avon Turbospeed 225 55 R17 W are getting on for up to £375 ea.

I have seen on some American chats some alternatives and wondered if any of the group have feed back on the others?

I have found a Bentley / RR specialist in Leeds (SVS or Shadow Vehicle Services) who I visited and have arranged a service but want to sort out tyres before then.

I don't want to spoil the road noise (nil) or find that the Avons (CR228-D) are the only real choice.

Views please.

Scotty2

[Balmoral Green]

If it's staying on the original wheel/tyre size combination, you will have no choice, the Avons are all there is, and they are silly money.

If you were to buy a set of second hand wheels from a later car, at 16", 17" or 18", then you will have a huge choice of budget, intermediate or high performance tyres from all tyre manufactures and at every price level. Even the very best will be well under half the price of the Avons.

EG, my Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric at 255/45x18 were £160 each (not that I recommend them, the previous set of Pirelli P Zero assimetricos were much better).

Edited to add: Sorry, I see that your car is a 1996 model running on 17" anyway, you should be able to go out and buy almost anything for that. It is only at 15" that you're stuck with the Avons.

Have a look at some Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta, I'm having a set of those next, they weren't available in my size last time I bought, but they are now.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Monday 25th January 19:27

[Scotty2]

Just fitted two Goodyear Eagle F1s to the old girl.

Bad news is the two Avons I had left have been worn on the inside edge to the point I'll have to buy another two! It must be "toe out" too much and needs adjustment but won't fit on my preferred fitters alignment rig! Front pads also low I noticed. Another item to add to the service list for next week.

So I will report how the Eagle F1s perform.

Scotty2

[Bjerke]

Scotty this is an interesting topic, and one which I would welcome the view of others. The two front Avon tyres on my 97 Turbo R are nearing the end of their life. I too have noted the price of the Avon 255/55/17. Incedible. I ask any PH Bentley expert advice re whether switching to another brand is a real option. Is there a change in the ride etc? If, there is an option what can be recommended? Chris

[Scotty2]

I now have the Goodyear Eagles all round and had the tracking checked and adjusted during the service at SVS Leeds. Have only just got the tyres about run in as I was avoiding doing miles until the geometry was checked. So far I can't tell the difference from the Avons, but have not tried wet conditions yet. Car is braking much more progressively now I have new pads all round and some sticky callipers freed off. Slight wheel vibration at 70 mph so once the tyres are scrubbed in I will get a rebalance.

Scotty2

[Scotty2]

Been to Scotland and back on Holiday and put some miles on the Eagles. If anything I would say the Eagles are better than the Turbospeeds in both wet and dry with no noticeable increase in noise e.t.c... Managed 15.7 mpg there and 17.9 on the way back - all with spirited driving and no attempt to economise. I did put in some fuel injection treatment while up there so will see if mileage has been improved long term or if it was just because it was downhill on the way back ;-)

Scotty2

[Waffagolf]

Does anyone know where the best place is to get a pair of Avon Tyres (17")for a Turbo R at a good price please? Thank you.

[Waffagolf]

The tyres I'm after are obviously the Avon Turbospeed 255/55R17 102W. With the wheels on my Turbo R being 17", does that give me more freedom of choice rather than having to go for the Avons? If so, what would you suggest? I really can't afford the Avons. Thank you.

[Balmoral Green]

Waffagolf said:

With the wheels on my Turbo R being 17", does that give me more freedom of choice rather than having to go for the Avons?

You can go for anything the same size and load rating.

[Waffagolf]

Thank You Balmoral Green, you've always been most helpful and informative. May I pick your brains further please? If I wanted to completly re-shoe my Turbo R, what sort of cost could I be looking at bearing in mind my options are fairly open ended as my wheels are 17". What make etc would you suggest?

[Scotty2]

I paid £150 ea fitted for the Goodyear Eagles. Over half the price of the Avons and as good.

[Balmoral Green]

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2009-Auto-Zei...

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2007-evo-tyre...

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2009-Australi...

I have Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric on my 1990 Turbo R, they are OK, but the previous set of Pirelli PZero Assimetricos were much better IMO, less slop in the sidewalls.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Sunday 2nd May 17:07

[Waffagolf]

Thank you for your time and advice, it's very much appreciated.

[guru_1071]

scott

if you know what the suspension settings should be i can set it up for you if you want?

i will have a spare slot on the ramp in a few weeks if you can wait a little while.

your beast will fit, ive got to get the S1 on so i can drop the rear axel and do the chassis leg - deep joy!

[BENAAK]

just found 255/60 r16s @ £469 EACH I feel I'm being mugged. 16in wheels were fitted to Turbo Rs for only two years, surely Avon can do better than this for it's customers. Can anyone out there help?.

[Waffagolf]

I've just had a set of Federal 255/55R 17 102V TL on my Turbo R. I thought I'd give them a try, and so far all is good, and she drives great. They were around £70.00 each plus delivery and fitting.

http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m54b0s...

[BENAAK]

I have fitted 2 255/65 R16s to the rear of my 95 Turbo R. Michelin Latitudes £130.oo each, balanced and fitted, after 200 miles they are no different from Avons @ 3 times the price, very quiet with no change in ride feel. They are designed for powerful SUVs with load range higher than Avons, speed rating 130 mph

[Balmoral Green]

BENAAK said:

speed rating 130 mph

Steady driver then Alan?

[BENAAK]

With only 35k on the clock Im still running in,not me, the Bentley.

[AndrewW-G]

The most sensible advice I could give anybody wanting to try their hand at automotive refinishing by painting a Bentley themselves is dont

By the time you've bough all the kit you need to do a decent job and spent a small fortune on paint, your almost into the project for the same amount as you could get a back street pro to do it for.

The biggest drawback however, is that the chemicals used in even the latest water based systems, is very toxic and liable to cause you a few health problems if used in the enclosed space that is ideal for doing a decent job.

If you do want to paint it yourself, I'd start by painting a few scrap panels and getting to know the staff at your local car paint supplier, as they'll be able to tip you off as to what you really need to get a decent finish . . . . . . . . . . if your anywhere near Chester / Liverpool, have a chat with Tom at TD Distribution (0151 643 1171) as he has a range of starter kits for hobyists including everything you'll need to get going

Good luck

Edited by AndrewW-G on Thursday 1st July 22:08