Tyres R53 S - Moving from runflats - need a stiff sidewall

Tyres R53 S - Moving from runflats - need a stiff sidewall

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CO2000

Original Poster:

3,177 posts

210 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
quotequote all
Looking to change from the dreaded runflats to a decent sub £100 tyre with stiff sidewalls on a R53 Cooper S (17") Going to probably go to 215 40 17 rather than the 205 45 17's currently on.

I have read about the Toyo T1R's being a bit soft in the sidewalls & have thought about Falken 452's as they seem to review better.

Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's are the other possibility. Both have a load rating of 87Y & the Verdestiens are about £18 a tyre more than the Falkens.

I like a tyre with a square shoulder for crisp turn in, the biggest mistake I made with this was once buying a set of Bridgestone S02's for an Escort Cosworth after coming from Yoko 088P's. Well over 10 years on I still can't believe how bad it felt to drive afterwards.

Any idea which one would be best for me & is there any others I should look at ? Cheers.




nocarjames

2,971 posts

159 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
quotequote all
the yoko ad08 is available in your size which is more of fast road / track tyre but has a stiff sidewall.

michelin pilot super sport range will have some more sizes available in April - I enquired about 205/40/18 for my jcw and they confirmed it will be released in a month or so.

nickfrog

21,189 posts

218 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
quotequote all
You can buy Conti SC3 in the correct 84V rating and they're even BMW rated for £118 fitted if you buy 4 with a Cashback (Topcashback for instance) throught Tyreshopper.

That's £19 more per tyre than your budget but you get a fairly stiff sidewall and a potentially better tyre that may last longer than the £99 Toyo/Hankcook brigade. Also check how much tread the cheapo tyres come with, they often have 7mm so it might really be a false economy.

I really don't see the point of switching to a non-standard size, what with having to tell the insurance, pay extra etc etc...

Justin S

3,642 posts

262 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
quotequote all
Had Tr1's on our car and no problems but quite a soft tyre and havent lasted that well. Have just fitted Falken 912's on the front of our mini and seem quieter and just as grippy, although only done 50 miles so far. Have 452's on my Focus and not that happy with them. Been balanced 3 times in 2000 miles and have got the wobbles again..........

CO2000

Original Poster:

3,177 posts

210 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for all the feedback, actually the 215 40 17 are cheaper than the 205 45 17 in a lot of cases
Parada 2's being a good point £86 versus £137 ! but I have read about noise issues with them & being a bit dodgy in the wet.

Also the Falken 452's & the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta don't seem to be available in 205 45 17 fitment.

I'll look at the others though & see if I can get a good deal on some 205's.



Edited by CO2000 on Wednesday 22 February 17:12

CO2000

Original Poster:

3,177 posts

210 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all
Just to close this out, I went for Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's in 215/40/17. Slighty wider stance with nice rim protection & not too low profile looking being 40 series moving from 45's. The steering is lighter but not too light (I'd say now normal if it was heavy before with the runflats but not light as some cars are) The ride quality is much improved as my street is pretty bad. Grip is really good in the wet & better in the dry than before.

70proof

6,051 posts

156 months

Sunday 6th May 2012
quotequote all
CO2000 said:
not too low profile looking being 40 series moving from 45's.
confused

215/40 = 86mm sidewall
205/45 = 92mm sidewall

ur new tyre is lower profile.... all of your benefit is from ditching the run'flay stiffness... glad its worked out for you..

CO2000

Original Poster:

3,177 posts

210 months

Sunday 6th May 2012
quotequote all
70proof said:
CO2000 said:
not too low profile looking being 40 series moving from 45's.
confused

215/40 = 86mm sidewall
205/45 = 92mm sidewall

ur new tyre is lower profile.... all of your benefit is from ditching the run'flay stiffness... glad its worked out for you..
Yes I was worried they may look too low profile & I still wanted a stiff side wall just not overly so.

70proof

6,051 posts

156 months

Sunday 6th May 2012
quotequote all
CO2000 said:
Yes I was worried they may look too low profile & I still wanted a stiff side wall just not overly so.
must look pretty low profile, my gallardo has a side wall of 89mm, u r 3mm less than that!!! enjoy...

CO2000

Original Poster:

3,177 posts

210 months

Sunday 6th May 2012
quotequote all
70proof said:
CO2000 said:
Yes I was worried they may look too low profile & I still wanted a stiff side wall just not overly so.
must look pretty low profile, my gallardo has a side wall of 89mm, u r 3mm less than that!!! enjoy...
They look fine, 205/40's look too low (for me) on a Mini unless its been lowered a lot.