Tyre sizes

[Junagarh]

The last time that I had to buy 205 60 15s for my S I found it difficult to get hold of them. Since another 2 are due for replacement soon does anyone know if it is possible to use 205 55 15s as these are plentiful. If so what are the problems, presumably slightly lower and if so would they have to be fitted to the front or do I need to replace all 4 at once? has anyone done this before or do you all have a secret stash of tyres?

[Barkychoc]

My V8S has a mix, 205/55 at the front and 205/60 at the back, although while it looks like this it hardly matters!

Edited by Barkychoc on Sunday 10th August 16:22

[Jaye R]

Yoyo tyes - 205/60/R15 91V - are what I use on my S3 - have to ask dealer to order them, but they do exist.

Cheers
Jaye

[Jaye R]

Sorry, Toyo tyres - doh!!

[wheels1]

I have the same problem but i found if you do a seach for cheap tyres on the internet, you will find there are loads of companys selling both size's, you just put in the size you want and take your choice. Seems like Bridgestone 300 are a fav. option on the site.

[Junagarh]

Thanks for the advice.

[Barkychoc]

There are a lot of posts if you search to say avoid Pirelli's.

[jimed]

I don't understand the problem - I had no difficulty at all with several tyre places in terms of getting the correct size in the V rating (for S3C). I finished up with the Bridgestones which had been shown as being the best on some internet site tests (there was a thread about them some time ago on here - ER300?? I think) and am very pleased with them. If you do go non standard don't forget to tell your insurer though.
Jim

[greymrj]

Hi, this was the thread on the big debate on tyres earlier this year. Like Jimed I went for the Bridgestones and have also been delighted. No problems with availability and we paid £60 each fitted which was pretty good.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Junagarh]

Great, thanks everyone for the advice.

[Barkychoc]

greymrj said:

Hi, this was the thread on the big debate on tyres earlier this year. Like Jimed I went for the Bridgestones and have also been delighted. No problems with availability and we paid £60 each fitted which was pretty good.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

That thread above is well worth a read from the beginning - especially the bit about how to determine how old your tyres are - be prepared for a nasty shock. I'd personally consider replacing anything over 5 years old.

[Russ35]

I've put Bridgestone ER3000's on each corner after my little tyre problem @ S Club. Very impressed by them on the few run outs I've done since.

Think I worked it out that my old Avon Z1's where manufactured in early 2001. Having a look at them when they had been taken off there were loads of cracks visible on the side wall when you put pressure on them.

[Gerald-TVR]

Been there done that the thread referred to above will help I'm very happy with Bridgestones but WATCH OUT for the age of your existing tyres mine had loads of 'micro' cracks seemed dangerous to me

Edited by Gerald-TVR on Sunday 10th August 22:38

[Junagarh]

Thanks for all the replies and as suggested when you search the Internet they are easily available. I have had the S for over three years now and the two tyres that will need replacing were on it when I bought it so I'm going to look into changing them sooner rather than later.

Great looking chassis by the way, when are you hoping to finish the restoration? I keep thinking I need two more cylinders as there are occasions when the most normal boxes that sound as quiet as sewing machines seem to pull away with ease. Perhaps I need a Ride Drive course to teach me how to get more out of it. Other than that the S is a superb machine.

[Roy C]

AFAIK switching from 205/60 to 205/55 drops the ride height by around 1cm. I don't think this is as much of a problem for V8S as the exhaust doesn't seem as low as on some V6S.

[Junagarh]

I think I'll stick to the 60 profile then as my exhaust seems to get bashed about enough as it is. Thanks.

[wheels1]

Check out these they are the same price as the bridgestone but seem to have the best results out of the lot:- [ not sure how accurate these are]
Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response

Test results ReifenTest.com
TyreTest.com:Average based on 13 completed reviews
Score: 1-Excellent 6-Terrible Ø1.3
Grip under dry conditions 1.1
Braking under dry conditions 1.1
Grip under wet conditions 1.2
Braking under wet conditions 1.2
Grip in snow 5.4
Comfort 1.4
Noise level (internal) 1.6
Noise level (external) 1.6
Tyre wear 1.6
Kilometers driven 10.731

---

Bridgestone Turanza ER 300

Test results ReifenTest.com
TyreTest.com:Average based on 95 completed reviews
Score: 1-Excellent 6-Terrible Ø2.1
Grip under dry conditions 1.5
Braking under dry conditions 1.6
Grip under wet conditions 1.9
Braking under wet conditions 2.0
Grip in snow 5.0
Comfort 2.4
Noise level (internal) 2.5
Noise level (external) 2.5
Tyre wear 3.0
Kilometers driven 20.463

[Gerald-TVR]

Yep they are good but are summer tyres and the Bridgestone are all season tyres be aware that you might be comparing apples and pears. And 95 reviews compared to 13

I'm on the Bridgestones and very happy and it would be difficult to judge between them I think the differences are so small!!!!

Edited by Gerald-TVR on Tuesday 12th August 16:16