Rubber on the Front - the Revenge...

[M@H]

Without opening old wounds, on the last round of tyre discussions we all came back to the S02 and S03 as the tyres to have, as there were no others with the correct speed rating (please lets not go into the rating vs. insurance debate again )

Anyway.. having done some investigations myself via my local tyre dealer, he has an option I'd like to run by you all; opinions please on the:

Uniroyal Rallye 540

to quote some blurb:

Directionally-orientated double arrow-shaped tread pattern for high aquaplaning safety

Modern silica compound and angled tread lugs for optimum grip in the wet

Uniroyal Belt System for a longer service life

Continuous central ribs for precise steering response and good driving comfort

to quote some meaningless test results:

ADAC Motorwelt (D) 03/2002

ADAC Motorwelt tested the size 195/60 R 15 H:
Overall Rating: "Very Recommendable"
"very balanced tire, likewise with best note on wetness"

ÖAMTC (A) 03/2002

The ÖAMTC tested the size 195/65 R 15 H:
Overall Rating: Very Recommendable
Uniroyal rallye 540: good results across all test categories, at the same time the best marks in wet performance

Auto Express (GB) 08/2001

Auto Express tested the size 185/60 R 14 H:
The overall winner of our largest-ever tyre test is Uniroyal. It even topped our reigning 14-inch champion Goodyear.


Readily available in a range of sizes at W rating

(W rating is above V, rated to 169MPH (270kph))
(ZR rating is over 150MPH (240kph)

>>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 22 October 13:12

[M@H]

davidy said: M@H

What weight cars were these tested on, ie weight per sq in of tyre footprint on the road, some tyres work better on heavier cars and others on lighter cars (ie the Pirelli PZero seems to be out of favour on the Elise (see another thread) but was absolutely stunning on my Impreza Turbo.

good point

Now given the fact that the Bridgestones are a tried and tested tyre on the Chimaera, most people seem to like them (the Sprinters love them), then I think you are mad to consider anything else.

I suggest that your Tyre dealer has put these forward as :-

a) he has them in stock (probably got hundreds of the things)

nope

b) he doesn't have the Bridgestones in stock

true,but he gets tyres to order, ie has no stock.

c) he makes more money on a Uniroyal than a Bridgestone

can't comment, although he would chrge me the same margin either way

d) he feels he can offer you a cheaper tyre (I'm guessing here that it is cheaper) and make more money on the deal

nope although the tyre is a little cheaper

e) any or all of the above

Not really.. we've been drinking together for years and he's a mate.

Also I bet no-one on this forum has experience of running Uniroyals on the front and Bridgestones on the rear, supposing they just don't grip very well, you'll be in understeer city.

good point again.. the car currently has RE71s on the front though !!

Only my 2p, but I best there a cost issue in here and wouldn't want to accuse you (again) of being tight!!!!!
davidy

.. I'm not bothered about cost.. I can get S02's at £100 each anyway, just exploring the market for the benefit of everyone !

PS another point to consider if you want to get shot of the car quickly in the near future (you never know whats around the corner) and a punter has seen yours and another identical car on Bridgestones, which one may he favour.

umm.. not really a consideration at this point, but a valid comment

Cheers
Matt

[M@H]

He would not stitch me up thats for sure.. he just did some digging on what was the right size and speed rating and what he's heard good stories about.. He has these tyres himself on his sports saloon (some japanese tweaked thing)too..

..however he is the first to admit that he doesn't fit tyres to TVR's much therefore I told him I'd find out what everyone else on here thought about them.

Which is what I'm trying to do...! he'd be as pleased to have an opinion from here, even if its "don't use them on a TVR" cos at least then he'd know for next time..

Cheers,
Matt.

[M@H]

griff2be said: EdT has Uniroyals (don't know which ones) on his Griff 500 and is not particularly happy with them - just waiting for them to wear out.. To be fair I don't think they are the optimum size/profile.

could be the RTT's or the 540's I guess ??

Cheers
Matt.



>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 22 October 15:29

[M@H]

Blimey.. you try and broaden horizons a bit round here and get seen as some sort of heretic... jeez



Cheers, Matt