Cant get Michelin Pilot Super Sport for Rapide :-( Others?

[Ken Figenus]

After my due diligence and an agonising 3 month research process, where I even distanced myself from my own family and ignored the business , I went to order some Michelin PSS but they don't do the fronts in a Rapide size of 245/40R20 Y 95 (they do do a rear size of 295/35R20 Y 105) .

So an easy option is the Bridgestone OE with AM9 approval - sorry if its old ground but a sentence on any better options for DB9/Rapide would be much appreciated.

I also thought I'd get the alignment checked at the same time but am a little surprised at the £220 quoted for an hour's work at a reputable place in Bucks. I know its 'an Aston' but am used to half that. Anyone any other recommendations. I'll pay it for a good job (especially if its a fiddly job on an Aston) but its a big ouch on top of 4 boots!

Cheers

[DB9VolanteDriver]

Simply use a 255/40 PSS up front instead of the not available 245/40. Would not hesitate one moment in doing this. Min rim width is 8.5" for a 255/40, so you are good to go.

[Ken Figenus]

10mm wider at the front then, right? Its such as sublimely balanced car that my instinct is not to mess - promise me it wont start front end gripping like a GT3

[rjn21]

Alignment can be a good earner for garages. Phone around your local brands and ask if they have a Hunter laser alignment system with a current subscription.

For example my local Infiniti dealer has the Hunter and will do an alignment inc under tray removal and shims if necessary for £55 inc vat. My family takes in total an F12, 991 TTS, M5 and V12V there.

My local AM and Ferrari dealers do not have a Hunter and use the Porsche one next door for an excessive markup.

[Ken Figenus]

Thanks RJN - dont mind paying for quality/value/expertise (its what I sell myself after all!) but looks like instincts on value were right. Do you mind sharing where your local Infiniti dealer is pls?

[rjn21]

Infiniti Stockport. Lovely (unbelievable - trumps HR Owen, Jack Barclay etc) showroom, nice people, pending the Eau Rouge they don't have a product for me. The DP is Alan something - very helpful.

[mikey k]

rjn21 said:

Alignment can be a good earner for garages. Phone around your local brands and ask if they have a Hunter laser alignment system with a current subscription.

For example my local Infiniti dealer has the Hunter and will do an alignment inc under tray removal and shims if necessary for £55 inc vat. My family takes in total an F12, 991 TTS, M5 and V12V there.

My local AM and Ferrari dealers do not have a Hunter and use the Porsche one next door for an excessive markup.

If they are removing the tray in that £55 that is VERY cheap
There are no shims in the Astons
AM/Ferrari Wilslow are Stratstones and also own the Porsche dealerhip
I'd be taking it to someone who isn't selling cars
9meister in Warrington used to do a great job on my S2000
Buckley Tyres have also done a few Astons
Wheels in Motion and Center Gravity are also well thought of

[mikey k]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

Simply use a 255/40 PSS up front instead of the not available 245/40. Would not hesitate one moment in doing this. Min rim width is 8.5" for a 255/40, so you are good to go.

I'd go 255/35 if that's available, remember the second digit is the % profile not the height in mm
So going to 255/40 will give a higher side wall than the stock tyre.

Ken its worth finding PSS's that fit I have them on two cars and have done ~25k miles on them in the last 12 months, great tyre in all sorts of conditions.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

mikey k said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

Simply use a 255/40 PSS up front instead of the not available 245/40. Would not hesitate one moment in doing this. Min rim width is 8.5" for a 255/40, so you are good to go.

I'd go 255/35 if that's available, remember the second digit is the % profile not the height in mm
So going to 255/40 will give a higher side wall than the stock tyre.

Not the best idea. The 255/40 is only 8 mm larger in dia than stock, whereas you propose reducing the dia by 17 mm vs stock using a 245/35. I'd definitely stay with 255/40.

[Ken Figenus]

mikey k said:

If they are removing the tray in that £55 that is VERY cheap
There are no shims in the Astons
AM/Ferrari Wilslow are Stratstones and also own the Porsche dealerhip
I'd be taking it to someone who isn't selling cars
9meister in Warrington used to do a great job on my S2000
Buckley Tyres have also done a few Astons
Wheels in Motion and Center Gravity are also well thought of

Agree Mike (happy to pay fair dues) - and you mentioned the source of the quote I have from one of your 'well thought of' list.

[mikey k]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

mikey k said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

Simply use a 255/40 PSS up front instead of the not available 245/40. Would not hesitate one moment in doing this. Min rim width is 8.5" for a 255/40, so you are good to go.

I'd go 255/35 if that's available, remember the second digit is the % profile not the height in mm
So going to 255/40 will give a higher side wall than the stock tyre.

Not the best idea. The 255/40 is only 8 mm larger in dia than stock, whereas you propose reducing the dia by 17 mm vs stock using a 245/35. I'd definitely stay with 255/40.

My point was have a look at different sizes

[Jon39]

rjn21 said:

.... pending the Eau Rouge they don't have a product for me.

Ah yes, the Infiniti Red Water, wow!

I wonder how they will manage, now their leader has left.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

mikey k said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

mikey k said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

Simply use a 255/40 PSS up front instead of the not available 245/40. Would not hesitate one moment in doing this. Min rim width is 8.5" for a 255/40, so you are good to go.

I'd go 255/35 if that's available, remember the second digit is the % profile not the height in mm
So going to 255/40 will give a higher side wall than the stock tyre.

Not the best idea. The 255/40 is only 8 mm larger in dia than stock, whereas you propose reducing the dia by 17 mm vs stock using a 245/35. I'd definitely stay with 255/40.

My point was have a look at different sizes

Well, those are the only 2 sizes available in PSS that will work at the front, and to me 8 mm taller is better than 17 mm shorter.

[Ken Figenus]

I pinged Michelin and got this response:

"We already manufacuture the PSS - 245/40 ZR20 (99Y) XL PILOT SUPER SPT. We have no plans to manufacture a 95 (load rating). The 99 = 775kg max load per tyre."

So could get an XL but Aston recommend the lower 95 load rating one - max 600Kg. The XL is clearly going to be stiffer. Car is firm enough for me at the mo (esp with the switchable dampers) and i dont want it getting skittish so I'm guessing this would be a bad idea?

[BravoV8V]

Ken Figenus said:

I pinged Michelin and got this response:

"We already manufacuture the PSS - 245/40 ZR20 (99Y) XL PILOT SUPER SPT. We have no plans to manufacture a 95 (load rating). The 99 = 775kg max load per tyre."

So could get an XL but Aston recommend the lower 95 load rating one - max 600Kg. The XL is clearly going to be stiffer. Car is firm enough for me at the mo (esp with the switchable dampers) and i dont want it getting skittish so I'm guessing this would be a bad idea?

You will struggle to tell the difference on a 2 tonne car. I would go as far as to say that you won't be able to tell any difference at all (other than the improved grip from the PSS).

[Ken Figenus]

Thanks Bravo - I like that answer