Tyre Recommendations for V8V SP10?

[Ian_UK1]

telum01 said:

Like I said, it's a regional availability thing. It might be that these specific tires are made in the US, and Michelin isn't shipping them to Europe. That's a big disappointment for you guys, because they're such a great tire.

Thanks for the heads-up. Which US supplier is this?

Really good of Michelin not to make these tyres available in the UK. And then to claim they don't even manufacture them! Nice try Michelin, but you're busted! On a more serious note, it can't be too difficult for Michelin to make this size PS4-S available in UK/Europe if they're manufacturing them already. Any Michelin marketing bods reading this....?!

In the meantime, if anyone knows of any US-based Michelin tire tyre suppliers that ship to the UK, it it may be worth trying to get a group-buy together.

Edited by Ian_UK1 on Monday 16th October 19:51

[Dal65]

It must be an area thing , I'm down in Essex & had MsP4 fitted 4 weeks ago on my V8S same size you need via an independent garage, will find out were he got them & send a contact

[rovcallum]

Looks like tirerack.com in the US.

A couple of months back I messaged Michelin UK Customer Service and got the same answer as previously mentioned "No, sorry we don't do that size". I guess Michelin UK just don't have the international picture.

A Group Buy sounds good. I'd be up for a full set of these (V8VS sizes) for my regular V8V.
Anyone know any Michelin Rep to make this happen?

Maybe Oponeo or Blackcircles would take it on?

UPDATE:
OK so I sent tirerack.com an email asking if they would be interested in shipping to the UK and how many sets would make it worth their while. I guess it would be best to deal with Michelin but since we have a retailer, we might as well start there. Watch this space.

Edited by rovcallum on Monday 16th October 23:08

[telum01]

Yeah, the screenshot is from Tire Rack. I cut out the pricing so I wouldn't break any advertising rules (if there are any). I just think it's absurd Michelin isn't offering the tires themselves for you.

Tires are expensive to ship internationally due to their size, plus you guys apparently have some pretty invasive taxes on imports - I recently found that out the unpleasant way. Just a little word of caution to figure into your plans.

[rovcallum]

Thanks for the heads up Rich.
Maybe Michelin will get the hint and sort it out.

[Ken Figenus]

At first I thought it was the 'put in your reg' thing and tyres often never come up for me so always search by size with loose criteria and know there is no issue accepting a higher load rating etc. I think you are past that though! Can I suggest you give them hell and demand they bring that tyre into UK!!! Call themselves a performance tyre maker and ignore Aston in UK! Merde!

[Ian_UK1]

Dal65 said:

It must be an area thing , I'm down in Essex & had MsP4 fitted 4 weeks ago on my V8S same size you need via an independent garage, will find out were he got them & send a contact

That would be great - many thanks.

rovcallum said:

Looks like tirerack.com in the US.

A couple of months back I messaged Michelin UK Customer Service and got the same answer as previously mentioned "No, sorry we don't do that size". I guess Michelin UK just don't have the international picture.

A Group Buy sounds good. I'd be up for a full set of these (V8VS sizes) for my regular V8V.
Anyone know any Michelin Rep to make this happen?

Maybe Oponeo or Blackcircles would take it on?

UPDATE:
OK so I sent tirerack.com an email asking if they would be interested in shipping to the UK and how many sets would make it worth their while. I guess it would be best to deal with Michelin but since we have a retailer, we might as well start there. Watch this space.

Edited by rovcallum on Monday 16th October 23:08

Looking forward to the outcome of this.

[rovcallum]

UPDATE:
Tirerack were keen to know more details but by the time they'd got back to me (I asked for a quote for 270 off 245/40x19, basically a 20' Container load) Michelin had replied with a comment as below;


Thank you for contacting MICHELIN Customer Service.

We’ve added your request for future availability for the Pilot Sport 4 S 245/40x19. We’ve recently received other requests as well.

Please don’t hesitate to get back if you have any more queries.


Kind regards,

Graeme

MICHELIN Customer Care
Passenger Car & Light Truck Tyres
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact us: www.michelin.co.uk/contact

So, if more people send Graeme an email demanding these tires, they might just provide.
It will probably work out a bit cheaper than this forum organising a container load from the US.

[Mansfield]

Thank you for chasing this up.
I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a set of the 285/35/19s for the rear ( they are available in germany) but am awaiting the fronts.
Email sent to Michelin many months ago without success.
Hopefully if enough people pursue this they will release in europe.

[Ian_UK1]

Yesterday, I emailed Black Circles about the possibility of using their influence with Michelin to get hold of some Pilot Sport 4S in 245/40x19, given they're clearly available in the USA. This was Black Circles' response:

"..... Dear Ian,

Thank you for your enquiry,

Having inquired with regard to your request the tyres in question Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245/40 R19, This size and fitment is a USA only product and is not E marked and is not supplied with a UK EAN production code therefore is unable to be supplied through the UK market.

All tyres sold through the UK market are also required to pass testing and regulation from the Department of Transport which certifies the tyre suitable for the UK industry and the tyres are marked with an E on sidewall. As the 245/40 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres do not carry this specification we are unable to legally sell this tyre within the UK.

The only option I could recommend would be if the requested tyres could be outsourced from the USA and imported to the UK then this would be deemed as imported goods and would be suitable to be fitted. Unfortunately as a company we would be unable to offer this service.

Alternatively we would be happy to look at other options available in the sizes required and see if we can offer a suitable alternative tyre.

Please contact me directly if I can assist in any further way.

Kind regards ....."

So it looks like we currently have 3 options:

a) Wait for Michelin to make the 4S available in 245/40x19 in the UK with DoT approval.
b) Import a quantity of these tyres from the USA.
c) Mix Pilot Sport 4S rear and Pilot Sport 4 front as suggested by Mike at BR.

As a) could be a protracted process, I think we need to look at b) and c) as the viable options for now.

If, as Callum suggests, TireRack is open to shipping a quantity of these tyres to the UK, we should maybe start a separate group-buy thread to ascertain the level of interest?

Edited by Ian_UK1 on Thursday 19th October 15:44

[Veg]

Up for that. I remember bringing US spec Bridgestones back for my TVRs but then I was flying in large miltary aircraft so no transport or customs phaff

[Mansfield]

I'd be up for this, although I'd need them posting on to germany (at my extra cost) afterwards if someone is willing to take delivery.

[Mansfield]

Just received this email from Michelin, so perhaps there's hope for the UK getting them:

Thank you for getting back in touch with MICHELIN Customer Service.

The size you are after is still not available in the UK market but we're going to enquire to see if any import option might be available.

Kind regards,

Graeme

MICHELIN Customer Care
Passenger Car & Light Truck Tyres
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact us: www.michelin.co.uk/contact
Web: www.michelin.co.uk

[Mansfield]

I've received a further email from Michelin, perhaps you too Ian have one.

Looks like we will have to import our own tyres from the USA:

Having double-checked, sourcing outside of Europe would create legal issues as tyres inside the EU require EU markings.

We’re sorry for the disappointed. We’ve noted your query in case things change with regards to the availability in this size. 

Kind regards, 

Graeme 

MICHELIN Customer Care 
Passenger Car & Light Truck Tyres 
Tel: [phone] 
E-mail: [e-mail] 
Contact us: www.michelin.co.uk/contact
Web: www.michelin.co.uk

[rovcallum]

Just a thought.... would the lack of CE Mark on the tires give implications for insurance cover?

[V8V Pete]

I'm going to go back to what I said originally. Can you put V12V size tyres (255/35 & 295/30) on V8VS rims as these sizes are available in PS4S in the UK?

[DocW]

rovcallum said:

Just a thought.... would the lack of CE Mark on the tires give implications for insurance cover?

I’d like to hear the conversation with the insurer. I’m planning to put on tyres that cannot legally be sold in the UK and no they are not approved by the DoT or CE marked but they are just peachy because some guy on the internet said so. Apart from not disclosing this how are you going to deal with the insurer?

[J12MOC]

V8V Pete said:

I'm going to go back to what I said originally. Can you put V12V size tyres (255/35 & 295/30) on V8VS rims as these sizes are available in PS4S in the UK?

Pete... I just put 255/35 & 295/30 on my SP10 went for Cup 2s. Rim width is a tad small but they seem ok. Going on a hoon to Scotland next week with some mates. I’ll report back!!

[J12MOC]

Also got these going on spare V8 rims.

[V8V Pete]

J12MOC said:

V8V Pete said:

I'm going to go back to what I said originally. Can you put V12V size tyres (255/35 & 295/30) on V8VS rims as these sizes are available in PS4S in the UK?

Pete... I just put 255/35 & 295/30 on my SP10 went for Cup 2s. Rim width is a tad small but they seem ok. Going on a hoon to Scotland next week with some mates. I’ll report back!!

Thanks Martyn and enjoy your trip. Hope it's not too cold and wet for the Cup 2s. Could you post a picture of your car with the V12 size tyres to see if the profile difference leaves the arches a bit empty (given that your car isn't lowered)?