Change of tyres and a bit of an experiment

[GingerMunky]

Thought I would try some different tyres for my Vantage as an experiment:

Rear: Sailun 275/35R19 Atrezzo ZSR
Compared with Pirelli PZero & Michelin Super Sport they are rated identical, and are marginally quieter.

Front: Nankang 235/40R19 AS-1
Compared with Pirelli PZero & Dunlop Sport Maxx they are rated almost identical.

All 4 tyres purchased and fitted for £352! here at http://www.samko.co.uk/ Must say very nice people.

After fitting I took them for a spirited drive up to Brecon, on a mixture of tight turns and fast open curves, and I must say they are superb. Grip was fantastic, sharp turn in and very comfortable under heavy load both braking and acceleration.

I'll report back after 5,000 miles and see if they are still performing, but first impressions are very encouraging.

Has anyone else tested less well recognised and un-marketed brands?

Edited by GingerMunky on Tuesday 17th May 20:32

[GingerMunky]

Herbs said:

Any reason for different tyres on each axle?

Sailun don't make the size required for the front otherwise would have had all four.

Interestingly reading the EU regulations for tyre testing (Regulation EC 1222/2009), the frictional is calculated in the wet for a given speed and then this dictates the rating; Annex 1 Part B has the coefficient / rating table. Therefore, all tyres of comparable Wet Grip rating apply the same force to the road.

[GingerMunky]

Sump said:

Sailun and Nankang ? Wouldn't fit them on a Ford Mondeo let alone a Vantage.

Stupidest thing I've read in a while, it's even more stupid when you actually have the coin for branded tyres...

Then I'm in good company

[GingerMunky]

divetheworld said:

It's not how they appear to grip now, it's how they let go later after they get warm and stressed.

I agree, that's why I said it was an 'experiment', which most people posting seem to have ignored and jumped on the tyre snobbery bandwagon.

For 350 pounds the tyres are cheap enough to just bin them if it were rubbish. Turns out they have been excellent so far and no discernible different to the Dunlop Sport Max.

Perhaps what this thread needs is someone able to explain the difference in chemical compounds used in a Pirelli compared with a Sailun. Explaining which of the most commonly used elastomers "elastic polymers" are used and why; such as polyisoprene (natural rubber, isoprene rubber) / styrene-butadiene copolymer (styrene-butadiene rubber) / polybutadiene (butadiene rubber). And how these are combined with other compounds to improve the frictional force generated. Together with the construction method of the tread, body ply and walls, it would be fascinating insight between a premium and perceived budget.

Now that would be more intelligent and helpful than some of useless st posted above But hey this is pistonheads.

Edited by GingerMunky on Thursday 19th May 13:15

[GingerMunky]

divetheworld said:

Well, applauded but when your experiment is concluded, we expect those tyres to be removed in a world class burnout.
Video is a prerequisite.

Now that's a brilliant idea, I will oblige