Tyres again

[Contigo]

Asym 3's out now. Excellent tyre...

 

[Jkulin]

OK Lads, because of the size problems with the 18" wheels I have managed to obtain some brand new 20" wheels, pics and spec below, can I have suggestions as to the correct profile that I need to obtain for comfort and all season: -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191716538577

Fronts: 8.5"x20" ET52

Rears: 10.5"x20" ET50.5

Maserati part numbers: 244861 & 244862

As always any assistance is much appreciated.

 

[MAF260]

Nice wheels, John - they'll look lovely on your car. AndyG's was fitted with the same wheels at the Ace, they really suit the QP.

 

[Jkulin]

Yep I thought the same Mark, I just don't want to go through the agro of finding tyres and stockists again, The Toyo's are a vast improvement, the Pirellis were scary but that might have been down to the fact that they were worn, because the same model tyre on the 911 is fantastic.

Problem is what tyres do I go for now and keep the comfort?

 

[Keano]

Hi John

Nice wheels Owners Manual shows as follows for Standard and the S with 20" rims

8.5”J x 20” (+) 245/35 ZR20
10.5”J x 20” (+) 295/30 ZR20

keano

 

[Jkulin]

Thanks Keano, blimey they are a big tyre, lets hope it opens the door to more options.

 

[StuartW]

They look very nice John, a fine choice

 

[Jkulin]

Thanks Stuart and Mark, Yes I really like the wheels on it but couldn't find any in 20" so these were the next best thing and thank goodness I can find a whole selection of tyres to chose from, but I have to say the Toyo Proxes T1-R that I put on before the car went away to have the Variators done seem amazing, the car in the wet has been transformed, so until I get the car back next week I will have to wait and see what they are like on the Vulcan run!

 

[RW3200]

Yep I thought the same Mark, I just don't want to go through the agro of finding tyres and stockists again, The Toyo's are a vast improvement, the Pirellis were scary but that might have been down to the fact that they were worn, because the same model tyre on the 911 is fantastic.

Problem is what tyres do I go for now and keep the comfort?

In regard to the profile of the tyre the important thing to stick to is the ratio front to back, given previously as 35 front and 30 rear.
It may be possible to get a 40 front and 35 rear if you prefer a more comfortable ride. Obviously there is a slight handling trade off but as long as the load and speed ratings are correct they should be fine.

Just a word on mixing brands, never mix across the axles and I'd advise not to do it front to back either. The main reason is every manufacturer has different mixes and compounds of rubber and therefore react differently at different times. High end tyres are designed to compliment each other and therefore give a uniform feel. Mixing brands could give you a conflicting feel front to back which could result in a vice versa reaction in changeable conditions. For example, in the dry the rear set may give more grip over the fronts but in the wet the fronts may grip more than the rear.
You may get a difference in sidewall stiffness where the fronts fold more than the rears and are more likely to break away.
I could go on....
This may sound a bit OTT but given that we're talking about high performance, reasonably weighted cars and tyres are what connects you to the road I don't see any point compromising or taking a chance. And, you can't use them to their potential without good tyres.
Just my opinion, if you replace rears, different to fronts, you're going to waste the best part of the tyre waiting for the fronts to wear, may aswell bite the bullet and replace all and get your money's worth.

 

[Jkulin]

Thanks JW, much appreciate the advice.

The new rims come without tyres, so it will be a complete set of the same brand and type going on.

I don't drive the QP anything like I drive the 911, I never bought it for that, however if I ever changed to a GT then a different ball game.

Interesting what you have mentioned about going for a slightly higher profile, would there not be clearance problems then?

The problem now is to decide which brand/Type to go for, in my Motorbike Racing days I was very partial to Michelin Pilots, but with a car it is a different scenario, I need something to last all year round and because it will be used for business use, then wear has to be a consideration, but as you say these aren't light cars, so there has to be a compromise.

 

[RW3200]

Thanks JW, much appreciate the advice.

The new rims come without tyres, so it will be a complete set of the same brand and type going on.

I don't drive the QP anything like I drive the 911, I never bought it for that, however if I ever changed to a GT then a different ball game.

Interesting what you have mentioned about going for a slightly higher profile, would there not be clearance problems then?

The problem now is to decide which brand/Type to go for, in my Motorbike Racing days I was very partial to Michelin Pilots, but with a car it is a different scenario, I need something to last all year round and because it will be used for business use, then wear has to be a consideration, but as you say these aren't light cars, so there has to be a compromise.

I'm not sure about the clearance issue, I'm assuming that if the cars have a 20" rim option then a minimal increase in tyre profile should be manageable, maybe someone here could answer conclusively. I'm not familiar with the wider range of tyres today so it may prove just as difficult to get them. Sorry I can't be more help in that way.
I will look into it and see what I can find.

With you on the bike tyres though, always been Michelins for me too.