Need suggestion on new tires...

[VXD959]

I searched the forum but could not find the answer I was looking for...

Need to change my wife's 2000 VX tires. I'm looking for a better looking, fatter, smoother, quieter ride (she does not need off-road tires).

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Daniel

[David Wiltshire]

I am not sure if you can get the size you need but the Pirelli Scorpion Zero is a superb tyre. Since putting them on my VX here in the U.K. I have noticed improved grip on the road especially in the wet.

[WormGod]

I really appreciate what my Yokohama AVS tires have to offer. They are wider, a tad taller (which covers a lot of that open wheel well spacing), and an improved street grab. I ended up going with the 285/60/18.

http://wormgod.8m.com/Images/Ebony/vx_yokos.jpg

[VXD959]

Those Yokohamas look fine ($143/each 285/60/18). So the Scorpion Zeros (154/each).

Should I go with a 275 or 285's? What about the tire wall size? 70/60/50/40's?

What's recommended for the VX w/o trimming the cladding?

Someone once posted about the Nitto's NT404 $131 275/60/18. I'm wondering how are those holding up...

I also found Dunlop Sport 9000..any one with those?

Goodyear Eagle GT for $119 each? p285/60/18
Falken $150/each

Michelin Pilot 275/60/18...$91

PS- Got pricing and information from DiscountTire and Tire Rack.com. (for my own reference)

;eekp;

[WormGod]

I had to do about a 1/2" trimming on the front lower cladding, but others with the same tires didnt seem to have to. It probably depends on your method of driving. I am pretty aggressive so I get the max use out of cornering/turning and I found that I had some rubbing. The trimming is completely unnoticable, even if I were to point it out. Very flush job with a hacksaw and a file.

It's hard to say what tire size to get. It really depends on YOUR preferance. I plan on going wider as soon as I get my new wheels, and I may stick with the Yokos. A very soft tire with a lot of good grab. Not so good in snow though. :(

[VXD959]

No problem with snow here in Houston, Texas.

Sorry for this "naive" question, but need to ask...

- Is the rubbing against the cladding a problem due to the size of the tire wall or the overall dimension of the tire? For example:

Is a 285/60/18 tire bigger/taller in overall dimension (circumsference) than a 285/45/18?

(You can tell I'm not an engineer or knowledgeable on this matter)

Thanks for all your help.

BTW, "Saint" just sent me a note stating that his Nittos are performing great after 8,000 miles.

[IsuZOOM]

Originally posted by VXD959

- Is the rubbing against the cladding a problem due to the size of the tire wall or the overall dimension of the tire? For example:
Well, that's kind of the same thing. I mean obviously the overall size of the tire is all that matters, and the sidewall size affects that.


Is a 285/60/18 tire bigger/taller in overall dimension (circumsference) than a 285/45/18?
Yes. The sidewall height is 15% more in the first. (285 means 285 mm width of the tire. 60 mean the sidewall is 60% of the first number, or 171 mm in this case)

[WormGod]

Right. It's a combination if width and height. Trimming isnt as bad as it sounds though. As long as you dont get cut-happy and take off too much, you will be very satisfied. Lifting is always an option for a larger tire, but then you have the whole "open wheel well space" issue again. It's good to plan out what you want and what you can get from what you want before jumping in head first. That's where these forums come in most handy. ;)

[LEG 01VX]

Daniel,

Here is how you calculate the "tire diameter".

Size 285/60R18:

((285/25.4)x(.6)x2)+18=31.46"

Size 285/45R18:

((285/25.4)+(.45)x2)+18=28.10"

Larry :p :p

[VXD959]

Thank you, guys! Very useful information. Gotta love this forum!

[Randy]

After the original Bridgestones, I tried the Yokohama AVS/ST's and liked them for their grip and feel, except they became very noisey after some mileage. They lasted about 45,000 miles.

So, I took Tone's advice next, and bought the Pirelli Scorpion Zero's and must admit that they are very superior on and off-road. I did have an initial problem with the soft feel of the Scorpion Zero's and solved it by running 44psi instead of the 32psi that I am so acustomed to with all other tires. I have never run tires with so much pressure, but the Zero's need it. I have 35,000 on the Zero's now and expected 45-50K (much more than I ever imagined) when I bought them. I'm very pleased.

Thanks for the info Tone! I vote for you to Buy The Zeros!!!!!!

Randy

[driver3]

Ok, I'm doing the same, I'm taking off my winter rims and tires and going back to the 18's. I'm looking at the Falken TZ01's, Yoko AVS ST, scorpions, and the Kuhmo Exta. Has anyone used kuhmos? I'm going with 285/60/18's. I've heard that the avs st (my top choice right now) don't have great treadlife, and I know this type of tire isn't going to get good tread life, but I still could use some estimates. Also, the scorpions are supposed to be great, does anyone have them in the 285/60/18 size, and how do you drive? I want lots of traction on road, rain or shine. I have off-road tires for off the road, so these are completely street. Thanks... Andrew

[Panther_Black_VX]

Originally posted by Randy
the Pirelli Scorpion Zero's
Randy

Randy: Did you buy the stock size? Or do you have bigger wheels?

I'll adding these to my list of VX improvements... :)

[Navigator]

Originally posted by VXD959
I searched the forum but could not find the answer I was looking for...

Need to change my wife's 2000 VX tires. I'm looking for a better looking, fatter, smoother, quieter ride (she does not need off-road tires).

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Daniel

Michelin Cross Trainers will give you a smooth quiet ride with plenty of grip in all weather conditions, including snow. My best mod to date :D

[Andrey]

Originally posted by VXD959
I searched the forum but could not find the answer I was looking for...

Need to change my wife's 2000 VX tires. I'm looking for a better looking, fatter, smoother, quieter ride (she does not need off-road tires).

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Daniel

Are Scorpions noisy ? Any snow/mud experience ? Thanks

[VXD959]

After looking at the Falken mounted on a truck today, I have no doubt. Those are great looking tires. Asked the owner about performance and his was very pleased with the Falken tires (2002 FORD 150)...

Note: the Falken tires are not for off-roading. Great for mundane/Houston traffic. Since I don't use my VX for serious off-roading, that's my choice: Falken's 255-55-18. I already order them through Discount Tire (backorder). $160/each on sale (usually $172). I should get my new shoes next week.

Thanks everyone for the great input....

[TimG]

Originally posted by Andrey
Are Scorpions noisy ? Any snow/mud experience ? Thanks

Scorpions aren't noisy. I haven't driven them in the snow, but they are not what I'd call ideal for mud. Their voids are to small. I imagine it would be the same problem in snow, but I haven't driven that much on snow (we don't get that much of it in Houston).
Generally speaking, the better a tire is for mud, the louder it is going to be on the highway because of the larger voids in the tread.

[Randy]

Scorpions are not noisy and I have always stayed with the original sizes.

Good luck,

[Andrey]

I was told Pirelli do not have long life and they are a bit slick in the wet condition. So I guess it comes down to Michelin CrossTerrains, Toyo Proxes S/T (275/60/R16 will they ever fit ?) and Pirelli Zero Scorpions. Lets vote ! :)

[ScottinMA]

Just installed the Pirelli Scorpion Zeros yesterday. Size 285 50 18s. Had a heck of a time finding a place that would put them on for me :( Either they were pissed because I didn't buy them from the installer of they didn't have a machine that would install a tire on an 18" rim. I driven them on highway and around town today and mighty happy with the improvement.

Scott

www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1903

[Moncha]

I just put on Yokohama AVS 255/55/18 and so far like them very much... They are different from the OEM Briggies! I like the looks! Didn't think that the extra 10mm would look like much I do see the difference. I was to chicken to go with the 285's.

[johnnyapollo]

After struggling with a slow leak on one of my stock Briggies, I went to NTB to see what they could do. The tire would have to be replaced due to a cut in the sidewall.

I looked into replacing the tire and decided that with 30k miles, I may as well get a new set of 4 (start out fresh!). They wanted $239 each for the Pirelli Scorpions ST (HR rated), but told me that they would price match Tirerack plus freight (after I mentioned that they had them cheaper), so I managed to get 255/55VR18 (the VR were $4 more per tire) for $160.67 each plus all the mounting/disposal, etc fees. They're supposed to be here sometime this week.

I didn't know that they price matched... well worth buying through NTB, due to thier ubiquitous locations and road hazzard warranty. I'll take some pics next weekend, provided everything goes as planned.

-- John

[Tone]

I’d recommend upgrading to the V rated tires if you are into spirited driving since they have a stiffer sidewall for better handling. The V rating also means they can handle higher speeds and temps so offer an extra margin of safety from blowout and speed related failures.

[Andrey]

Toyo Proxes that fit my 16 rim has "V" rating and I love em. The only inconvenience that I've seen so far is the headlights that I need to adjust because Toyo is a bit lower then stock

[Cyrk]

Toyo Proxes S/T ( 255/55VR18 )
Get my vote!

Have had them on for over 2 years, not one problem yet...

-Dave

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/39clear_sides.jpg

[Andrey]

Cyrk, I am with you - Toyos are awesome ! I've had them for about a month and 500 miles is not a long period but so far so good. I still have to try them in Boston winter ;Dy;

[VR4-Quest]

I've got 255/60R18 Wrangler HP's on my VX (these are OE on new Range Rovers). Definitely look better than the OE tires, a bit taller and wider (more like what the OE size should have been), they have an aggresive shoulder design, and are suited more for both on and off-road (good compromise). Handling is comparable to OE, even though taller. Acceleration might be hindered very slightly.

[TucsonVX]

Just got Kumo STX's 265/60/18 they look great waiting till i get 40k on the brigstones before i change them out. Got the tires from Discount Tire they price matched tire rack $104.00 per tire plus $57 to ship all 4 of them.

[mrtew]

I've had the Yoko AVX 285/60/18's for 30,000 miles now and they are still looking new! Never a rub, even 4 wheeling, with no trim at all, and they stick like glue and corner great if you keep them pumped up to at least 40psi. And the look sooooooo cool on the VX. I can't recommend them enough. Check out lots of great (and big) pictures of my truck with them at the link below!

http://homepage.mac.com/mrtew/sVCRrunnr.jpg

[PWX1]

what's the best tire under $120 siped for ice rain and snow and how big can i go without a trim?

[mrtew]

Originally posted by PWX1
what's the best tire under $120 siped for ice rain and snow and how big can i go without a trim?


That's like asking what's the best car or the best place to live or the best job. Everyone can tell you what they like, but you have to decide for yourself what's 'best'. The Yokos are great for dry and really good for rain, but a little slick on the snow.... who knows if they would be OK if they were siped though. I've lived in Detroit thru 2 winters with them though and haven't quite killed myself yet because of the tires. I think that 285/60/18 is definitely the biggest you can go without a trim.... and some people have had to take a corner off the inside of the bumper with that size. 265/60/18 is the biggest if you want to make absolutely sure that you won't have to trim at all.

[PWX1]

no pressure- just wanted to know- you sound luke warm on the yoko - thanks for the size rec though-
fyi- i think being president and living in DC would be the best-
AND I DON'T MIND TELLING THE WORLD!

[PWX1]

P.S.
OF COURSE I WOULD DRIVE A VX- IT'S THE BEST! NOT TOPLESS THOUGH- I STILL REMEMBER DALLAS '63- NOT THE BEST

[JAFO]

http://www.falkentire.com/images/IMGtire_stz01_angle.jpg
Falken Ziex S/TZ01

http://www.falkentire.com/images/IMGtire_stz04_angle.jpg
Falken Ziex S/TZ04

Also has anyone tried Proxes T1-S
http://www.toyo.com/tires/tire_lines/popups/jpgs/t1s.jpg
Toyo Proxes T1-S

Has anyone tried the Falken Ziex S/TZ01 or S/TZ04, or Proxes T1-S tires?

http://www.falkentire.com/tires_suv_choose.htm

www.toyo.com (http://www.toyo.com)

[mbeach]

The Proxes are very popular in the WRX community -they might be "more tire" than you need in the VX though.

The only complaint that I recall is that they wear quickly in the AWD applications. A friend has them on his S-1 and they seem to last well (but it only weighs 1700 lbs.).

[JAFO]

The Proxes are very popular in the WRX community -they might be "more tire" than you need in the VX though.

The only complaint that I recall is that they wear quickly in the AWD applications. A friend has them on his S-1 and they seem to last well (but it only weighs 1700 lbs.).

The Subaru WRX STi has a curb weight of 3298 lbs. Which make/model vehicle has a weight of 1700 lbs?

1700 lbs is extremly light. My 1980 RX-7 is 2200 lbs and even a Lotus Elise weighs 1984 lbs.

Sources:
www.subaru.com (http://www.subaru.com)
www.lotuscars.com (http://www.lotuscars.com)

[Tone]

JUST AN FYI....Tires AND wheels need to be able to handle the total weight of the vehicle divided to by 4 (plus a margin added per the manufacturer). This is why many car tires (see sidewall) and wheels should NOT be used on trucks even though the bolt pattern may match - they should have the same or better load carrying capacity than what came on the vehicle.

[mbeach]

A friend has them on his S-1 and they seem to last well (but it only weighs 1700 lbs.).

Maybe I should've been more clear in my post. My friend has an S-1, as in Superformance S-1 roadster (think Super 7). 1700 lbs.

[Raque Thomas]

That's like asking what's the best car or the best place to live or the best job. Everyone can tell you what they like, but you have to decide for yourself what's 'best'. The Yokos are great for dry and really good for rain, but a little slick on the snow.... who knows if they would be OK if they were siped though. I've lived in Detroit thru 2 winters with them though and haven't quite killed myself yet because of the tires. I think that 285/60/18 is definitely the biggest you can go without a trim.... and some people have had to take a corner off the inside of the bumper with that size. 265/60/18 is the biggest if you want to make absolutely sure that you won't have to trim at all.

Actually 285/55/18 is the widest tire you can go without trimming. The 285 is wider than the 265, but going with a 55 series keeps the height very close to stock so your speedo reading is close to correct and also you don't have to trim the cladding.