Griff Tyres

[SimonJ1]

I've recently bought a 96 Griff 500 with power steering and not sure what to do about replacing the front tyres which are now illegal. Currently running on Bridgestone S01'S - 215/50ZR15.

The owners hand book says it should be on 205/55ZR15. As I'm sure most of you know you can't get S02's which it is running on at the rear, SO3 aren't made in either of those sizes or even 225's which was my thought as the later cars seem to run on thes. Someone suggested putting Toyo T1S but these are VR rated.

Firstly what size will it handle best with and secondly what tyres are good on Griff's.

[iain russell]

I have a 97 Griff and have just recently put on set of Toyo T1-R tyres which are brilliant and a bit cheaper that the Bridgestones. 205/55/15 front and 245/45/16 back although you have to accept V rated on the front (which isn't a problem unless you intend to drive over 150mph). Try www.tyretraders.com - cheapest I could find.

[SimonJ1]

Thanks Iain,
With the higher profile does the tyre seem to roll on to the edge on hard cornering?

[GarryM]

The later power steering Griffs had 225/50/15 fronts and 245/45/16 rears which are probably the best sizes for your car. As you've found out, it's tricky finding tyres with the correct speed rating. A search on here should provide some results; I'm not sure what is currently available - I use R888s which are track day tyres and not really ideal for every day driving. Let us know what you buy.

[jeffsy]

Dunlop SP9000 for the fronts and Toyo T1R's for the rear are both ZR rated in sizes of 15 inch and 16 inch respectively

[Groomvroom]

After much deliberation, I went for Handkook RS2s, 205/50/15 front 245/45/16 rear, available from Camskills at a very good price, both VR rated and very sticky they are too, amazingly for a semi track tyre they are brilliant in the wet (had a lots of wet testing in the last few weeks as my daily driver) much better than the Toyo T1Rs ive got on the Chim 500, loved T1-s, not at all confident in the T1-Rs. That reminds me, I have a good pair of Bridgestone So3 PPs in 205/55/15 for sale, will pop then o the classifieds.

[GAARD]

Take alook at the Bridgestone RE050's the latest flag ship tyre from them, I have a set on order, SO2's were good, SO3's not so good, but these are meant to be impressive. Only draw back is production to order (3 months) and not recommened for near freezing or freezing conditions. Designed for very high performance cars in warm climates.

Edited by GAARD on Saturday 21st July 03:38

[laz11]

Only thing with previous bridgstones in my view is that they were too hard a compound for such light cars as ours. Cant imagigine the RE050 will be muich different. Had Hankooks on my griff last year and was well impressed...now have Falkens and also very happy. Take no time to bed in, incredible grip wet and dry and very progressive break away too. Might wear a bit quicker but a lot cheaper to buy so never worried me.

[SimonJ1]

Hello All
Thanks for all your advice, the question is whos opion to take, I have ordered a pair of 225/50/15 Toyo T1-R....who knows the Handkook's may have been better. I'll let you know if I am impressed!

[Bomber Denton]

T1Rs

[Groomvroom]

Bomber Denton said:

T1Rs

Still not convinced after 3000 miles, I know people say they bed in eventually, but they will be worn out before then!

[MisterT]

I think the SP9000's are excellent. My experience:- They transformed my Griff from an evil handling monster on (admittedly the factory original) SO1's into a real pleasure. Progressive breakaway, excellent wet or dry braking, very little tramlining, and the price when I had them was very favourable too. I will fit them again next time round.