Tyres

[Toma500]

As usual nothing is simple for my Griff , I need 4 new tyres have got Toyo Proxes T1s 225/50 ZR16 rear and 205/55 ZR15 fronts on at the mo .
But seem to be having trouble with getting fronts with the correct speed ratings . Anyone running an alternative tyre than the toyos ?
Advice would be gratefully accepted . Tom .

[FlipFlopGriff]

Your insurers are likely to accept the Toyo in V rating as they know the sizes are hard to get. Get it in writing though and tell them when fitted otherwise you validate your cover.
FFG

[2Munkys]

Kumho V70A (medium compound). Like 'em!

[jon-]

2Munkys said:

Kumho V70A (medium compound). Like 'em!

Only problem with the V70a is they're rubbish with standing water.

[2Munkys]

jon- said:

2Munkys said:

Kumho V70A (medium compound). Like 'em!

Only problem with the V70a is they're rubbish with standing water.

I'm sure you're right; there's little in the way of grooving to displace standing water. It's a sacrifice I was prepared to make however as I drive like a wuss in the wet. Having said that, in the wet they give me a feeling of confidence beyond the T1R's I'm used to; I just need to avoid pooled surfaces if possible. I'm new to the road legal 'track type' rubber that is becoming popular, so, having no experience, I did my research before conclusion and commitment. I doubt I'll see more than a few lowly thousand miles from them but they certainly feel good.

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Kumho/V70a.htm

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Toyo/R888.htm

[Johno]

2Munkys said:

jon- said:

2Munkys said:

Kumho V70A (medium compound). Like 'em!

Only problem with the V70a is they're rubbish with standing water.

I'm sure you're right; there's little in the way of grooving to displace standing water. It's a sacrifice I was prepared to make however as I drive like a wuss in the wet. Having said that, in the wet they give me a feeling of confidence beyond the T1R's I'm used to; I just need to avoid pooled surfaces if possible. I'm new to the road legal 'track type' rubber that is becoming popular, so, having no experience, I did my research before conclusion and commitment. I doubt I'll see more than a few lowly thousand miles from them but they certainly feel good.

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Kumho/V70a.htm

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Toyo/R888.htm

One of those reviews reckons he's had 12k miles of spirited driving out of some R888's ? ! ? !

Spirited in what way ? He was drinking the stuff before he wrote the review ? I get less than that out of T1-R's

[jon-]

2Munkys, I've the hard compound on my track car and they've worn surprisingly well, much better than an R888 would have.

FWIW, I discussed what compound I should use with Kumho and they recommended hard on my cars power to weight (1150kgs, c.300bhp) which probably isn't a million miles off a Griffith? The hard compounds do take a lot of warming up, and on the road I can never get enough heat into the fronts to really feel confident on a spirited drive.

[2Munkys]

Johno said:

One of those reviews reckons he's had 12k miles of spirited driving out of some R888's ? ! ? !

Spirited in what way ? He was drinking the stuff before he wrote the review ? I get less than that out of T1-R's

Hehe, blimey, that's a bit extreme; I don't think I've seen more than 10k with the T1R's behind me!

jon- said:

2Munkys, I've the hard compound on my track car and they've worn surprisingly well, much better than an R888 would have.

FWIW, I discussed what compound I should use with Kumho and they recommended hard on my cars power to weight (1150kgs, c.300bhp) which probably isn't a million miles off a Griffith? The hard compounds do take a lot of warming up, and on the road I can never get enough heat into the fronts to really feel confident on a spirited drive.

The compound was something I asked the supplier about; perhaps the issue you have with the 'Hard' compound is the reason they recommended a 'Medium' compound for road use. You'll no doubt be pushing a lot harder on a track than I ever will on the road. I can only describe the seat-of-the-pants feeling by using that familiar phrase of 'Planted'; not something I've ever used in Griffdom before. I'll be monitoring the mileage.

[jon-]

That would make a lot of sense. Will be interested to hear about your mileage as they wear

[marks3drtaz]

The miles you do Bruce that will be year 2025 then ! I will second Bruce on these tyres. I have driven his car on both these and the toyo T1R,s and the feel and grip kumho,s give is a big leap forward, You could say they make the car feel more modern and do inspire alot more confidence cornering.

As for giving advice on tyres everyone will have a favorite and my advice is try a different brand on friends cars or each time you change or stick with what you like.

[Hoover.]

jon- said:

That would make a lot of sense. Will be interested to hear about your mileage as they wear

My last set of Kumho V70A's (medium comp) lasted 3000 miles (road driving)....... however the set I've got on now seems to be fairing better as done 3000 on them and they seem to have a few k left on them.

I disagree with your comment on standing water, as I've been on car runs where the Lambo's have bailed out as they reckoned it was to wet, the Mazda RX8 in front of me I was "pushing" along the road.... and he had his traction control lights etc coming on (ohh and I didn't have my roof with me either )

The only time I've not felt self is when I've been on the motorway when there has been a deludge of rain and the whole motorway has slowed down to about 40/50 mph.

[Johno]

3000 miles ! I'd go thru 3 sets of tyres a year ! Let alone doing a tour on them with the additional weight and the Alpine roads . . .

I wouldn't drive any harder on the road now as it'd be dangerous and I do not hang about at all now . .

I just don't see the point at all on the road. You wear em out quicker (I change my tyres once they hit below 3mm now), you get a twitchy sphincter when it's raining (for those of us who drive them in the rain) and you've gotta me really crowding along to make em worthwhile . . .

Seems a false economy to me?

[Hoover.]

Johno said:

3000 miles ! I'd go thru 3 sets of tyres a year ! Let alone doing a tour on them with the additional weight and the Alpine roads . . .

I wouldn't drive any harder on the road now as it'd be dangerous and I do not hang about at all now . .

I just don't see the point at all on the road. You wear em out quicker (I change my tyres once they hit below 3mm now), you get a twitchy sphincter when it's raining (for those of us who drive them in the rain) and you've gotta me really crowding along to make em worthwhile . . .

Seems a false economy to me?

I understand what you mean......but I likes them

3k does sound not good, but the MOT man didn't like them even though servicing garage said there was plenty of tread on them, also in my eyes too. But I needed the car so just told them to change tyres.