Tyres for a mk2

[Garett]

I apologise as I'm sure this topic has been done to death already.

I've recently bought myself a 10th Anniversary (Bilstein, LSD etc) and the car will be used as a 2nd car, mainly in fair weather and used for blasting around the roads of the Peaks and Saddleworth, with the occasional track day thrown into the mix.

I have zero experience of RWD driving.

Recommendations?

[Planet Claire]

I've got Toyo Proxes T1-Rs on mine.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Get a full alignment done too. Don't be fooled into thinking it doesn't need it or that it won't make much difference. It does and it will.

[sihartlepool]

I've got Uniroyal Rainsports on mine and they're very good, especially in the wet.

As Lazza said, a good 4 wheel alignment is paramount!

[Garett]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Get a full alignment done too. Don't be fooled into thinking it doesn't need it or that it won't make much difference. It does and it will.

Oh without a doubt, its booked in for Friday and I'm having the tyres fitted at the same place too. Its the 1st job on my list, even ahead of servicing it, I had the 4 wheel alignment done on my Volvo last year and even in a behemoth like that it transformed the car and made it much more relaxing to drive and felt more composed.
There is an amount of vagueness to the initial bite into a corner that you feel through the wheel that shouldn't be there, hopefully its just because the geo is so far out, but it could be worn bushes possibly?

Currently running Toyo T1-R on the front with worn outer edges and newish Roadstone tyres on the back. Current fave to replace them are Dunlop Sport Bluresponse, only £45 per corner, £15 cheaper than Michelin PS3.

[MX-5 Lazza]

The vagueness will probably be sorted with new tyres. Drive carefully until they are changed. The Roadstones on the rear is correct if they are the newer tyre but are likely to have less dry (and probably wet) grip than the Toyos on the front so it might feel badly balanced. Also that mix of tyres does suggest that it was owned by someone who didn't care as much and probably never had the geo checked so you should find that when the tyres are changed and the geo is done it will feel like a new car - the difference will be massive!
Where are you getting it done?

[nunpuncher]

Just bought a 10AE myself. Mine came with a nice mix of Kuhmo, Federal and Tommy taiwan ditch finder specials. One of which is directional and fitted the wrong way round and another is even balder than my head. Currently trying to sort a set of Michelin Pilot Exalto through another car club.

Can't wait to get the alignment done, i'm expecting massive change as it must be way out given the tyre neglect.

[Garett]

The front alignment is certainly miles out judging from the wear on the outer edges of the toyos on the front. Previous owner was from Sheffield and judging from the roads over there im not surprised its out!
The alignment I'm having done at Phoenix motorsport in Accrington, they seem to have a good reputation locally and my mate has just had his S2000 set up there.

I have found a good deal on some Michelin Pilot Sport 3 from black circles, they were actually cheaper on eBay surprisingly. Very much looking forward to having the car set up properly with some decent rubber!

[devnull]

Can vouch for Uniroyal Rainsport 2s - great tyre and not that pricey.

[john7]

Found nothing wrong with Bridgestone Potenza's.

[Garett]

Thanks for everyones input, in the end I went for the Michelin PS3. Having the Michelins fitted along with the 4 wheel alignment has transformed the car and it feels much more sure of itself in the bends.

Anyone in Lancashire, I would recommend Phoenix Motorsport in Accrington, specialize in Lotus but they deal with all sorts there.

[mcrdave]

Cheers Garett,


I'm not far from there, have a mk2 as well and good to find decent garages when you need one (not soon I hope).