I've just about opted for Eagle F1 GSD3 in the size 215/40/17 but I've seen some stories about sidewall cracking and splitting. Should I be having a re-think?

 

Also, would it make any difference if I got 45 profile tyres. Are they less prone to cracking?

It's a 95 Classic WRX

Would appreciate any help

 

It has got nothing to do with profile, more to do with speed and load rating.
There was a thread running on here in the last week or so about these tyres, do a search and find the results as I cannot remember the outcome but there was some useful info for you.
I would personally go for Toyo's

Ralph

 

Had my gsd3s on for a year now,no problems at all. Good in the wet aswell as the dry.

 

Oh man, this is doing my swede in

I'm wanting to buy my damn tyres tomorrow and I must've read every damn thread on the subject and I'm no closer to a definitive answer.

There seem to be a scary amount of people complaining about the sidewalls being too soft on the GSD3's and that Scooby owners should be fitting XL versions of the tyre to avoid problems with bulges and splits etc.

Unfortunately I need 215/40/17 and Goodyear apparently don't do this size with an the stiffer XL wall

Anyone got any idea what the heck I should be buying?

 

There are two F1 types - one has a stiffened sidewall

 

That's what I read but they don't do the stiffer sidewall in 215/40/17.........I don't think...........could be wrong like

 

Onan,

Ask what the load rating of the these particular Goodyears is.

XL is 91. 87 is also good. 83 can crack !

Otherwise, go for Toyo T1R's, which come with the 91 rating as standard and are also v good in the wet.

 

Cheers Andy

At least I can go shopping for my new boots armed with some info

 

Nae bother. Good luck

 

You're right about that - the Goodyear in the size you want has a load rating of only 83 - not very good. If you were OK about 215/45 Goodyears then they do these in 91 extra load rating. The Toyos in 215/40 are rated 87 - so better than the Goodyear in the same size. Toyo 215/45 is 91 rated - same as the 215/45 Goodyears !!! I have the standard fitment Bridgestone tyres on my WRX wagon 215/45 x 17 and they have load rating of 87......

Goodyear Tires

Tim