New rubber, what's best?
 

How do all,
Im looking to put some new tyres on me car in the not too distant future. At the moment I have Pirelli P zero's on, but don't like the feel of them in the wet, a bit vague. I am looking for a change of brand, Goodyear, Toyo, ETC. which tyre's in your opinion are the best to get for around the £100 quid a corner price range. My tyre size is 205/45/17. Oh and were's the best/cheapest place to get them.

Thanks for any feed back, Paul.

Me too, tyre size 215/45/17 on 03 WRX. It seems there is limited choice in this size.

Looking at recent threads, seems GDS 3, although GY web-site vague as to wheter my size available in GDS 3 or still a 2 pattern? P Zero- Nero? No mention of these?

Where has the search engine gone from the forum?

No idea on the search engine. Also found limited choice on the size i need. unable to find Eagle F1's in my size. They were what i originally wanted.

New website software - search will be back soon.

Favourite tyres are Goodyear F1 or Toyo T1-S. 215/40x17 is the size for a classic.

Richard

Can I put 215s on 205 rims, what will it do to the handling ETC. thought about this before, also done it when I had a bike but it nacked the handling up, not sure about cars. The 215/45/ 17 is a much more available tyre though so if it is OK I may go that way.

Cheers Paul.

Toyos!!

Slim - yes, a bike would not handle very well with that tyre :D

Most people go for 215/40x17 as it's a common size and virtually idential rolling radius to OEM 16in tyres, so speedo stays correct. 215/45 will under-read and since the whole point of larger wheels is lower profile tyres, 215/40x17 is the one to go for. Goodyears are available in this size, in the GSD3 compound. I had a set and liked them. I think I prefer the Toyos I've got now, though. Not much in it but miles better than the Pirellis that are dreadful in the wet. You will be very pleasantly surprised at the difference :)

Pirelli are not popular, for the very reason you state. But since you've got them, I assume they are on Prodrive wheels, 17x7in with 52mm off-set. Tyres will fit perfectly. If they are not Prodrive wheels, check the off-set. Anything lower than 50 can cause rubbing at the rear, depending on the car (UK or import) and the tyre (tyre sizes are nominal, not actual!).

I use Tyres Northampton. Good prices and top service. Very popular with Scooby drivers as they come and support at track days. They also know how to balance a wheel - a rare skill, I find.

Richard.

PS We are talking classic shape here, right?

Now then Hoppy. ( That's my other nick name aswell )

Yes my Scooby is a classic shape ( the best in my opinion ) and the wheels i have on are 17/7 speedlines, but what is the 52mm off set, not heared of that before. The wheels were fitted by prodrive whan I had my PPP fitted, so i prosume thats what you mean by prodrive wheels. If it is then I will prob go for the 215s. More of um.

Thanks for the info.

See ya Paul.

See my Michelin thread and trust me!!!!

Paul, I wish my other nickname was Mr Slim!

Off-set is the distance from the centre-line of the wheel to the mounting face. The lower the number, the further the wheels stick out. Scoob wheels are a very tight fit at the back.

Your wheels are Prodrive for sure. They'll have ET52 marked on the inside.

Richard.

try mytyres.net, very good prices. just put SO2s on my MY03 wagon. excellent now they've settled down.

drove at Oulton on new Toyos a couple of months ago, and it scared the sh*t out of me. they have settled down since tho.

Thanks lads.

Goodyears - Have an 03WRX and had 4 x GSD3's fitted on Saturday - lovely. Spookily quiet, takes edge off the ride but hang on beautifully .......Was going to have the PZero Nero - put £96 fitted etc vs £112 - for £64 difference, simple decision and well pleased so far (going to give them some stick tonight)!
I think the Pzero Neros have a stiffer sidewall if you are going to play on track, though .........

the Falken 451 with the GSD pattern are a stunningly good tyre- and they're cheap too!

My Tyres

Just get someone local to fit @ around £5/tyre

This is handy too. :D

Corradoboy - My Tyres are not that cheap - e.g. F1 GSD3 - 215/45/Z17 - £103.90 and then you have to get them fitted, valved and balanced!
- My local Protyre did it for £96 - all inc ........