I'm hoping one of you MR2 experts can help a wee novice like me! s:oops: :oops: s:oops: My wife has just returned from almost spinning the car in the wet when coming off a roundabout s:cry: :cry: s:cry: . I appreciate the MR2 can be difficult in the wet but I was wondering if there is anything I can do to make it safer??? s:? :? s:?
Ive got Dunlop SP Sport tyres on the rear and they seem to have good tread left. I bought the car with 18K on the clock and it now has 20K, I'm assuming the tyres are the originals. Its a 52 plate so doesnt have the bigger 16inch wheels on the back.
Should I change the tyres or fit 16inch to the back (like the newer models) or shall I just tell her not to accelarate off corners???
All help appreciated!!!! s:) :) s:)
They're not the original rears, which were either bridgestone or Yokohamas.
For best possible stability and peace of mind, the car should have the same make and type of tyres at the front and rear, if it doesn't, the differences in grip characteristics can cause problems with instability.
Also keep a very very close eye on tyre pressures. A couple of psi either way and the cars balance can be thrown off comlpletely. Consider fitting a new set of tyres all round for the winter if you dont want a repeat performance. s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
saying that, they are all buggers in the wet! s:? :? s:?
Driver training. Get her on a skid pan.
Quote from: "juansolo"Driver training. Get her on a skid pan.
I agree.
Also it seems lot's of people don't really take it seriously when warned to "watch it in the wet". (not saying it's the case here, just something i've noticed)
Having said that i noticed that i was all over the shop today when driving down a straight lane in the wet/leaves.
Quote from: "markions"Ive got Dunlop SP Sport tyres on the rear and they seem to have good tread left.
I was just googling around trying to find the wear & grip ratings on these, but failed miserably.. However, I did find lots of references to them being 'budget' and 'comporamise' tyres.. (which makes them sound like the last set of Dunlops I had a few years back - about as much grip as a set of greased ballbearings..)
Personally, I'd get shot of them sharpish. You didn't say what you have on the front - the originals maybe? Bridgestone or Yokohama? If that's the case, you've probably got grip heavily biased to the front right now.. Get a nice set of Toyo's all round..
Other than that, I'd agree with the others - driver training is good and tyre pressures are very important.
Although everyone seems to say these cars are very tail happy in the wet, they seem pretty docile to me.. s:oops: :oops: s:oops: (Probably clout a lamppost next time I drive it now as penance for that comment!)
I'd hazard a guess that Perry's might well be a tad lairy in the wet mind - but he does have the advantage of a turbo and a big handful more torque than us mere mortals s;) ;) s;)
Thanks for all the advice, getting her road trained will be a long task, my immediate task is to protect my pride and joy (the MR2 that is!!!)
Ive got Yoko's on the front and hadnt realised (until now!) that the rears arent originals! There's not much grip on front but I assumed they are designed like this as most grip required is on the back (is this even remotley correct?!!!)
I think the best option may be to buy a complete new set of 4. What would you all recommend? The car is an every day city commutor that gets used on country roads on weekends. Also where is best to get them? If you get them on the net will a normal tyre place fit ehm?
Thanks for all the help! s:) :) s:)
Depends how much you want to spend, if you think driver training will be difficult, and you really want to curb the MR2's tendency to oversteer, you could consider investing in a racelogic traction control setup, but your looking in the region of £1,500 - £2k If my memeory serves me correctly.
Many advocates of Toyo on this 'ere board. I have Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3s on mine. I have no experience of the Toyos, but the F1s are more grippy in the dry than the stock Bridgestones/Yokohamas, and infinately more grippy in the wet. I heard rumour that the grip levels in the wet of the F1s are comparable to the stock tyre's grip levels in the dry... s:shock: :shock: s:shock: Expensive though, but worth it. s:wink: :wink: s:wink: Especially when I know not to cane it out of junctions in the wet but the wife doesn't. s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Actually i was looking at the race logic traction control plug in yesterday, from a review on circuit driver. About 500 if i remember correctly.
not sure how it'd cope with the LSD though.
As said before driver training, and being very carefull/respectfull in the wet is the key.
Quote from: "markions"Thanks for all the advice, getting her road trained will be a long task, my immediate task is to protect my pride and joy (the MR2 that is!!!)
Ive got Yoko's on the front and hadnt realised (until now!) that the rears arent originals! There's not much grip on front but I assumed they are designed like this as most grip required is on the back (is this even remotley correct?!!!)
I think the best option may be to buy a complete new set of 4. What would you all recommend? The car is an every day city commutor that gets used on country roads on weekends. Also where is best to get them? If you get them on the net will a normal tyre place fit ehm?
Thanks for all the help! s:) :) s:)
OOooohhhhh........get the tyres changed. Need a set of the same tyres all round. Will make a BIG difference. I have fairly newish Toyo's on mine (about 2K on them) and I have a "moment" the other day (although I actually thought it was quite good fun!!!) and I wasn't actually going that fast (which makes me think there might be something else other than water on the road. s:roll: :roll: s:roll: ). But, I do have experience of the Dunlops on my Mk1s and have to say, allthough they were reasonably Ok in the dry, they were a NIGHTMARE in the wet. If you have them on the rears AND you have two types of tyres on the car, your new 2 is a disaster waiting to happen really. I would get it done before winter really sets in if I were you........
Glad the missus (and the car!) are Ok.........
I suggest Toyo's since they are best bang for the buck. Of course, if you want to spend for the best, F1's or S03's should be your pick...
and haveing 16's on the back makes no difference to this little problem, i can speak from experience on that s:cry: :cry: s:cry: definatley helps in the dry though s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
Quote from: "odub"not sure how it'd cope with the LSD though.
I had their fully adjustable TC on my first 300ZX (sold it with the car though, foolish me!) - fantastic bit of kit, though perhaps overkill on a '2.. Personal preference of course, there are plenty of 300ZX owners that consider it overkill on those, too s:) :) s:)
An LSD will make no odds to the TC - it works by measuring the speed difference between front & rear wheels using the ABS sensors (and lots of jiggery pokery) - certainly worked fine on the ZX (ok, so that's a viscous diff, not quite an LSD, but..)
Adjustable slip was great fun - select from 0%-10%-15%-25%-off and have fun.. 0% was utterly safe, and I don't think anyone ever came a cropper - 10-15% meant people tended to drive around with the back of the car dangling out and just expecting the TC to keep them from going full circle. Sadly though, as some found out, it
is possible to 'catch' the TC out when it's on the higher slips and get so far out of shape that it can't stop you going full circle..
Fun on the track though - look like an ace driver, but in reality it's all electronics.. s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Oh and finally - for drag work it was best to switch it off, unless you spent a lot of time tuning the launch control upper slip limits (to perhaps 40-60%) and then raised the standard upper slip limit to about 30-35%.
Right, I'm waffling now.. back onto Tyres s:) :) s:)
QuoteOOooohhhhh........get the tyres changed. Need a set of the same tyres all round. Will make a BIG difference. I have fairly newish Toyo's on mine (about 2K on them) and I have a "moment" the other day (although I actually thought it was quite good fun!!!) and I wasn't actually going that fast (which makes me think there might be something else other than water on the road. s:roll: :roll: s:roll: ). But, I do have experience of the Dunlops on my Mk1s and have to say, allthough they were reasonably Ok in the dry, they were a NIGHTMARE in the wet. If you have them on the rears AND you have two types of tyres on the car, your new 2 is a disaster waiting to happen really. I would get it done before winter really sets in if I were you........
Glad the missus (and the car!) are Ok.........
Thanks for the help John, appreciate the concern!
If I go to buy any of the tyres you have all mentioned, am I best walking into a tyre specilst and ordering including fitting or should I buy on the net and get a tyre company to fit??
Will look to get this done ASAP as your comments do worry me if the grip is so bad having two different sets of tyres on.
Appreciate the help all ! s:D :D s:D
I'd look on the Net at tyre prices, then ring around.
See if you can get them to match the price - or fit the tyres you got from the net for a reasonable price.
I wouldn't get S03 in your shoes, they are a great wet tyre, but really really bad in teh snow, since winter is approaching you'll just have the same problem when the snow arrives.
So would you recommend Toyo's?? Exactly what am I seaching for on the net when looking for these?
Again appeciate help!
Mark
best bang for teh buck
Toyo Proxies T1-S (or teh new T1-R if you can get them but don't mix)
Pre-03
185/55/15 front
205/50/15 rear
post o3
195/50/15 front
225/40/16 rear
try w www.mytyres.net (http://www.mytyres.net) w
any local kwik fit type place should charge circa £30-£40 to fit and balance 4 tyres.
take it easy when the are first done as proxies need a couple of hundred miles to scrub off the release agent.
m http://www.camskill.co.uk/ (http://www.camskill.co.uk/) m seem to have stock.
This site does seem to have the Toyo Proxies T1-S, about £46-48 a pop. Does that seem good value? Are the new ones you mentioned much different?? s:? :? s:?
expect to pay somewhere in the region of £165 for a full set inc vat and delivery.
T1R has a slightly different tread pattern, don't know anyone that has tried them yet, but the T1S will be being fazed out.
Having a wee google around that site you mentioned seems to be the cheapest, but will keep looking as they are comming in at about £190, then need to get the wee buggers fitted!!! If you spot them any cheaper any where else please give me the nod!!! The places that quote full fitting etc come in at about £69 each tyre! Seems bitty expensive for set of tyres! Getting them bough, delivered to me then whisked off to the tyre place seems best?
Cheers mate
Quote from: "markions"Having a wee google around that site you mentioned seems to be the cheapest, but will keep looking as they are comming in at about £190, then need to get the wee buggers fitted!!! If you spot them any cheaper any where else please give me the nod!!! The places that quote full fitting etc come in at about £69 each tyre! Seems bitty expensive for set of tyres! Getting them bough, delivered to me then whisked off to the tyre place seems best?
Cheers mate
Mark,
I got my Toyo's delivered from mytyres for just under £170 all in. I then phoned a local backstreet garage to fit and it cost me £28. All in all, under £200. Any other tyre and I think you are going to struggle with that to be honest. mytyres were excellent value, came in on delivery time, even though they said they had to track them from Germany and the backstreet fitter was no worse than any large company doing it. I wouldn't worry about delivery and fitting. Delivery is cheap and fitting can be done anywhere really........
Easy peasy!
(P.S. When you consider that going to a local and getting stock Bridgestones fitted for over £50 a tyre (some quoted me full proce of around £80!) and VAT AND fitting on that, you are looking at over £300. I think the delivery and fitting method shows that its a MUCH cheaper way of doing things)
Quote from: "markions"Seems bitty expensive for set of tyres!
Remember, the tyres are the most important things on your car - they're what keep you going in a straight line, stop you bouncing off walls, other traffic etc.. You get the idea, I'm sure s;) ;) s;) They're not something you want to skimp on - sure, you could probably get a set of cheap remoulds for £20 a corner, but then.. well - either the car won't last very long or worse, and to be honest, you'd be better off selling up and getting a Fiesta or something cheaper to run s;) ;) s;) (especially if you're willing to only drive within the limits of a shoddy set of tyres s;) ;) s;) )
Anyway, if you think that's expensive, the guy in front of me at the tyre place paid £900 for a set of tyres on an M3....
Anyhow, here endeth my sermon s:D :D s:D
Quote from: "John Woodward"I got my Toyo's delivered from mytyres for just under £170 all in. I then phoned a local backstreet garage to fit and it cost me £28. All in all, under £200. Any other tyre and I think you are going to struggle with that to be honest. mytyres were excellent value, came in on delivery time, even though they said they had to track them from Germany and the backstreet fitter was no worse than any large company doing it. I wouldn't worry about delivery and fitting. Delivery is cheap and fitting can be done anywhere really........
Easy peasy!
(P.S. When you consider that going to a local and getting stock Bridgestones fitted for over £50 a tyre (some quoted me full proce of around £80!) and VAT AND fitting on that, you are looking at over £300. I think the delivery and fitting method shows that its a MUCH cheaper way of doing things)
Thanks John and Aaron, just so I get exactly the right tyres, which ones did you order? Quality advice and probably saved me a wee fortune (and thank God I dont have an M3 Aaron!!!!
Quote from: "markions"Quote from: "John Woodward"I got my Toyo's delivered from mytyres for just under £170 all in. I then phoned a local backstreet garage to fit and it cost me £28. All in all, under £200. Any other tyre and I think you are going to struggle with that to be honest. mytyres were excellent value, came in on delivery time, even though they said they had to track them from Germany and the backstreet fitter was no worse than any large company doing it. I wouldn't worry about delivery and fitting. Delivery is cheap and fitting can be done anywhere really........
Easy peasy!
(P.S. When you consider that going to a local and getting stock Bridgestones fitted for over £50 a tyre (some quoted me full proce of around £80!) and VAT AND fitting on that, you are looking at over £300. I think the delivery and fitting method shows that its a MUCH cheaper way of doing things)
Thanks John and Aaron, just so I get exactly the right tyres, which ones did you order? Quality advice and probably saved me a wee fortune (and thank God I dont have an M3 Aaron!!!!
Toyo Proxes T1-S. Fronts 185/55/15s Rears 205/50/15s (pre 03 that is).
They take a little while to scrub in (some have quoted only 200 miles, but as I found it to be nearer 500, I think it depends on how you drive) and they may seems little "slippery" at first. Stick with them. I had reservations initially, but they bed in lovely and the grip and the turn is now there that I had with the stock Bridgies (which some people don't like. I think that they were actually pretty darn good).
And get in there quick too. I think Toyo are replacing them very soon (or already phasing them out) with the T1-Rs. I reckon that they will be pretty good, with stiffer side walls (which, to be fair is what the S's need really) and probably higher wear, but bang for buck, you can't beat the S's really. So go on, stop reading! Go and do it!!!!
s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Darth Maul said- Many advocates of Toyo on this 'ere board. I have Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3s on mine. I have no experience of the Toyos, but the F1s are more grippy in the dry than the stock Bridgestones/Yokohamas, and infinately more grippy in the wet. I heard rumour that the grip levels in the wet of the F1s are comparable to the stock tyre's grip levels in the dry... Expensive though, but worth it. Especially when I know not to cane it out of junctions in the wet but the wife doesn't.
I use Goodyear F1's all round after coming off roundabouts twice backwards.. once i was on 2 wheels followed by the OTHER two wheels.. not a joke! all at about 25-30 mph!
Since then the peace of mind offered and the awesome grip in dry or wet but particularly in wet has been worth evert penny spent (cost me £320 for 4 fitted). the inly time i have felt the car lose grip since getting F1's is- on wet grass~ loads of fun s:D :D s:D , on gravel at a track day.. s:shock: :shock: s:shock: and on ice at 5mph s:? :? s:?
Agree with everything John said about the Toyo's - best bank for the buck in my book.. I've also had Bridgestone S-03's on the 300ZX, and I found the Toyo's more progressive - not tried the Goodyears (they're usually really really expensive), but they also get good reviews (like vibratingsky's s:) :) s:) )
Quote from: "John Woodward"They take a little while to scrub in (some have quoted only 200 miles, but as I found it to be nearer 500, I think it depends on how you drive) and they may seems little "slippery" at first.
Think I scrubbed the rears on the 300ZX in about ten yards - but then I did manage to leave big black lines on the road coming out of the tyre place.. Oops - they are quite slippy when brand new.. s:lol: :lol: s:lol: I don't really recommend that method of scrubbing them in, however s:) :) s:)
yeah i scrubbed my new bridgestones by spinning off the road into a curb,
Seemed to work well.
Since the last posting Ive been shopping around to get the Toyos and popped into my local Tyre place to check the cost of fitting. The guy there told me that the Good Year F1 tryes are better as the Toyos dont last long. He also advised to go for 195/50/15 on the front with the 205/50/15 on the back. Are the Goodyear better and should i go for 195's on the front????? s:? :? s:?
By the way, also realised that Ive got bloomin 185's on the back at the moment! So although loads of tread, they are the wrong size and I'm sure that wont have helped!!!! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
I put Toyo Proxes on mine at 20K, and it's now at 36K with plenty of life left in the rears and the fronts still look brand new and believe me, I dont drive slowly (especially around corners - traction control is great s;) ;) s;) )
Did you get yours on the net then get them fitted? What size did you go for? Cheers!
Quote from: "markions"By the way, also realised that Ive got bloomin 185's on the back at the moment! So although loads of tread, they are the wrong size and I'm sure that wont have helped!!!! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
185's on the back!?!?! s:shock: :shock: s:shock: s:shock: :shock: s:shock: s:shock: :shock: s:shock: s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
bloody hell, you're askin for trouble with those especially with the nasty weather here! seriously mate, get them sorted ASAP!
Quote from: "markions"Since the last posting Ive been shopping around to get the Toyos and popped into my local Tyre place to check the cost of fitting. The guy there told me that the Good Year F1 tryes are better as the Toyos dont last long. He also advised to go for 195/50/15 on the front with the 205/50/15 on the back. Are the Goodyear better and should i go for 195's on the front????? s:? :? s:?
By the way, also realised that Ive got bloomin 185's on the back at the moment! So although loads of tread, they are the wrong size and I'm sure that wont have helped!!!! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
JEEZUZ Mark! Thats is just a big off waiting to happen!
These cars are VERY tyre and pressure sensitive. Get them sorted ASAP!!!
As for the F1's yeah, they probably are better than the Toyo's overall (more grip, slightly better wear rate etc.......), but they cost a SHED load more. Bang for buck, you aren't going to beat the Toyo's. Similar tread pattern, so water dispersal probably isn't that much off the F1's, the wear is pretty good unless you really are ragging it everywhere, then NO tyre is going to last that long, and they are much cheaper than the F1's, yet still a damn good tyre and good company.
Go for the F1's if you want to afford it. That is your choice. If I could, I probably would have too. But I couldn't, so I went for the Toyo's and I have not been disappointed in the slightest.
Don't forget. You went to a garage for that advice. He is probably doing the sales pitch on you too!!!!!
But for goodness sake, get those 185's off the back ASAP. I fear for your safety, especially in this wet weather. And I would stick with stock sizes on the front too. Will keep the feel of the car and probably reduce tramlining.........but I don't think there have been too many problems with 195s though. I would stay with stock personally........up to you.
I don't "need" replacements with new stocks, but a quick question about tyre sizes on the new 16" wheel.
I note Toyo (not sure about F1s) don't do 215/45/16. In theory 205/50/16 should do the trick.
Has anybody any dire warnings about this change?
roger
Re my previous post thought I would try Toyo technical via their website.
Lo and behold got the reply within 15 minutes... excellent service.
"We do not have plans at the moment to produce a 215/45R16.
The 215/45R16 86 V/W has an overall diameter of 600mm to 608mm (depending on manufacturer) , the 205/50R16 87W has an OD of 613mm (Toyo dimension), a slightly higher load carrying capacity and will fit on a 5.5" to 7.5" rim but is obviously a narrower tyre. Another possible conversion is 225/45R16 93W RF, this has an OD of 608mm (Toyo T1R dimension), a higher load carrying capacity and will fit on a 7.0" to 8.5" rim.
As with any conversion please ensure that there is adequate clearance from bodywork and mechanical components.
If I can be of any further help please give me a call.
Regards
Alan Meaker
Technical Engineer"
It looks as though he is recommending a 225/45/16 subject to clearance.
roger
if you go for 225's at the back roger, this will make it too grippy at the back and result in understeer, thus upsetting the balance of the car
Quote from: "Tomr2"if you go for 225's at the back roger, this will make it too grippy at the back and result in understeer, thus upsetting the balance of the car
I assume this will be at or around the limit. But based on this logic if you drop to 205's wouldn't this turn into oversteer?.
I wonder if to get the balance / grip ratio back you should therefore fit 195/50 at the front, with the 225's at the rear?
roger
Should probably start a new thread for this guys, as we're in danger of dragging the original one far off topic s:) :) s:)
But, I assume you're talking about the post 2003 rear wheels? I believe there's a couple of posts around here someplace about the sizes to go to.. IIRC it involved going to 195 fronts and 225 rears, but I'm not sure, shall try to dredge the thread up, though as I say, we should probably start a separate "Tyre sizes for 2003 wheels" thread s;) ;) s;) (Before Steve comes along and hits us over the head with his moderators stick s:) :) s:) )
Oh - wait - just went back and looked at MarkIII's first post here and also realised that markions hasn't said if he has a pre-03 or post-03, so this could be on topic:
Quote from: "markiii"Pre-03
185/55/15 front
205/50/15 rear
post o3
195/50/15 front
225/40/16 rear
I'd agree with Mark on those sizes s:) :) s:)
Sorry s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
I'll shut up now!
Just goes to show as you get older the memory becomes more like that of a goldfish.
Just goes to show as you get older the memory becomes more like that of a goldfish (Oh bother s:roll: :roll: s:roll: )
roger
Quote from: "roger"Sorry s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
I'll shut up now!
s:D :D s:D I didn't mean you had to shut up s;) ;) s;) Not sure what my excuse is, though, as I'd forgotten about Mark's post too.. I also managed to miss the fact that in the very first post, Markions does actually say he's got a 2002 car s:oops: :oops: s:oops: s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
Now
I'll shut up s:) :) s:)
<MOD>
Actually guys, if you do want to discuss front/rear tyres size differectials and the handling effects therof, I'd rather it was in a seperate thread. That way its a lot easier to find and refer to in the future, as its a topic that'll come up again and again...
Cheers all...
</MOD>
Quote from: "John Woodward"JEEZUZ Mark! Thats is just a big off waiting to happen!
These cars are VERY tyre and pressure sensitive. Get them sorted ASAP!!!
As for the F1's yeah, they probably are better than the Toyo's overall (more grip, slightly better wear rate etc.......), but they cost a SHED load more. Bang for buck, you aren't going to beat the Toyo's. Similar tread pattern, so water dispersal probably isn't that much off the F1's, the wear is pretty good unless you really are ragging it everywhere, then NO tyre is going to last that long, and they are much cheaper than the F1's, yet still a damn good tyre and good company.
Go for the F1's if you want to afford it. That is your choice. If I could, I probably would have too. But I couldn't, so I went for the Toyo's and I have not been disappointed in the slightest.
Don't forget. You went to a garage for that advice. He is probably doing the sales pitch on you too!!!!!
But for goodness sake, get those 185's off the back ASAP. I fear for your safety, especially in this wet weather. And I would stick with stock sizes on the front too. Will keep the feel of the car and probably reduce tramlining.........but I don't think there have been too many problems with 195s though. I would stay with stock personally........up to you.
Yet again John I appreciate the concern! s:) :) s:)
Have garaged the MR2 until get the tyres ordered tomorrow and fitted! Cant trust the missus not to cane it of roundabouts and really now fear she will come a cropper!
Will get the T1S' unless anyone recommends the T1R'??? Cant see much on this site about recent reviews??? Any way, John your recommendations are very greatfully received!
Aaron, it is indeed a 2002 model!!! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
The car gets a new rear bumper next week as some pratt decided to drive into the rear end! Decided to get it machine polished (as lots of swirls and wee scratches) and also get it Diamondbrited! So wads of cash going on this wee motor! Will use site all the time now as need to make improvements! s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
I don't think anyone has used the T1R on an MR2 yet, but Toyo have brought them out to replace the T1S.
They'll most likely be my next tyre unless my tyre guy can give me a good deal on Goodyear F1s but not on Toyos.
I'd get the T1R if you can, as if one or more need replacing in months to come you may not be able to get the T1S, and you shouldn't mix them.
Ultimately the T1R will be the only choice we have in the near future anyway, so I'd go with that.
However if you can only get the S I'd still get them.
I'm sure I read about someone on here having the T1-R's on their car.. perhaps it wasn't a '2.. That's right - someone had them on a friends MX-5, and they held up very well on a track day IIRC..
Quote from: "markiii"I'd get the T1R if you can, as if one or more need replacing in months to come you may not be able to get the T1S, and you shouldn't mix them.
Actually their web site says they're being phased out in '2004/2005', so they could be around for up to a year from now - and they will still be keeping 12 sizes available in the T1-S after that (though it doesn't say
what sizes)..
I don't know about you - but that makes me think there's still a reason to prefer the S, otherwise they'd simply have killed it off... Perhaps it's the sidewall construction, who knows, I guess s:) :) s:)
Quote from: "markiii"I wouldn't get S03 in your shoes, they are a great wet tyre, but really really bad in the snow, since winter is approaching you'll just have the same problem when the snow arrives.
My 2p advice s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
I cannot overemphasise the importance of tyre performance (especially in the wet and on a mid-engined car).
I personally don't have preferences for one make or another. Have tried Good Year F1, Bridgestone SO2 and S03, Yokohama (stocks).
Have yet to find a tyre that can beat S03 in the wet (and in longevity -- that's the usual trade-off of cheaper manufacturers). Even GY's F1 cannot match the S03 for wet grip, and F1 are pretty amazing. Seriously, these tyres (S03 / F1) have better grip in the wet than most ordinary tyres will have even in the dry.
However, if you get a lot of snow (and cold weather in general), none of these tyres will work well... the rubber compound is simply too hard at lower temperatures. If that's the case, you should consider fitting all-season or winter tyres (much softer compound). And if you get a lot of snow, you should actually fit much narrower tyres (e.g. 155s and 185s)
But that would look pretty ugly s:? :? s:?
This week's Autocar has a tyre test. Both F1s and S03's are tested. S03's best in the dry (just), F1's come last (out of five), but are still very good. In the wet, nothing touches the F1's.
Have now placed the order and opted (at last!) for the Toyo T1'Rs. I got some more advise from Camskill Motor Sport and apparently Toyo claim 5% better grip in wet than the T1's and 25% better in the dry. They also stated have lots of satisfied customers.
I'll let you know how they fair when they have bedded in.
If your looking to buy tyres Camskill seem excellent. Good advise, quick and brilliant prices (£194 for set of 4 Toyos!).
Anyway, cheers to all for the advise, lets hope this keeps the missus and my car on the road this winter!!!!
just a thought, but as you currently have 185 all round and your garage that fits them may get confused.
I suggest you remind them (and check afterwards) that the 205/50/15 go on the 6.5" x15" wheels and these go on the back. 185 goes on the 6"x15" up front.
just in case they are really confused teh wheel width is stamped into teh inside of teh wheel spokes.
Does anyone know where I can get a pair of 205/50 R15 Goodyear F1's?
Production has stopped on them and I really want all my tyres to match for safety and selling s8) 8) s8)
Quote from: "vibratingsky"Does anyone know where I can get a pair of 205/50 R15 Goodyear F1's?
Production has stopped on them and I really want all my tyres to match for safety and selling s8) 8) s8)
I guess they will be really hard to find now ... (it was an odd size to begin with)
For safety you need the better gripping tires at the rear. The GY F1 are excellent in the wet, the only tyre that I know that will match them are Bridgestone Potenza S03. The S03 are available in that size.
BTW I heard from my tyre supplier that 205/50R15 were going to be harder and harder to find as it's a very rare dimension. Fortunately, Bridgestone haven't increased the price of the tyre (they are still cheaper than the much more common 205/50R16 size)
thanks, i will look out for some S03's i hear they look similar to F1 anyway aand arnt too expensive to buy.
Thanks again guys s:D :D s:D
Regarding the 205/50R15 - I spoke to the folks at the Goodyear technical desk a few months back to ask if they were planning to bring a GSD3 version of the tyre out.
They're not, but the tyre is OEM fitment to MG-TFs so there should be plenty of the GSD2 variant around - I'm not sure if the problems Rover/MG have had will affect this though.