Tyres for a 355
Discussion
Quick bit of input needed as I've picked up a slow puncture...
Choices as I see it:
1) Pirelli PZero. Cheapest option as I only have to buy 1. But I hate them in the wet/snow - the cost of dry cleaning my trousers (aquaplaning at 100mph is not for everyone, especially when it's dark, although at least then you can't see what you're about to hit) will soon outweigh replacing all 4 tyres.
2) Bridgestones. I heard S02s are great, but discontinued. Anyone tried S03s?
3) Goodyear F1 Fiorano. Same deal, anyone tried them?
4) Toyo T1S. Heard lots of good stuff about Toyo tyres but never tried them. Appear to be available in the correct sizes...
5) Any others?
Wet weather performance is important to me as the car gets used all year round. I'm always prepared to sacrifice the absolute ultimate dry grip for better wet ability (as it's when it's wet that accidents happen, and a good tyre can save you!).
Next question - anyone know any decent tyre shops near the City? Or any mobile fitters if not? Could do with getting this sorted today.
Thanks all
PS Did a quick search but came up with little relating to the 355's tyres.
Choices as I see it:
1) Pirelli PZero. Cheapest option as I only have to buy 1. But I hate them in the wet/snow - the cost of dry cleaning my trousers (aquaplaning at 100mph is not for everyone, especially when it's dark, although at least then you can't see what you're about to hit) will soon outweigh replacing all 4 tyres.
2) Bridgestones. I heard S02s are great, but discontinued. Anyone tried S03s?
3) Goodyear F1 Fiorano. Same deal, anyone tried them?
4) Toyo T1S. Heard lots of good stuff about Toyo tyres but never tried them. Appear to be available in the correct sizes...
5) Any others?
Wet weather performance is important to me as the car gets used all year round. I'm always prepared to sacrifice the absolute ultimate dry grip for better wet ability (as it's when it's wet that accidents happen, and a good tyre can save you!).
Next question - anyone know any decent tyre shops near the City? Or any mobile fitters if not? Could do with getting this sorted today.
Thanks all
PS Did a quick search but came up with little relating to the 355's tyres.
Either you're not going hard enough in the wet then, or I'm a big girl's blouse 
I've had 3 incidents in the last couple of months (only got the car in Dec). All on motorways. Tramming down the outside line. Hit standing water (and in one instance, slush) and the car snapped out of line badly. Also feels like it's on tip toes generally in the wet, but pretty much planted in the dry.
Could be pressures I guess...
To add to the tyre choice conundrum, the Bridgestones I've just been offered are S01s if anyone's tried them...
PS Basher - love the sound of your car. Believe you were at Manus/Virginia Water meet? Mine was the dirtiest 355 there (and possibly ever).
I've had 3 incidents in the last couple of months (only got the car in Dec). All on motorways. Tramming down the outside line. Hit standing water (and in one instance, slush) and the car snapped out of line badly. Also feels like it's on tip toes generally in the wet, but pretty much planted in the dry.
Could be pressures I guess...
To add to the tyre choice conundrum, the Bridgestones I've just been offered are S01s if anyone's tried them...
PS Basher - love the sound of your car. Believe you were at Manus/Virginia Water meet? Mine was the dirtiest 355 there (and possibly ever).
I've had a few moments in the wet too, one on the M4 going to BTaP when I changed more lanes than I wished
I know the Pirellis aren't the best wet weather tyre, but in fairness I think it probably has a lot to do with the size of the tyres, as my problems have always been with lots of standing water, rather than just when its wet. I've had really amazing levels of grip when its just been raining, rather than pissing it down, and have had lots of fun correcting (and over correcting
) roundabouts are BIG fun in the wet.
Andy, best thing to do is just take it easy when there's standing water, if the car is behaving really badly in just wet weather, have a look at your tyre pressures, they make a MASSIVE difference: Went on a hoon once, and the car was all over the place, yep the pressures were out, corrected that, and it was like a go cart again.
Also, I had a rear shock leaking, which apparently hasn't been leaking long, but that could make a difference if it leaks enough oil (according to Graypaul), luckily it is covered by warranty! (£950 plus VAT otherwise).
It all depends on how bad it is behaving.
I know the Pirellis aren't the best wet weather tyre, but in fairness I think it probably has a lot to do with the size of the tyres, as my problems have always been with lots of standing water, rather than just when its wet. I've had really amazing levels of grip when its just been raining, rather than pissing it down, and have had lots of fun correcting (and over correcting
) roundabouts are BIG fun in the wet. Andy, best thing to do is just take it easy when there's standing water, if the car is behaving really badly in just wet weather, have a look at your tyre pressures, they make a MASSIVE difference: Went on a hoon once, and the car was all over the place, yep the pressures were out, corrected that, and it was like a go cart again.
Also, I had a rear shock leaking, which apparently hasn't been leaking long, but that could make a difference if it leaks enough oil (according to Graypaul), luckily it is covered by warranty! (£950 plus VAT otherwise).
It all depends on how bad it is behaving.
Well i only really been out of shape once and that was Monday - totally sideways after a roundabout and a load of slippery like mudcrap all over a hop in the road...floored it over the bump car lost grip regained grip but i was already at an angle----however when i went to the tyre place (which is where I was going ) they showed me they were bald - completely - oops....
No wonder
No wonder
Andy
Pzero's are OK when new just crap when they wear down a bit
Fioranos are about twice the price but allegedly very good
Surprised you can get SO1's they havn't been made for a while, SO2's have also been discontinued. SO3's arn't recommended for the 355 don't know why, a mate has them on his Noble, grip is good, wear is quite high and road noise is massive.
btw pressures for the Pzero's are lower than other tyres, Rears - 2 bar Fronts 2.2 bar
You could go for Pzero Rosso but length of service is not a strong point!
Pzero's are OK when new just crap when they wear down a bit
Fioranos are about twice the price but allegedly very good
Surprised you can get SO1's they havn't been made for a while, SO2's have also been discontinued. SO3's arn't recommended for the 355 don't know why, a mate has them on his Noble, grip is good, wear is quite high and road noise is massive.
btw pressures for the Pzero's are lower than other tyres, Rears - 2 bar Fronts 2.2 bar
You could go for Pzero Rosso but length of service is not a strong point!
Can get S01s from a few suppliers, usually special order and come in 355 sizes. The guys at Micheldever reckon they're the ones to go for.
Kwik Fit tried to get me to buy some Michelins. No thanks.
Unfortunately Kwik Fit (matched Micheldever's price and are just round the corner from me) got the rears but ended up getting RE040s in for the front!? Could have them for Tuesday but the front tyre seems OK at the minute so I'm not rushing (cue a flat when I get home).
I was quoted 604GBP for a front Fiorano! They'd have to make the car quicker than Schumacher's weekend drive to justify that sort of wedge!
Think my Pzero's have at least 3mm left on them. The aquaplaning/getting out of shape could all simply be down to the width of tyre and going too quickly through the standing water, but didn't like the feeling generally. I think I'm also running them a bit high pressure wise (31psi, approx. 2.1-2.2 bar at the front) so will have a look at that the next time I go out in it.
You'll be pleased to know that the car is as filthy as ever (not right now as it's just been washed, but generally). Went to Devon recently where it got covered in all manner of excrement from various wildlife.
Over 4k miles in it now though in 3mths.
Kwik Fit tried to get me to buy some Michelins. No thanks.
Unfortunately Kwik Fit (matched Micheldever's price and are just round the corner from me) got the rears but ended up getting RE040s in for the front!? Could have them for Tuesday but the front tyre seems OK at the minute so I'm not rushing (cue a flat when I get home).
I was quoted 604GBP for a front Fiorano! They'd have to make the car quicker than Schumacher's weekend drive to justify that sort of wedge!
Think my Pzero's have at least 3mm left on them. The aquaplaning/getting out of shape could all simply be down to the width of tyre and going too quickly through the standing water, but didn't like the feeling generally. I think I'm also running them a bit high pressure wise (31psi, approx. 2.1-2.2 bar at the front) so will have a look at that the next time I go out in it.
You'll be pleased to know that the car is as filthy as ever (not right now as it's just been washed, but generally). Went to Devon recently where it got covered in all manner of excrement from various wildlife.
Over 4k miles in it now though in 3mths.
Unfortunately I've made a bit of a mess with the rears already (not the spokes thankfully) - central London parking spaces and a 6'2" wide car (plus a numpty at parking) don't mix well.
Quote was 604 all inclusive for the S01s. A place in Egham quoted 763 all in for PZero's. Micheldever were looking at c.594 all in for PZero's.
So 6-700 quid a set looks like the going rate. Which isn't as bad as I expected it to be, but still a good bit dearer than I'm used to (Northern tendencies comingout again!).
Quote was 604 all inclusive for the S01s. A place in Egham quoted 763 all in for PZero's. Micheldever were looking at c.594 all in for PZero's.
So 6-700 quid a set looks like the going rate. Which isn't as bad as I expected it to be, but still a good bit dearer than I'm used to (Northern tendencies comingout again!).
Hi,
Bridgestone still make new SO1 tyres for Ferrari and Porsche, as these are the tyres the car was type approved with and also the P zeros. I did hear a story about a Ferrari driver who had a crash and the police and his insurance Co. were involved, the tyres on the car were NOT Pirelli or Bridgestone as recommended by Ferrari and his insurance was void
because of this. It maybe worth checking what your Ins. say if you choose a.n other brand.
Cheers
G.
Bridgestone still make new SO1 tyres for Ferrari and Porsche, as these are the tyres the car was type approved with and also the P zeros. I did hear a story about a Ferrari driver who had a crash and the police and his insurance Co. were involved, the tyres on the car were NOT Pirelli or Bridgestone as recommended by Ferrari and his insurance was void
because of this. It maybe worth checking what your Ins. say if you choose a.n other brand. Cheers
G.
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