XJS tyres

[PaulE]

This thread seems to have wandered off the subject of TYRES a bit. If anyone has researched what tyres are best for the XJS (4.0 Coupe) since the Pirelli P6000 is no longer made, perhaps we can start a discussion. When I got my car in 2003 it had P4000 on. The back ones have been replaced with P6000 and now the fronts will soon need renewing after what seems like a remarkable mileage of 34000 since then.(Perhaps I should corner faster?)

There is a lot of comment about tyres on line but not much seems to be based on serious analysis, more on emotion and it would be nice to see what other members are thinking. There is still a fair range of tyres in the 225/60 R16 98W size at prices from £175 to £94 but I have not heard of some brands before such as Falken and Kumho although some are heavily into being used for motorsport if that is any recommendation.

On the topic of price, here in the Lincs North region we have been contacted by the local etyres branch with the offer of discount and I have got quotes for 4 tyres from Goodyear Efficient Grip at £135 to Kumho KH31 at £94, all inc VAT and ready to roll which is a good saving on the cheapest local supplier, and even less than Black Circles (who must be doing some business as they now sponsor the TV weather forecast).

Any comments?

[BigCatXJS]

I can only speak from my own personal experience. My XJ-S (15" Lattice) runs well on Falken ZE912 tyres; I have used them since 2009 and have found them superior to Pirelli P600 in the wet. I note that the ZE912 is now being replaced by the ZE914 that has a number of enhancements. For 16" wheels, I use Goodyear NCT5 all round on my Daimler. I will need to replace within the next 6 months, so will be considering Falken 452 (or more likely, Falken 453; the replacement for the 452).

Sorry, this is not the serious analysis that you were probably looking for!

Cheers, Rich.

PS - I know of a tyre outlet locally that will now price-match anything (including on-line prices). PM me if you want the details.

[steve_m]

Formula One Autocentres will price match any on-line tyre and give you £5 per tyre on top.
I've had the front tyres changed now with Avon ZZ3 225/60 ones which certainly look the part.
With the price match discount they worked out at £102.50 each which is fairly reasonable.
I need to get the rears done aswell after a big slide coming off a roundabout yesterday!
Steve

[dhdove]

Steve M

Take care that you don't waste money, my big slides on roundabouts in my 2.8i Capri were really nothing to do with the tyres, just the nature of things

TonyS

[ptjs1]

The Pirelli tyre status continues to cause confusion and tyre fitters are often misinforming our members.

The P6000 fitment for late XJSs with 16" wheels is available, the restriction being that the 225/60 tyre fitted with Touring Suspension is obsolete, the recommendation being to fit the 225/55 tyre that was standard fitment with Sports Suspension. (I've got the 225/55s on my convertible and don't notice any difference to the 60 profile tyre in day-to-day driving.)

The 235/60 15 is on back order but will be produced. Of more concern is the fact that the 215/70 will no longer be produced with the last remaining tyre currently in stock.

This is the official status from Pirelli this afternoon. (Naturally, there may be additional stocks on the shelfs at regional suppliers.)


Tyre Size ------- Pirelli Tyre Status
205/70 VR15 ------- No Pirelli Tyre available
215/70 VR15 ------- P4000S 215/70 R15 97W - 1 in stock, then No Longer Available
235/60 VR15 ------- P600 235/60 R15 98W - On Back Order
225/60 VR15 ------- No Pirelli tyre available
225/55 ZR16 J ----- P6000 225/55 ZR16 95W J – Plenty in stock
225/60 ZR16 J ----- No Pirelli Tyre Available - Use 225/55 ZR16
225/50 ZR16 ------- No Pirelli tyre available

Hope that helps

Paul

[steve_m]

Tony
It was definitely tyres (unless there was some oil on the road) as I wasn't going fast enough to break traction in normal circumstances.
Rears are old Nankang 'ditch finders' but I was hoping to avoid the cost of replacements, ho hum.
Steve

[steve_m]

Going back to near the start of this thread one difference with the new Avons is that they do not foul on the wheel arches when putting full lock on when reversing so that is one problem solved albeit accidentally. I guess that they probably have a squarer (is that a word?) profile than the Nankaangs.
Incidentally, when I originally checked the tyre size I only checked the spare (due to general dimness and lack of space in the garage) and that is where I got the 235 profile from; it looks more like an offroad tyre than an road one and all the others were 225 section ones.
Now have to sort out the leak from the steering rack......
Steve