XJ-S V12 tyres

[Orcadian]

Recently bought a very low mileage XJ-S V12 Convertible - immaculate, unrestored from a private collection but will obviously need lots of perishables replacing (fuel hoses in death valley etc) It's sitting on Pirelli P600's which could well be the originals so need binning. These are no longer available and very little choice in premium stuff. Original size is 235/60/15 VR and I can find Falken but only in 225. An alternative might be Avon Turbosteels (RR and Bentley fitment) but they are 70 aspect ratio which would make the speedo read about 7% low - still legal? Plenty of room in the arches.
Using the 'comfort' pressure setting (minus 6psi) would help a bit - any ideas from the experts?

Ian

[stevieturbo]

225 is probably your most realistic proposition.

Or go for some aftermarket wheels if you can find anything appropriate in say 16" or larger. 17 and over will give a lot more choice.

[stevieturbo]

Or more offroad based I think ?

https://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/general/gra...

There are some options, although importing from EU will add cost.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133830283304

[Tony1963]

The P600 is still made, and in that size too, it seems. Bloody expensive though.

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/235-60wr15-pirell...

[Orcadian]

Thanks guys,
It's such a low mileage original unmolested car I really have to stick with the 15" wheels. I'm leaning towards the 225's but wondered what the Avon Turbosteels (70 A/R) would be like - for an old man who no longer drifts the back end! Yes I had seen the Pirellis at Longstone and even at that price, might have gone for them but although advertised, they don't have them! I bloody hate that!

Ian

[Tony1963]

Maybe get the 225s so it’s on the road, and keep an eye out for when the P600s are in stock again.

There are some General Grabbers and Nankings in the correct size, but I think we would all rather fit 225s…

[Orcadian]

Thanks Tony,
That's probably the safest way - you wouldn't go down the 'old man's' 70 aspect ratio Avons route then? The earlier XJ series and XJ-S cars were on 70's back in the day - no one had modern 'rubber band hard ride' stuff.
I've contacted Pirelli meantime - the Jag folk have occasionally persuaded them to do a batch in the past if enough interest.

Ian

Edited by Orcadian on Wednesday 18th August 10:40

[Tony1963]

If there are any XJ-S coffee meets coming up, maybe pop along and have a chat, have a ride.

Modern tyres are from a different universe now compared to the era of the XJ-S. For grip and traction, any modern tyre from the big makers will be ‘better’ but the profile will be the one to watch. That’s not something I’d be guessing about.

[Orcadian]

Thanks again Tony,
Yes, I know what you mean about modern varieties, I had new Bridgestone Touranzas on my 2000 Daimler Super V8 and they suited me fine. I also had Touranzas recently on an MG RV8 but that was a 'dark ages' car in any case. Chris at KWE recommends 225 Falkens or Continentals, so that's where I'll probably end up. There's a lot to do over the Winter anyway - although it's a very low mileage unmolested car, all the usual bodily fluids, filters and injection rubber pipework need changing for safety's sake and no doubt many rubber bushes will need changing as it gets used again.

Ian

Oh, forgot to say, not many Jag coffee meets here in Orkney!

Edited by Orcadian on Wednesday 18th August 16:04

[Tony1963]

[stevieturbo]

I'd probably pick the Continental over Falken

[Orcadian]

Thanks Steve,
Yes, I know Falken are good tyres but on such a classic looking car, I think I prefer Continentals too. I've had them on GoldWings and always been happy with before I moved to Bridgestones for exactly the same reason - getting scarce and pricey in my sizes.

Ian