Great Tyre Debate
Discussion
I have been reading many threads about people discussing the best tyres for their Tuscan - most suggesting lower / wider /shinier tyres as opposed to the 225/50 ZR16 on the front and 225/55 ZR16 on the back that is spec'd in the manual and (what I assume) is what the car was originally designed for.
My new beast was purchased with Bridgestone Potenz 225/35 on the front and 255/35 on the rear - and the handling is apalling (not so much bump steer, as bump throw-you-across-the-road-steer). I understand that fitting spacers will greatly improve this, and have a set on order. But, at the end of the day, I am more interested (at my age) in a more comfortable safe ride whilst touring in a fantastic looking car (and it is), than seeing how fast I can go either on a track or (heaven forbid) on the road.
Call me a boring old fart, but would reverting back to 16" wheels with the correct tyres give me a better ride?
My new beast was purchased with Bridgestone Potenz 225/35 on the front and 255/35 on the rear - and the handling is apalling (not so much bump steer, as bump throw-you-across-the-road-steer). I understand that fitting spacers will greatly improve this, and have a set on order. But, at the end of the day, I am more interested (at my age) in a more comfortable safe ride whilst touring in a fantastic looking car (and it is), than seeing how fast I can go either on a track or (heaven forbid) on the road.
Call me a boring old fart, but would reverting back to 16" wheels with the correct tyres give me a better ride?
yes and a set went for £80 the other say so keep your eye out for some. However the spacers will rectify the issue that moving from 16 to 18 created. Deeper tyres will of course give a smoother ride. As with all of these issues new owners face you cannot say the ride is wrong until you know:
1. the spacers are fitted for 18" wheels
2. the tyres you have now are still fitted
3. the geometry has been done by a TVR knowledgeable person
4. the shock absorbers have checked as in fine working order and if adjustable are correctly set.
1. the spacers are fitted for 18" wheels
2. the tyres you have now are still fitted
3. the geometry has been done by a TVR knowledgeable person
4. the shock absorbers have checked as in fine working order and if adjustable are correctly set.
this never ends, does it ? 
handling: see handling thread
tyres:
regular use: Goodyear F1, Vredestein Sessanta and a few others
more grip: Toyo R1R (best comprmise in my opinion, I really like them)
even more grip: Toyo 888 (careful in the wet)
front: 225/40 or 235/40
rear: 255/35 or 245/40
handling: see handling thread
tyres:
regular use: Goodyear F1, Vredestein Sessanta and a few others
more grip: Toyo R1R (best comprmise in my opinion, I really like them)
even more grip: Toyo 888 (careful in the wet)
front: 225/40 or 235/40
rear: 255/35 or 245/40
There are a number of fixes to make these beasts handle well, I am about half way through at the moment.
Spacers - Done, difference felt
Tyres - Difference felt
Gaz Golds/Nitrons/Racing Reds - Allow better control, there is also a debate on the spring rates (In the garage to fit)
Bumpsteer mod - The rack benefits from being slightly raised and new arms but not cheap
Geo Check - Essential as much has been learnt on the settings.
Hope that helps.
Spacers - Done, difference felt
Tyres - Difference felt
Gaz Golds/Nitrons/Racing Reds - Allow better control, there is also a debate on the spring rates (In the garage to fit)
Bumpsteer mod - The rack benefits from being slightly raised and new arms but not cheap
Geo Check - Essential as much has been learnt on the settings.
Hope that helps.
Right, i can see its been done to death but i think people are unsure for various reasons, myself included.
I have just ordered some nice yoko ad08's (ummmmm) and have taken into account the rolling radius of the original tyre sizes from the 16's
The closet fit on the front is 225/40/18 and 245/40/18 rear. These sizes are within a few mm of the original spec.
235 are something like 17mm out and the 255 are again something like 17mm. I really can not see a rolling radius of nearly 1" larger is going to do any favours for anything.
My car currently has 235 fronts so im hoping the 225 will have less tramlining too.
I have just ordered some nice yoko ad08's (ummmmm) and have taken into account the rolling radius of the original tyre sizes from the 16's
The closet fit on the front is 225/40/18 and 245/40/18 rear. These sizes are within a few mm of the original spec.
235 are something like 17mm out and the 255 are again something like 17mm. I really can not see a rolling radius of nearly 1" larger is going to do any favours for anything.
My car currently has 235 fronts so im hoping the 225 will have less tramlining too.
Decided to go down the route of returning to the standard 16" rims as I would rather have a comfy safe rided.
- Silly questions alert**
Personally I would go for the large tyre (ie fit 16" wheels), get the geometry laser checked at Racing Green or another TVR shop then fit goodyear F1's when your current tyres wear (or you change wheels).
I'm sure there is a Tuscan owner on 16" who would like a swap to 18". In my view, low profile tyres offer no advantage when driving on normal roads apart from looks.
I'm sure there is a Tuscan owner on 16" who would like a swap to 18". In my view, low profile tyres offer no advantage when driving on normal roads apart from looks.
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