[E-Type] Baby's got a new pair of shoes!

E-Type
1

Hey guys,

I just got new tires for my car!! I got 225/60-VR15
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S tires.

We tried them on and they fit without modification (or
folding up the fender lip). I sat on the corners and they
have clearance everywhere (even under extreme pressure).

I just took them on a test drive: 5 miles of freeway
followed by 20 miles up and down hwy 2 (mountains). The
grip is a substantial improvement over Pirelli P4000s. Tire
noise is very substantially reduced (almost inaudible with
the top down) which is great for listening to the
engine/exhaust notes. The tires did not touch or rub that I
could tell despite driving at speeds that I normally would
only achieve in my BMW M3.

Oddly I found that steering force was less than before. I
also saw less tendency for the car to wander with the
grooves in the freeway than with Pirelli’s.

I could not be happier. These are early days. So far
they’ve only had to carry one fat man with lots of tools.
But fully loaded? In super hot temps? I’ll let you know.

Cheers,

Larry

PS Notes: these are tirerack.com’s #1 rated high
performance all-season tires. I did not get them there.
Instead I went to a small, local place that works on lots of
nice cars (Cobra’s, etc.). We got several sizes and fit
them first. My backup was to get 215/65’s…and failing
that to use 205/65’s which I know fit with a ton of room.

More notes: the new tires should last about twice as long
as the Pirelli’s. Finally these tires loss of grip in the
wet was less than any other tire I saw test results for
(skid pad and braking performance within 10% of dry values).
This is a HUGE improvement over my old P4000s which had to
be the worst wet weather tires I’ve ever tried.–
Larry Wade 62 OTS, La Canada, California USA
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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2

This is a HUGE improvement over my old P4000s which had to
be the worst wet weather tires I’ve ever tried.

I have to agree WRT the Pirellis. I know I have to be very careful in
wet conditions with my tires, or the car will get away from me very
quuickly.

Keep us infomed how it goes!

–chuck goolsbee
65ots, 1E10715
arlington, wa, usa
http://chuck.goolsbee.org______________________________________________________
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3

In reply to a message from Larry Wade sent Sat 17 Nov 2007:

Larry, I gather the P4000 is no longer the darling of the list!
I assume it’s your ‘62 OTS you’ve fitted them to, & what size rims
have you got?Did you try the 215/65 size as well?
I had check-in-hand to buy 205/70 P4000’s 0n 6’’ Dayton rims when I
saw your post.

From what I can tel speedo error should be minimal, is that the
case?
Tx, Mike B–
The original message included these comments:
I just got new tires for my car!! I got 225/60-VR15
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S tires.
grip is a substantial improvement over Pirelli P4000s. Tire

–
E type Mike
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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4

In reply to a message from E type Mike sent Sat 17 Nov 2007:

Hi Mike,

Yes, I’ve got them on my 62 OTS. I’ve got 6’’ Daytons (15’’
dia) which are the narrowest rim that a 225 can be fit to.
They are normally laced. Other lacings (such as center
laced) change the dish (the relative position of the tire to
the hub), typically outwards.

I think 6.5’’ would be better but the 6’’ rims worked, look
good and the car handles beautifully. I just got back from
another drive!

215/65 works as well. There is enough variance in body
size/shape that I would fit the tires before buying if at
all possible. I think most cars will fit 215/65. Mine
seems fine with the 225/60’s.

Many people are happy with the P4000s. But many that I know
are not (me included). The P4000 tire is a very old design
and uses a very old rubber compound. For those drivers who
were satisfied, they often still are. If you’ve driven
modern tires you probably will be much happier with a modern
tire like the Michelins. My other car has Michelin Pilot
Sport PS2s. The comparison between those tires and my
P4000s was painful.

There are other good choices in 215/65 that you might also
consider: Bridgestone Potenza G009 and Yokohama Avid H4.
These tires are less expensive than the Michelins and
friends who have them are happy. I chose the Michelin Pilot
Exalto A/S tires because they are somewhat higher rated in
the Tire Rack customer surveys and track tests.

In 225/60 you might also consider BF Goodrich G-force Sport.
It is a Ultra-high performance summer tire with V speed
rating. It would be great in the dry but only okay in the
wet. Also it is not for near freezing temperatures at all.
Since I live near the mountains we often drive when it is cold.

For me the Michelins in 225/60 offered the right diameter
(important for ground clearance!! as well as speedometer
error). They also are V rated. So I don’t have to worry
about wet, cold or speed. I can just drive whenever and
wherever I want to.

But they are a little more expensive…and I know several
guys who like the Yokos in particular.

I strongly recommend avoiding the Pirellis!

Cheers,

Larry–
The original message included these comments:

Larry, I gather the P4000 is no longer the darling of the list!
I assume it’s your ‘62 OTS you’ve fitted them to, & what size rims
have you got?Did you try the 215/65 size as well?
I had check-in-hand to buy 205/70 P4000’s 0n 6’’ Dayton rims when I
saw your post.

From what I can tel speedo error should be minimal, is that the
case?
Tx, Mike B

–
Larry Wade 62 OTS, La Canada, California USA
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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5

In reply to a message from Larry Wade sent Sat 17 Nov 2007:

Very useful info. Thanks.–
The original message included these comments:

I just got new tires for my car!! I got 225/60-VR15
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S tires.
We tried them on and they fit without modification (or
folding up the fender lip). I sat on the corners and they

–
69 E-type OTS
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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6

In reply to a message from sbs9 sent Sun 18 Nov 2007:

I just put new Dunlops and tubes on the V12, and have
ordered a new set of Vredesteins and tubes for the '66
(saved $250 by shopping around). Got the Sprint Classics - H
speed rated for 130mph sustained.
Check them out online: 175/70 HR 15 86 H
http://tinyurl.com/yvafsg

So both the babies now will have new shoes and socks!!

REMINDER TO ALL - IF YOUR TIRES ARE SIX + YEARS OLD, THROW
THEM AWAY! Don’t take a chance with your car and life on old
tires just because they ‘‘look good, still have tread’’ etc.
I can send some pictures of someone who recently learned
that the HARD way in their Porsche. OUCH!!!–
Ginger, 1971 SIII 2+2, 1966 SI OTS
Central Florida, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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7

Ginger,
What tires did you put on the V12?
Where did you buy them?

Thaks,Mike Moore

— jaguare71@aol.com wrote:From: “Ginger” jaguare71@aol.com
To: e-type@jag-lovers.org
Subject: Re: [E-Type] Baby’s got a new pair of shoes!!
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:48:05 +0100

In reply to a message from sbs9 sent Sun 18 Nov 2007:

I just put new Dunlops and tubes on the V12, and have
ordered a new set of Vredesteins and tubes for the '66
(saved $250 by shopping around). Got the Sprint Classics - H
speed rated for 130mph sustained.
Check them out online: 175/70 HR 15 86 H
http://tinyurl.com/yvafsg

So both the babies now will have new shoes and socks!!

REMINDER TO ALL - IF YOUR TIRES ARE SIX + YEARS OLD, THROW
THEM AWAY! Don’t take a chance with your car and life on old
tires just because they ‘‘look good, still have tread’’ etc.
I can send some pictures of someone who recently learned
that the HARD way in their Porsche. OUCH!!!

Ginger, 1971 SIII 2+2, 1966 SI OTS
Central Florida, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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8

In reply to a message from Mike Moore sent Tue 20 Nov 2007:

I was just about to reply to your other thread on the V12
tires…

They are Dunlop Signature 215/70R15 - T rated to 118 mph.
I purchased them from another Florida E-Type V12 friend, but
I can find out where she got them. She sold them to me at a
significant loss, her price was only $250. This was only
because she wanted to get rid of them. Apparently, she had
them on her car for 7.5 miles, let it sit in the garage
overnhight, and the next morning decided she didn’t like
them after all- she prefers white walls! Drove them back
and had them switched. Total 15 miles on them.

No nobbies on 'em now! I had a 2-day slalom last weekend.
:-))–
The original message included these comments:

What tires did you put on the V12?
Where did you buy them?

–
Ginger, 1971 SIII 2+2, 1966 SI OTS
Central Florida, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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9

Thanks Ginger,
I told Tom, my BinL, he probably ought to buy the horribly expensie Dunlop ER70HR15 tires (update of the original E70VR15) if he’s going to show the car.
I bought incorrect but more reasonably priced tires for my S1 70 SWB XJ6 and I always regretted it. The problem was even though they were only $150 more per tire (at the time), I now had NEW tires and couldn’t just pay the difference!
Do we know if that is the only source for a concours correct tire?
Mike Moore

— jaguare71@aol.com wrote:From: “Ginger” jaguare71@aol.com
To: e-type@jag-lovers.org
Subject: Re: [E-Type] Baby’s got a new pair of shoes!!
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:25:07 +0100

In reply to a message from Mike Moore sent Tue 20 Nov 2007:

I was just about to reply to your other thread on the V12
tires…

They are Dunlop Signature 215/70R15 - T rated to 118 mph.
I purchased them from another Florida E-Type V12 friend, but
I can find out where she got them. She sold them to me at a
significant loss, her price was only $250. This was only
because she wanted to get rid of them. Apparently, she had
them on her car for 7.5 miles, let it sit in the garage
overnhight, and the next morning decided she didn’t like
them after all- she prefers white walls! Drove them back
and had them switched. Total 15 miles on them.

No nobbies on 'em now! I had a 2-day slalom last weekend.
:-))

–
The original message included these comments:

What tires did you put on the V12?
Where did you buy them?

–
Ginger, 1971 SIII 2+2, 1966 SI OTS
Central Florida, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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10

In reply to a message from Ginger sent Tue 20 Nov 2007:

Hey Ginger,

Tirerack.com sells them for $63 each. They are in stock if
anyone wants more.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Dunlop&model=Signature

They are not very highly rated though (and T-rated…maybe
okay for the East coast but a literal bust here out west!).

Why did you get them?

Similarly I know that a bunch of listers like Vrenestein
tires. Can anyone point to a comparative test with a major
brand? I have a hard time believing that their tires really
compare to those from companies like Bridgestone and
Michelin. The looks are classic. But I suspect that the
performance is too. And that is not a complement when it
comes to tires. Any data out there? Their website doesn’t
report any.

Cheers,

Larry

PS I’ve got mine. But I’m always open to new data.–
Larry Wade 62 OTS, La Canada, California USA
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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11

In reply to a message from Larry Wade sent Wed 21 Nov 2007:

Hey, Larry,
I bought them from my friend because she offered them to me
at a good deal at a time I could use a new set. I looked up
the Tire Rack price, and I saved $130 over their price with
shipping from a Southern state that had them in stock.

Anyway, I noticed a better ride right away and they did well
at the slaloms last weekend while pumped up to 40psi (44 max
stated on tire). Sure, there’s better,higher rated (and
more expensive) tires out there, but these suit me this time
around. Realizing, however, that with a ‘‘T’’ rating, I shall
refrain from doing a sustained 120+ mph run.

I don’t have a comparative test I can point you to with
regard to the Vredesteins. They were twice as much
price-wise, but they have a 130 mph ‘‘H’’ rating.–
The original message included these comments:

Hey Ginger,
Tirerack.com sells them for $63 each. They are in stock if
anyone wants more.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Dunlop&model=Signature
They are not very highly rated though (and T-rated…maybe
okay for the East coast but a literal bust here out west!).
Why did you get them?
Similarly I know that a bunch of listers like Vrenestein
tires. Can anyone point to a comparative test with a major
brand? I have a hard time believing that their tires really
compare to those from companies like Bridgestone and

–
Ginger, 1971 SIII 2+2, 1966 SI OTS
Central Florida, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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12

In reply to a message from Larry Wade sent Wed 21 Nov 2007:

Larry,
No objective data, but I’ve driven E-types with various
Michelins, P4000s, and my Kumhos, as well as the Vredesteins. The
Vredes’ provide nice, light steering, quick turn-in, and
good ‘‘stick’’. They’re quite good, and make the car handle as it
was intended to. They may not be the ultimate E-type tire if
you’re after that last tiny bit of lateral Gs, but they are an
excellent all-around tire for the street, and much more enjoyable
to drive on than the typical wider tires. Subjectively, they see
every bit as good as P4000s, or the Michelin X-Ones I had on my
car. I plan to put a set on my car this winter. It’s not just
the ‘‘big boys’’ that can come up with exceptional tires. I’ve now
had two sets of Kumhos on my BMW, that are far, far, better than
all the Bridgestones, Dunlops and other major brands I’ve had on it
over the years, for less than half the cost per tire.–
Ray Livingston - '64 OTS Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, CA, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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13

In reply to a message from Ginger sent Tue 20 Nov 2007:

Hi Ray,

Someday let me drive your car so that I can see what is up
with the Vredesteins. I see people write things like ‘handle
like they were meant to,’ but I don’t know what that means.

This evening I drove the length of Mulholland drive in my
e-type. The car simply snakes through the curves. It is
very responsive to the throttle, fluid, predictable, fast,
and fun. So how could they be better? Or even as good?

I’m looking forward to finding out!

Cheers,

Larry–
Larry Wade 62 OTS, La Canada, California USA
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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14

I agree Larry, having never driven a new E Type I wouldn’t know
either, however with the P4000’s that I have now the '68 handles as
good/better than any car I’ve ever driven.
Of course keep in mind my first car was a lovely '69 Red Opel Kadett :wink:
Cheers and Happy Turkey Day,
LynnOn Nov 22, 2007, at 1:25 AM, Larry Wade wrote:

This evening I drove the length of Mulholland drive in my
e-type. The car simply snakes through the curves. It is
very responsive to the throttle, fluid, predictable, fast,
and fun. So how could they be better? Or even as good?

Lynn G
73 2+2 (Pearle)
68 OTS (Emmy)
67 Spitfire (?)
66 Spitfire (Sweet Pea)
Boise, ID USA

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15

In reply to a message from Lynn Gardner sent Thu 22 Nov 2007:

Hi Lynn,

I am truly astonished at what a great car the e-type is.

I’ve just switched from Pirelli P4000’s in 205/70 to
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S in 225/60. The improvement is
stupendous! I’m running 20% faster through the corners with
more safety margin. The car is now as fast as my M3. And
being lighter I think it feels even smoother.

The other advantage of these tires is that they show the
smallest performance change from dry to wet of any tire I’ve
looked at. So the margin is there to stay safe when I run
into bad weather. The P4000’s have a tendency to suddenly
snap free in the wet. I don’t drive in the wet except on
long trips where it can’t be avoided. But the few times I
have driven in the wet, the P4000 tires really scared me.

The car was great with P4000’s in the dry. But it is simply
phenomenal with the new tires.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Larry–
The original message included these comments:

I agree Larry, having never driven a new E Type I wouldn’t know
either, however with the P4000’s that I have now the '68 handles as
good/better than any car I’ve ever driven.
Of course keep in mind my first car was a lovely '69 Red Opel Kadett :wink:
Cheers and Happy Turkey Day,
Lynn

–
Larry Wade 62 OTS, La Canada, California USA
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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16

Hi Larry,

I have been pleased with the P4000 on my cars but like you have found
their performance in wet conditions to be questionable. I’ve got to
make what I have last a bit so won’t be in the market for a while but
really appreciate the tip on the Michelin’s. I try not to take the
car out in the rain but if you drive them, their going to get wet :wink:

Hope you had a Great Thanksgiving!

Cheers,
LynnOn Nov 22, 2007, at 11:38 PM, Larry Wade wrote:

In reply to a message from Lynn Gardner sent Thu 22 Nov 2007:

Hi Lynn,

I am truly astonished at what a great car the e-type is.

I’ve just switched from Pirelli P4000’s in 205/70 to
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S in 225/60. The improvement is
stupendous! I’m running 20% faster through the corners with
more safety margin. The car is now as fast as my M3. And
being lighter I think it feels even smoother.

The other advantage of these tires is that they show the
smallest performance change from dry to wet of any tire I’ve
looked at. So the margin is there to stay safe when I run
into bad weather. The P4000’s have a tendency to suddenly
snap free in the wet. I don’t drive in the wet except on
long trips where it can’t be avoided. But the few times I
have driven in the wet, the P4000 tires really scared me.

The car was great with P4000’s in the dry. But it is simply
phenomenal with the new tires.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Larry

The original message included these comments:

I agree Larry, having never driven a new E Type I wouldn’t know
either, however with the P4000’s that I have now the '68 handles as
good/better than any car I’ve ever driven.
Of course keep in mind my first car was a lovely '69 Red Opel
Kadett :wink:
Cheers and Happy Turkey Day,
Lynn

–
Larry Wade 62 OTS, La Canada, California USA
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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Lynn G
73 2+2 (Pearle)
68 OTS (Emmy)
67 Spitfire (?)
66 Spitfire (Sweet Pea)
Boise, ID USA

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