New Tyre Suggestion

[Nevin]

Help. Got some new tyres at the weekend and the SO3's on the back are fine. However, I got Pirelli P600s for the front and they don't fit. Same stated dimensions as my existing tyres, but they rub on the wheelarches.

I currently have Bridgestone RE71's on the front but apparently they aren't made anymore. Can anyone suggest an alternative z rated tyre?

[chris_chim]

What size are they?
My 95 handbook says 205/60 ZR 15 for a PAS 4 litre which is what I currently have on the front (RE71).
I was planning to put SO3 205/55's on when they needed changing.

[Nevin]

chris_chim said:

What size are they? My 95 handbook says 205/60 ZR 15 for a PAS 4 litre which is what I currently have on the front (RE71). I was planning to put SO3 205/55's on when they needed changing.

They are those exact tyres you have.

[chris_chim]

Although the handbook says 205/60 all the advice I have seen on here suggests 205/55 (indeed I have never heard anyone mention 205/60s before).
Debate rages between SO3s, Goodyear F1s and Toyos so I imagine they are all pretty good tyres and all available in this slightly smaller size. If you have SO3s on the back then I would stick with them up front.
I imagine the RE71 fit ok because the shape of the tyre wall is different to the Pirellis. The RE71s look a tight fit though, I am amazed they never seem to rub on full lock or over bumps.

You may be interested in this re Pirellis:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=73654&f=8&h=0&hw=205%2F60


>> Edited by chris_chim on Wednesday 25th August 12:50

[Nevin]

Have ordered some SO3s in 55 profile so will see how those do.

[chris547]

I had same problem with 205/60 front tyres on my 1993 Chim. They burned right through my battery box and strted to eat the front n/s arch as well!

Seems 60 aspect only used up to 1993 and then TVR moved to 55 at front and 50 at the rear.

I changed to 205/55 15 Toyos at the front and so far all is OK. Also helps if bushes in suspension are not ovalled.

Chris

[GreenV8S]

The difference between 55 and 60 profile is only a few mm on the diameter, if the wheel is getting close enough to hit the body I would suspect the suspension bushes have failed allowing the wheel to move back under braking.

[chris547]

GREENV8s

The visual evidence is there to confirm what you say. The bushes must be so knackered that the wheel can move forward as well to nibble the front arch.

Would this be under acceleration on a right hand bend?

Criminal that a garage MOT'd the car and serviced the car 3000 miles ago. Car also sold to me with a years warranty so hopefully the dealer will contribute something towards the repairs. The car is hardly fit for purpose!

Chris

[ian8542]

Make sure that when the new bushes are fitted that a 70p nylon spacer washer gets fitted either side of it.

[chris547]

For coping with thrust I presume. Ian I have sent you my tel nos so give me a call please

Chris

[TVR+Bubblecar]

I've Continental ContactPremier on the front and Continental somethingelse on the back - my car is 2000 and has only done 14500 miles - is it likely these are original tyres ?

[19560]

[quote=TVR+Bubblecar]I've Continental ContactPremier on the front and Continental somethingelse on the back - my car is 2000 and has only done 14500 miles - is it likely these are original tyres ?[/quote]

I doubt it. Bridgestone were original fitment but odd things do happen...

[paddym]

I have had a wheel / brake upgrade from the factory - all are now 16" - with the new tyres being 225/45 SO2 on the front and 245/45 SO2 on the back if this is any help...

Paddy