Tyres and sizes and here we go again...

Darren · Post by **Darren** » Wed May 30, 2007 9:42 pm

Another topic of tyres...

Sorry! I've read quite a few topics and I've got a good general opinion back, but I'd like to query a few sizes.

All I want is a set of good tyres that will last as I can put on quite a few miles from time to time. Performance wise, I'll not be picky as I'm quite the cruiser. I'm after tyres for my 15" Taurus alloys and currently running 185/55s.

From what I've read, 195/50 profile tyres look to thin on these wheels? I'm quite tempted by the Yokos A539s, plus the 50 range tend to be easier in the pocket.

I understand the 195/55 is the recommended choice. Pirelli P6000 seem to be the popular choice; is the 'Powergy' type worth paying extra for? Any other particular brand for my prefered needs?

What about 195/65 or 185/65?

I'm also a bit of a sucker for big chunky tyres, so does anybody have any experiance with 205/55 or 205/65, or would they be pushing the boat out...

Thanks for the help. Only noticed I'm down to my tyre mark limits at the weekend so need a change!

martinholmesuk · Post by **martinholmesuk** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:55 pm

although i love my t1r toyo's

I find the 50 profile cause the engine to rev to high while cruising.

Anton_K · Post by **Anton_K** » Thu May 31, 2007 12:06 am

Hello Darren,

IÃ‚Â´ll be soon in the same situation when getting some nice cruising tyres for my 15" wheels.
I remember 195/55(on Taurus wheels) handling well and being still comfortable, when 195/50(on Cetus) made slightly more noise and rattles in the car. Also made a test, fitting bigger than normal tyres for 14" wheels(205/60), but IÃ‚Â´m not keen on the looks

..tough, itÃ‚Â´s very gently for the interior

.

So IÃ‚Â´m going for 195/55 and possibly Nokian NRVi:s, heard a lot positive, but not sure about the tyre wear you mention.

Would be tempted to try Gislaveds speed 606.

Regards,
Anton

Darren · Post by **Darren** » Thu May 31, 2007 12:43 am

I'm quite tempted to go the 205/X, but I'd like some more pros or cons first. Anton, do you have any better picture(s) of these tyres fitted when you had them? The picture I found during search doesn't give them much justice!

I've been doing a bit more searching and found the 195/60 Falken ZE512. Good all-season tyre with a smooth and quiet ride. Good hauler with a positive life span at a good price! Anybody any experiance with the tyre or the profile?

Ettore Bugatti · Post by **Ettore Bugatti** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 10:20 am

205/50R15 have interesting prices compared to 195/55 or 195/50R15 and there's more choice in this size (compared too 195/55, quite similar too 195/50).
Pirelli's are good. The powergy are the more modern ones. Look at Bridgestones(expensive, good) and Michelin (very expensive, very good),too. Please note that these 3 brands were OEM suppliers for the 480.
Toyo's and Yokohama's have a good price/ quality ratio.

Ral · Post by **Ral** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 10:05 pm

I've got the P6000's on and I'm not too impressed with them on the 480. Particularly in the wet there is no grip on the front whatsoever. I've got 14" wheels though, might be different for 15". Shrug.

Richmann1 · Post by **Richmann1** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 8:28 am

I agree about the p 6000 i have them on mine and they are rubbish compared to previous tyres i have used they dont seem to grip very well wet or dry (mine you they did do the Nurburgring

). Michelin or vredestein see, about best out of the tyres i have used.

Richard

Anton_K · Post by **Anton_K** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:38 pm

I'm quite tempted to go the 205/X, but I'd like some more pros or cons first. Anton, do you have any better picture(s) of these tyres fitted when you had them? The picture I found during search doesn't give them much justice!

Two pictures:

I've been doing a bit more searching and found the 195/60 Falken ZE512. Good all-season tyre with a smooth and quiet ride. Good hauler with a positive life span at a good price! Anybody any experiance with the tyre or the profile?

I have a memory that Sakis480 on the forum wrote and had some experience of them.

Regards,
Anton

Darren · Post by **Darren** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:02 pm

I ended up going for the Falken ZIEX ZE512 tyres - 195/60/R15 88H.

Ordered them from www.camskill.co.uk and they cost less than (or matched) anywhere else I priced. They also delivered to Northern Ireland for Ã‚Â£7; Something nobody else could compete with!! Ordered them in the early hours of Thursday morning (yesterday) and received them today at lunch time. Excellent service.

I've only had them fitted for about 10 miles and they seem to be nice. The ride is pretty smooth, the handling seems better and I haven't noticed any more road noise compared to the last tyres I had fitted. They also seem very grippy; I tried a couple of burn-outs in this very hot and dry weather and the tyres just pushed me forward without skid.

I must admit though, they don't 'look' as good as a lower profile tyre does, but that's purely down to the styling of the 480. I'm more a fan of beefy tyres, plus they seem to have 'raised' the height of the car up a little more, which is good for me so I am happy.

Just for the record, I was running on Vredestein Sportrac (185/55/R15) tyres before.