Discussion
hi all, i'm 10 weeks into ownership and a little bit stumped as to what tyre size should be fitted to my 350i. the car has 7jx15 compomotives and is fitted with 205x15x60s. in the wedge maintenance manual it states 205x15x50s. does anyone have a definitive answer or is it down to personal choice?any comments much appreciated. phil
All 350s left the factory with 205/60VR15 tyres, mostly Goodyear Eagles because this was one of the best tyre sizes and models at the time. I do not know which maintenance manual that you are looking at but it is wrong - a missprint perhaps?
The 390s and 400s nearly all came with 225/50ZR15s (a few of the early ones came with 225/50ZorVR15s for some odd reason). Neither of these tyre sizes will fit under the front wheel arch of your 350.
The 420s, 430s and 450s all came with 225/50ZR15s all round except for one motor show SEAC model that came with outragously wide wheels and tyres and which is still around.
One of the problems for 350 owners is that although 205/60s are still available they are not available in modern rubber. No manufacturer makes sports car tyres in 60 profiles. 205/55ZR15 as fitted to the Griffith at the front is a good alternative which also sharpens up the front end. The V rating is also OK because you will never exceed 150mph.
225/50/15s are good on the rear in the dry but not in the wet. You can also fit 3mm spacers all round.
Power steering did not affect the tyres fitted.
The best answer for you at the moment is to try to get some of the last Bridgestone 205/55ZR15 SO2 Pole Position tyres and fit them all round.
The 390s and 400s nearly all came with 225/50ZR15s (a few of the early ones came with 225/50ZorVR15s for some odd reason). Neither of these tyre sizes will fit under the front wheel arch of your 350.
The 420s, 430s and 450s all came with 225/50ZR15s all round except for one motor show SEAC model that came with outragously wide wheels and tyres and which is still around.
One of the problems for 350 owners is that although 205/60s are still available they are not available in modern rubber. No manufacturer makes sports car tyres in 60 profiles. 205/55ZR15 as fitted to the Griffith at the front is a good alternative which also sharpens up the front end. The V rating is also OK because you will never exceed 150mph.
225/50/15s are good on the rear in the dry but not in the wet. You can also fit 3mm spacers all round.
Power steering did not affect the tyres fitted.
The best answer for you at the moment is to try to get some of the last Bridgestone 205/55ZR15 SO2 Pole Position tyres and fit them all round.
quote:
The V rating is also OK because you will never exceed 150mph.
Please be careful with this type of statement as it is very misleading in this case.
You are obliged to fit manufacturers OE spec equipment and that means ZR rated tyres if they were the one fitted. If you don't you lay your self open to having no insurance. You can't choose a lower speed rated tyre because you don't drive as fast.
The second point is that the tyre rating effectively specifies the sidewall resitence and the ability to take fast acceleration. You may not drive at 150 but I doubt that the cay is pussyfooted around.
Now the Wedges were generally fitted with VR tyres and they are allowed to be used. Most owners would say use ZR or better because of the acceleration factors. The you dont do more than 150 or 112 mph and therefore you can use H or S rated tyres is a myth. Toyos can't be used on Griffiths and Chimaeras because of this reason as they don't do a ZR rated 15 inch wheel.
Sorry to be firm on this but it potentially effects the insurance.
As for the tyre stuff... it is not as clear as that. The 30SE was press released with Goodyear, Michelin, Yokohama and Bridgestone with 215 and 225/50VR15. These do fit some 350i as the 350SE was often shod with them.
420 SEACs etc had so many variation it wasn't true, including Tuscan racer wheels 16 inch by 9J with 245 profile tyres.
Griffs and Chimaeras have also been through the tyre changes as well with some 10 or so variations. As for misprints/changes, happened all the time.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
Steve although the above V-rated statement would be misleading if taken out of context it is very relevant here because V is OE spec for all 350s. The insurance issue is misleading in this case.
I am most intersted in your ZR or better statement because they are generally thought of as the best road tyre being the only rating to state in excess of a speed limit (150).
The 350SE has different bodywork to the 350i and a 215 may rub at the front under hard cornering, (I found out the hard way.)
Toyo tyres can be fitted to a 350i.
I am most intersted in your ZR or better statement because they are generally thought of as the best road tyre being the only rating to state in excess of a speed limit (150).
The 350SE has different bodywork to the 350i and a 215 may rub at the front under hard cornering, (I found out the hard way.)
Toyo tyres can be fitted to a 350i.
quote:
All 350s left the factory with 205/60VR15 tyres, mostly Goodyear Eagles because this was one of the best tyre sizes and models at the time. I do not know which maintenance manual that you are looking at but it is wrong - a missprint perhaps?
The 390s and 400s nearly all came with 225/50ZR15s (a few of the early ones came with 225/50ZorVR15s for some odd reason). Neither of these tyre sizes will fit under the front wheel arch of your 350.
The 420s, 430s and 450s all came with 225/50ZR15s all round except for one motor show SEAC model that came with outragously wide wheels and tyres and which is still around.
One of the problems for 350 owners is that although 205/60s are still available they are not available in modern rubber. No manufacturer makes sports car tyres in 60 profiles. 205/55ZR15 as fitted to the Griffith at the front is a good alternative which also sharpens up the front end. The V rating is also OK because you will never exceed 150mph.
225/50/15s are good on the rear in the dry but not in the wet. You can also fit 3mm spacers all round.
Power steering did not affect the tyres fitted.
The best answer for you at the moment is to try to get some of the last Bridgestone 205/55ZR15 SO2 Pole Position tyres and fit them all round.
You are Peter Wheeler, I claim my five pounds.
If you do want to stick to the original profile of 205/60/15's to keep the 'wheel arches filled' then I've just had a couple of replacement RE71's fitted to mine (ZR rated btw).
After chasing up Bridgestone, via my supplier, they have just had a manufacturing run for these
02 stamped and dated tyres not old stock, apparently the same design but improved compond 
, yep they still squeal when pushed though .
Harry
After chasing up Bridgestone, via my supplier, they have just had a manufacturing run for these
02 stamped and dated tyres not old stock, apparently the same design but improved compond , yep they still squeal when pushed though . Harry
Yes the Zr thing is not totally relevant to the Wedges but other TVR owners look at these posting out of interest and go through the following thought process:
What is a 350i? I know it must be another name for a Griff or Chimaera or Tuscan? I see it is alright to use tyres for the speed I drive at. That's good I 'll go and buy some Craptok cheapies because I never do more than 70. This has already resulted in some interesting discussions on those sites.
The speed ratings are effectively a measure (big generalisation) of the sidewall resistence and strength. When the car accelerates or corners hard, the sidewall can determin how squidgy the feel is. Softer sidewalls will cause the tyre to distort and in some cases it is possible to roll the tyre of the rim and start to wear out the sidewall lettering. Higher rated tyres tend to have stiffer sidewalls and help resist this distortion under extreme load and thus maintain/improve grip. That's why most big wedge owners should and do run ZR rated tyres.
This is one of the problems that Toyo have alledgedly. Their sidewall is very soft to suit the very low profile tyres that are around. The lower profile stiffens the sidewall. The report I have heard is that the 15 inch tyre is not stiff enough for the speed and abuse so they can't grade it as a ZR. They would love to because their marketing has hiccuped. They make this play because the supply TVR but can't get into the bigger Griff/Chimaera replacement market.
As for tyre sizes, this is a nightmare because the dealers were changing sizes and wheels before the cars were reaching customers as part of the bespoke ordering service. The variation in ride heights also cause problems but I have seen all manner of sizes on the Wedges so much so that it is virtually impossible to confirm exactly what they were fitted with when the actually arrived at the owner's.
Steve
>> Edited by shpub on Tuesday 8th October 07:36
What is a 350i? I know it must be another name for a Griff or Chimaera or Tuscan? I see it is alright to use tyres for the speed I drive at. That's good I 'll go and buy some Craptok cheapies because I never do more than 70. This has already resulted in some interesting discussions on those sites.
The speed ratings are effectively a measure (big generalisation) of the sidewall resistence and strength. When the car accelerates or corners hard, the sidewall can determin how squidgy the feel is. Softer sidewalls will cause the tyre to distort and in some cases it is possible to roll the tyre of the rim and start to wear out the sidewall lettering. Higher rated tyres tend to have stiffer sidewalls and help resist this distortion under extreme load and thus maintain/improve grip. That's why most big wedge owners should and do run ZR rated tyres.
This is one of the problems that Toyo have alledgedly. Their sidewall is very soft to suit the very low profile tyres that are around. The lower profile stiffens the sidewall. The report I have heard is that the 15 inch tyre is not stiff enough for the speed and abuse so they can't grade it as a ZR. They would love to because their marketing has hiccuped. They make this play because the supply TVR but can't get into the bigger Griff/Chimaera replacement market.
As for tyre sizes, this is a nightmare because the dealers were changing sizes and wheels before the cars were reaching customers as part of the bespoke ordering service. The variation in ride heights also cause problems but I have seen all manner of sizes on the Wedges so much so that it is virtually impossible to confirm exactly what they were fitted with when the actually arrived at the owner's.
Steve
>> Edited by shpub on Tuesday 8th October 07:36
quote:
quote:
The V rating is also OK because you will never exceed 150mph.
Please be careful with this type of statement as it is very misleading in this case.
You are obliged to fit manufacturers OE spec equipment
Sorry to be firm on this but it potentially effects the insurance.
No it doesnt. Well, it does, but not in a direct way.
I have spoken a few insurance companies regarding this. It is more of a Police matter if the tyres are not capable for the vehicle they have been fitted to, and the vehicle is involved in an RTA, As far as the insurance goes, there are no clauses in insurance policies that explicitly mention tyres and the requirement to fit tyres of the same calibre. The Insurance companies generally accept the fact that tyres are inspected for their ability to be "road worthy" at the yearly MOT's.
Specifics regarding Tyres are outlined by the Department of Transport.
I expect Steve is referring to the D.O.T. Guidelines, as re-enforced by the Road Traffic Act 1988 / Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988
This states
Unsuitability: regarding the use to which the motor vehicle or trailer is being put or to the types of tyres fitted to its other wheels.
www.roads.dft.gov.uk/vehicle/standards/ts/index.htm
Based upon this, Insurance companies would make individual decisions regarding the circumstances of a claim, since the fitting of incorrect tyres would be an instance of criminal law, and hence would result in direct police action
Don't know why I'm buying into this but; If you fit tyres sizes/profiles/ratings other than recommended by the manufacturer aren't you modifying the vehicle? If so you will need to advise your insurance company the same way you would if you fitted a turbocharger.
While I'm here, what's the ideal tyre upgrade for a 280i? Can i get 16inch wheels into the arches and if so what width can I go to without fouling the bodywork (even under hard cornering) whilst staying legal?
While I'm here, what's the ideal tyre upgrade for a 280i? Can i get 16inch wheels into the arches and if so what width can I go to without fouling the bodywork (even under hard cornering) whilst staying legal?
Regarding tyres (and not getting in to details),
I have to change mine on a 350i.
Until now I found Bridgestone RE720 (205/60 R15), V rating.
They have to be ordered, but are available (Continent, Belgium).
Price varies between 110 - 125 Euros per tyre.
Are these ok for a 350i for fast road use (and the occasional track day)?
If not, please let me know.
By the way don't ask what the TVR runs on now!
(Michelin H rating
)
Thanks,
Rob
I have to change mine on a 350i.
Until now I found Bridgestone RE720 (205/60 R15), V rating.
They have to be ordered, but are available (Continent, Belgium).
Price varies between 110 - 125 Euros per tyre.
Are these ok for a 350i for fast road use (and the occasional track day)?
If not, please let me know.
By the way don't ask what the TVR runs on now!
(Michelin H rating
) Thanks,
Rob
The situation for 280i cars is even more difficult because I do not think that anyone makes a current high performance tyre in a 14" diameter. I think that Falken still make a reasonable 205/60VR14 which is used by some sprinters.
The original spec was a Dunlop 205/60VR14 up to chassis number 5321 (part No. 025g002A) then a Goodyear 205/60VR14 from chassis number 5322 onwards (part No. 025G010A).
To use a modern high performance tyre construction it is necessary to change the tyre dimensions slightly. A 205/50VR16 should be fine all round and a 225/45 should fit at the rear, both of which are a nominal 1.5% increase in rolling diameter.
There is not normally a problem for small deviations with specifications higher than OE. You should certainly tell your insurance company.
PS 205/55R15 88V Toyo Proxes T1-S are available for the 350i but do not use these tyres on other TVRs without first checking with Toyo ( 01933-411144 ).
>> Edited by 19560 on Tuesday 8th October 19:07
The original spec was a Dunlop 205/60VR14 up to chassis number 5321 (part No. 025g002A) then a Goodyear 205/60VR14 from chassis number 5322 onwards (part No. 025G010A).
To use a modern high performance tyre construction it is necessary to change the tyre dimensions slightly. A 205/50VR16 should be fine all round and a 225/45 should fit at the rear, both of which are a nominal 1.5% increase in rolling diameter.
There is not normally a problem for small deviations with specifications higher than OE. You should certainly tell your insurance company.
PS 205/55R15 88V Toyo Proxes T1-S are available for the 350i but do not use these tyres on other TVRs without first checking with Toyo ( 01933-411144 ).
>> Edited by 19560 on Tuesday 8th October 19:07
350zwelgje - the tyres that you have found are the original specification and should be fine. 205/55R15 88V are available in a higher specification and generally perform better - although the 60 profile gives a more comfortable ride.
I would not go to the bother of importing them; where did HarryW (above) get his tyres? Or you could call Bridgestone - I think that they are still on 01926 488500. Good luck.
>> Edited by 19560 on Tuesday 8th October 19:29
I would not go to the bother of importing them; where did HarryW (above) get his tyres? Or you could call Bridgestone - I think that they are still on 01926 488500. Good luck.
>> Edited by 19560 on Tuesday 8th October 19:29
quote:
.......
I would not go to the bother of importing them; where did HarryW (above) get his tyres? Or you could call Bridgestone - I think that they are still on 01926 488500. Good luck.
>> Edited by 19560 on Tuesday 8th October 19:29
Got mine via the local Chessington Tyre co., I think they have other outlets around the south, bargin at £75 a corner
. If not then you could always try www.buyatyre.com part of the bookatrack website, they are quoting RE71's at the mo for £78, not used them myself, I believe ted has though. They will also fit at a track day or at home, quite handy if you intend to kick the last life out of your tyres on a track day
. Harry
PS my monies on 19560 being an old national service serial no. do I get my fiver now
quote:
Based upon this, Insurance companies would make individual decisions regarding the circumstances of a claim, since the fitting of incorrect tyres would be an instance of criminal law, and hence would result in direct police action
In other words it is like modifying your car and not informing the company and giving them a valid reason for turning down a claim.
You modded the car, I didn't know, I'm not paying.
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