Struggling to find correct tyres in UK

[iamkeir]

Hey folks,

Unfortunately got a nasty puncture in one of my tyres - it is a screw/nail through the edge so garage says it cannot be repaired:


I am searching for a replacement tyre but I think mine where purchased and fitted over in America prior to import, as I am finding it nearly impossible to source them in the UK - they are Michelin Pilot Sport 3 in 285/40 ZR18 101Y sizing:


Can't find them in Pirelli, Bridgestone or Continental either.

Does anyone have any recommendations for specialist tyre suppliers in the UK?

Failing that, the garage suggested that I could get an alternate size so long as the ratio remained the same (otherwise it would require recalibrating the speedo etc.), for example, 295/35 18 101Y which are available in the UK. I don't have a great deal of knowledge in this respect so wondered what folks thoughts were on doing that (would obviously require replacing both the rear tyres).

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

[KevinCamaroSS]

No idea on supplier and the alternate you were suggesting is possible (if it will fit in the wheel arch) but is a fair bit smaller than the original (3.14% less diameter/circumference) so I would not be using it personally. How about a different set of wheels which have more readily available tyres? For example a 285/30 ZR20 as fitted to some Jags has a number of choices and is less than 1% difference in size. New 20" wheels needed but would depend on how long you want to keep the car.

[iamkeir]

Thanks Kevin.

Just doing research at the moment, and playing with https://tiresize.com/calculator/ - came to the same conclusion as you, 295/35 is significant difference so not right.

Also been looking at recommendations here: http://www.americanmuscle.com/05-09-tire-sizes.htm...

I'm in a 2006 GT 4.6L v8, with 255/45-18 on front and 285/40 on rear which fits those recommendations, has same wheel height (27") and the revs/mile are 746 and 748 respectively. I can see why they chose the set as they did.

The rims were very pricey and I am quite fond of them, so ideally I want to stick with them for now.

Just trying to figure out if I could go with either 275/40-18 or 305/35-18. The 275/40-18 is 26.7" so would be slightly smaller than front but is reeeeeally close to the 285/40. The 305/35-18 looks like it would impact the speedo.

My research continues, but any thoughts still welcomed.

Definitely sticking with wider tyres on back as with the current setup but... how much does the wheel height comparison matter?

Edited by iamkeir on Thursday 7th July 18:17

[iamkeir]

For easier reference...

Current setup:


Shelby Razors 18x10" on rear, 18x9" on front.

Recommended tyre sizes:


Switching to 275/40:


Switching to 305/35:


The 275/40 seem the most readily available in UK from those options... but 0.3" smaller height than front...

[iamkeir]

Possibly talking to myself but hopefully useful for other people reading one day!

Anyway, was just reading about the Shelby Razors - as it turns out they suggest the 18x9 front and 18x10 rear to create stagger, and 255/45-18 tyres on the 18x9, 275/40-18 on the 18x10 so I reckon I can roll with them!

http://www.americanmuscle.com/gunmetal-shelbyrazor...
http://www.americanmuscle.com/gunmetal-shelby-razo...

[sonicbloo]

iamkeir said:

Failing that, the garage suggested that I could get an alternate size so long as the ratio remained the same (otherwise it would require recalibrating the speedo etc.).

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

I wonder if the previous owner calibrated the speedo to the existing set-up you have? Possibly not - so have you tried a sat nav to see if the speed matches?

Getting back to tyre suppliers, I have used Camskill, I arranged to have them sent direct to the tyre fitters. Obviously find a local fitter who has the equipment to fit wide tyres, I struggled a bit - but then again mine are 345's

[iamkeir]

@sonicbloo yeah, one of the first things I tested was the speedo with GPS to check if the custom tyre setup was calibrated, seems all good.

Thanks for recommending Camskill, gave a call but no luck.

I think it is either finding a supplier in Europe, shipping over from US or switching to the 275/40s.

[iamkeir]

Thanks folks.

After researching online and speaking to several mechanics and Mustang specialists (inc. Ford), I ended up going with Michelin Primacy 3 in 275/40-18 99Y.

They're being fitted tomorrow so I will let you know the result.

[vaughan watkins]

Bit late now but if ever you need tyres wheels or advice North Hants Tyres are the people you need to contact, speak to James as he knows his stuff and will sort you out quickly, based in Aldershot but they ship out as well, used them for 20 years with all my cars and yanks as that's what they specialize in

[iamkeir]

Thanks! My mate used to have a Chevy and recommended them too. I may drop them a line for future reference, super handy.