I running MICHELIN PILOTE X 6.00-16 tubed radials on my XK140 and while Michelin was unable to help me with pressure recommendations (both US and European offices), Coker suggested 40-42 psi because of the high side wall. This is resulting in an extremely stiff ride. There is no indication of the psi on the tire.
If anyone is running these tires, I would appreciate their input regarding pressure ranges.
Thanks,
Alan
I have them on several XKs. Heavy parking manoeuvres but sensational roadholding at high speeds on twisty roads. I have 2kg pressure, but they are softer and more comfortable on 1,8
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And I had 2,3kg on the German Autobahn in a 150
Try different pressures and see what you like
…Longstone Tyres says the Pilote X is a 185R 16 with extraordinary levels of grip. They recommend 30psi Front, 36psi Rear for their 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 tyres. I would start there. 40-42 psi has got to be rock hard. Perhaps if you are out slinging it around the Track that would work.
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I ran on xk120 since years. Michelin recommend 2.0bar front, 2.5bars rear.
I use 2.5 bar front and rear and have a soft ride.
Best regards
Thomas
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For comparison, I installed a set of Pirelli Stella 6.00-16 Bias Ply tyres. They are billed as a reissue of a period tyre and they do give a nice vintage feel. I run them at 30/32 psi. WSM says 30/36 for performance, although I have no need as the car will never see north of 65 mph during my stewardship.
Why in the world should I have lower tire pressure on the front axis than on the rear axis? It is not comprehensible to me with the weight of the engine on the front axis.
Felix,
Here’s a possible reason:
Pressure is not always dependent on the weight the axle carries. Higher pressure can carry more but it can also modify the handling. Less pressure front and more rear may be to insure the car understeers rather than oversteers.
Alan
the weight distribution of most cars is very close to 50 --50, seems impossible with engine in one place or the other…but 50 50. The XK120 reported to be 2900 to 3022 total lbs, 3100–USA–by Road and Track test May 1953, and weight front of 1500, and rear 1600.
I don’ like the won’t turn feel of understeer. As Alan said, a little higher rear can neutralize that or add a bit of oversteer feel. Lower front can help grip so the front does not skip sideways, especially on bumps.
Race cars of old had higher tire psi…F-1 now has very low psi–in fact a minimum is a rule–or they’d be lower. But tire design for those are quite special.
Nick