Help needed with selecting tyres

[Chris Hale]

As it’s Christmas time again, I have deicide to treat my 4 Lt 92 Griff to a new set on tyres the old Bridgestone SO 1 are looking a bit sorry for them self’s still legal though but this may be due to the new 4.6 engine I had fitted and Pressing the loud pedal a bit to much.

After reading several postings on this forum it is apparent to me that SO2 are like rocking horse s**t to get hold of and everyone is quite undivided about the SO 3 and the Toyo’s are not available in 205 / 55 / 15 ZR sizes only 205 / 50 /15 ZR.

So my question is in both my owners manual & Steven Heath’s book it quotes the early griff’s to use 205 / 50 / 15 ZR’s on the front if you do not have power steering fitted, but on the car at present it has 205 / 55 / 15 ZR’s as the early 500’s without Power steering are quoted.

Which size should I go with as I do not wish to upset the cars handling, and do not wish to go to the expense of buying new 16” wheels to fit the new tyres to.

Cannot wait for the weather to get better this rain is realy getting me down as I have bought several additions to my car from ACT and cannot wait to try them out after I have fitted them.

[shpub]

The problem with Toyos is that the 15 inch tyres are only VR rated. Not suitable as a result. The difference betwen a 50 and a 55 profile are minimal. Goto the updated Tyre FAQ and look at the spreadhseet or tables and you will see what I mean. I have S03's on the Griff and no problems. Most of the issues were to do with owners fitting them to large wheels with lower profile.

Shop around and you can still get some S02s. S03s are a good alternative.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[Chris Hale]

Hi Steve,

Just checked the Toyo web site and you are right the 15” Toyo’s are only rated at V not W.

So it looks like I will try to get some SO 2’s but failing that I will opt for SO 3’s I'm sure that they are okay but why have TVR stop using them?

The old SO 1’s that I have at present are brilliant I just hope the SO 3’s are the same.

Thanks for your advice Steve much appreciated.

I maybe having a blond moment but where can I find updated Tyre FAQ.

Chris.

[donatien]

The S03's are adequate tyres but not in the same mould(excuse the pun) as the S02's. They are made from a much harder compound so wear better but don't give the same compliance as the older tyre. They also take longer to warm up, tramline, generally a poorer performance. But all is not lost, Steve Heath gave some good advice on here a while back which was to drop the PSI a few levels. That does help but you will lose longevity.

[shpub]

To be honest the S01s are not a patch on the s02 or the s03. The S03 has a harder sidewall and not the harder compound (from the conversations I have had).

If you think the s01 is good then you will be pleased either way.

It is essential to play with pressures and with the right pressure, the S03 has been great.

>> Edited by shpub on Sunday 15th December 19:46

[shpub]

for your advice Steve much appreciated.

I maybe having a blond moment but where can I find updated Tyre FAQ.

www.tvrbooks.co.uk and click on FAQ and select from the menu.

[Toffer]

If it is any help: -

There are some great on-line deals on SO1 front tyres 215/50/R15-ZR (with power steering)...I have recently seen them for 85 quid inc. VAT (you will have to get them fitted though). The rears are strangely 150 quid each, wherever you seem to look (235/50/R16-ZR).

Good luck!

Toffer

[chris hale]

Thank's guy's for all your feed back, I have opted for a set of Bridgestone SO 3.

This may have been due to the excellent price of £389 inc vat, fitted & balanced, not bad for a full set & they come to me to fit them as well.

Got them through a local company here in Ashford Kent, Fleet mobile [phone].

[dougal]

Is that for 4? That's a bloody good price!

[chris hale]

Yes

2 x 205/55/15 VR SO 3
2 x 225/50/16 VR SO 3

They are fitting them for me tomorrow at the office do not even have to venture out.

[19560]

I trust that they are really ZR and not VR.

[chris hale]

Yes they are ZR, or W as it known now, that could of been embarrassing.

Bridgestone only do W/ZR and above in SO 3 range as far as I can see from there web site.

Chris.

[Toffer]

That is a fantastic price for four SO3 tyres...well done, I have made a note of the company and contact number.

Thanks, Toffer

[Toffer]

Just a comment and it makes no difference...

My Griff was supplied new with 235/50/R16-ZR on the rear?

The fronts are 215/50/R15-ZR as I have power steering on the car.

[beano1197]

You've got a good deal there, I reckon.

I'd be surprised if the SO3's disappoint you - but do take care scrubbing them in!!!

[beano1197]

Toffer - you're comparing your power assisted 500 with the earlier Griffs!

[RichB]

Toffer said: Just a comment and it makes no difference...

My Griff was supplied new with 235/50/R16-ZR on the rear?

The fronts are 215/50/R15-ZR as I have power steering on the car.

So that suggests that they have gone down a width both front and back, as they used to be fitted with 225 50x15 front and 245 45x16 on PAS cars. Rich...

[Toffer]

Yes, I suspect the reduction in size slightly improves the ride comfort and wet performance. If I get caught in the rain, I drive the Griff like an old woman in the wet, so I wouldn't notice any difference!

Hardly anyone appears to make front tyres the size my Griff was supplied with...