Tyres for my new wheels

[TFJ100]

Hi all,

Thanks for everyone who posted on getting my new wheels sorted (17" x 7.5" GTV teledials). Next I will need new tyres.

It is for a 2001 GTV V6. It does about 3,000km a year, mostly commuting (sadly). I plan to take it out on the track later this year.

So I need a tyre which is ok around town, and then grippy on the track so I can whip Brad Marshall's GTA-powered ass.

One I have been researching is Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1. Russell Stuckey was pushing these quite hard at Spettacolo last year. He gave me a price for my 16" wheels in the $200s each retail (just don't compare to US prices right now...). Research suggests they are very grippy in wet and dry.

Any other recommendations?

Finally - what size? 215/45 or 235/45? The car is currently geared for 205/50x16, so my only current consideration is tyre diameter. But maybe wider tyres will give better road-holding? Any drawbacks?

Thanks
Torben

[Brad M]

my GTA-powered large ass is held on the track by standard GTA set-up. 17 x 7.5 wheels and 225/45 ZR17 tyres.

I think you had best go the 175 225 route

[TFJ100]

ok - here is where I think we are at:

-Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec at $360 each
-Bridgestone S001 (new compound) $260 each
-Bridgestone RE002 (new compound) $220 each

Looking at 215/45/ZR17 at this stage.

The latter two are both on some introductory special price. I suspect there is about $30 (hopefully more) still to come off the Dunlops.

I might be struggling to justify the extra money for the Direzzas. I will look out for reviews of the Bridgestones - these new compounds might even be better than the Dunlops.

Comments welcome, especially if anyone has any experience of these tyres, or want to suggest an alternative.

Thanks
Torben

[Simon Aarons]

It might be worth giving Craig @ Trackside Race and Rally a call - 9761 5557

I bought 215/45/ZR17" Bridgestone Adrenalin's last october before the new model was released. They are great tyres, in the dry and wet. Could be a slight chance he has some left or could get some, as they are now the old model you would be most likely be looking at under $200ea for a set of very good tyres.

[TFJ100]

Thanks Simon,

I also got that advice from someone else over the weekend, which means it must be good advice!

So I will get on the blower on Monday

Thanks
Torben

[John Hanslow]

Spoke to a dealer recently and he did state that due to the passive rear wheel stear set up in the spiders and GTV's, you had to be careful and ensure the correct tyre is fitted.

[TFJ100]

Thanks John for the note...however it is a bit cryptic:

How do I ensure the "correct tyre is fitted"?

Do you mean correct size or are there certain tyres with the wrong tread style or compound type which will impact on handling?

How would I identify which tyres fit into the "good" category and which in the "bad" category

Thanks
Torben

[John Hanslow]

ZXC$#$#. !!   Sorry.

I meant say "make sure you buy the correct tyre for the car".  You have to get the right tyre for the Spider/GTV to match the vehicles requirements.

Now I assume that a higher spec or slightly different tyre would be required.

[TFJ100]

Decision made:

Michelin Pilot Supersports from Tirerack. USD174 each (USD696 for 4), just waiting for a shipping quote before I place the order. Should be able to land for AUD900.

These are Michelin's latest tyres for Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 GT etc and sit above PS2 and PS3. The blurb is that they have managed to make them as good as their track tyres (Cup), but remain quiet and long lasting for the road.

Should suit me for the daily commute...while coping with the odd trackday.

Torben

[John Hanslow]

Cost effective decision - quality, track spec and quiet.  Hope it all works out.

[bix]

Hi Torben F-J. How did it work out in the end with the Michelin's? Did you purchase and ship 4 tyres at the same time - and not get charged the dreaded GST? I noticed that Tire Rack are now selling the Pilot Super Sport for $165 which is awesome.

[pancho]

Tire rack have some awesome deals, the only killer is the shipping and the bank wire fees, the final price still typically comes in substantially lower than buying locally - not the best for the aussie economy but the polies don't care much about it either.

I saved Myself about $450 on my tire package landed from them.

[bix]

Yes I agree Pancho, we face a bit of a conundrum where we should all be supporting all our local businesses however current prices in this country are so inflated it is difficult to justify paying the extra. The US prices really make a grown man cry.

[TFJ100]

I shipped all 4 together, paid $250 shipping (so total of about $930), therefore didn't have to pay GST, and the tyres are awesome. I got them fitted and balanced locally for $110, but that included an alignment.

I tried to tell Tire Rack that they should do a 1-month shipping for half the price instead of shipping the tyres within 2 days...they said they'd think about it but that Aussies weren't their main target market!

Cheers
Torben

[aggie57]

Hi Torben - I have the Michelin Pilot Super Sports (PSS) on my 911.  Came from PS2's.  The PSS is a brilliant combo road/track tyre.  Cheaper than a PS2 as well which is a bonus. 

In terms of track use though, they are still fundamentally road tyres and not equivalent to the Cup's.  My experience with them vs. the PS2 is that they are a little faster (around 1 second at the Island) however after 2-3 laps they definitely start to overheat and squirm around more.  A proper track tyre won't do that.  So you need to watch wear particularly on the shoulders.