[xj] 205/70R15 v's 215/70R15

XJ
1

Just like to know the pros and cons of going from the original spec
205/70r15s to 215/70r15s on a '86 4.2 Sovereign (with ‘pepperpot’
alloys)?

I realise the rolling diameter will be slightly higher and will
consequently result in a marginally low reading speedo.

V12s of this model were so equipped, but were their instruments
callibrated differently from the humble 6s? or did Jaguar not
bother?

I ask the question as a local tyre dealer has Pirelli P4000 215s at
$270 ea v’s 205s at $415 ea (if the web site is correct).

I notice most V12s had the less attractive Kent rims. Is the rim
width of the Kent wider than the ‘pepperpots’?

From reading other postings I realise the P4000’s seem to have had
a few issues with some folk, but we don’t seem to have much choice
here anymore. Anythings probably better than the aging Bridgestone
B70s on the front, and two year old Nangkang ‘Utility’ tyres on the
back I am currently running!

Kind Regards

Philip M, Auckland N.Z.–
Trublu
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2

Just like to know the pros and cons of going from the original spec
205/70r15s to 215/70r15s on a '86 4.2 Sovereign (with ‘pepperpot’
alloys)?

No cons that I can think of except, perhaps, the fit of the 215/70 in the
spare tire well if you buy 5 tires. My memory is foggy on the details but I
think Jaguar changed “something” to allow for this.

I’m sure the info can be found here:

I realise the rolling diameter will be slightly higher and will
consequently result in a marginally low reading speedo.

Which, in the end, might make the speedo spot-on, as they’re usually a tad
optimistic

V12s of this model were so equipped, but were their instruments
callibrated differently from the humble 6s? or did Jaguar not
bother?

The later 6 cylinder Ser IIIs, for the USA market at least, did come with
the 215/70 tires. I’ve never seen any evidence that Jaguar changed the speed
calibration.

I notice most V12s had the less attractive Kent rims. Is the rim
width of the Kent wider than the ‘pepperpots’?

Nope. Both have a 6" rim width

Cheers,

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJRFrom: “Trublu” p.h.mansell@xtra.co.nz

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3

In reply to a message from Trublu sent Mon 4 Mar 2013:

I had a 1985 base North American XJ6 that I had installed 5
Pepperpots. Previously it had wire wheels when I acquired
the car and my dislike for wire wheels is equal to my
dislike of Kent wheels.

Those Pepperpots had Michelin 215/70R15 tires mounted so
obviously I have no knowledge of how the Pirelli tires would
fit. I experienced no fit or clearance problems with those
tires. The speedo seemed to be fairly close to the readings
I would obtain on a Garmin SatNav unit. I do admit the fit
in the wheelwell was ‘‘snug’’ but the lid was able to be
secured by the OEM fasteners. Once the boot carpet was in
place it looked flat enough.

Here is a link to some photos of that car including the boot
and wheelwell:
http://s750.photobucket.com/albums/xx145/gstompkins/1985%20Series%20III%20XJ6/--
The original message included these comments:

Just like to know the pros and cons of going from the original spec
205/70r15s to 215/70r15s on a '86 4.2 Sovereign (with ‘pepperpot’
alloys)?
I realise the rolling diameter will be slightly higher and will
consequently result in a marginally low reading speedo.
V12s of this model were so equipped, but were their instruments
callibrated differently from the humble 6s? or did Jaguar not
bother?
I ask the question as a local tyre dealer has Pirelli P4000 215s at
$270 ea v’s 205s at $415 ea (if the web site is correct).
I notice most V12s had the less attractive Kent rims. Is the rim

–
Gordon S. Tompkins ('03 4.2L S-Type, ‘09 XK Coupe’)
Springville, CA, United States
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4

Philip:

The 215 size tire was available on the Series III cars from the mid 80’s.
The V12 cars used this size and I presume that the difference in rolling
diameter was taken in to account in the speedometer/trip computer
calibrations. But the spare tire cover often did not fit properly over
these larger tires, even on the very last 1992 cars.
There were two different widths of the Kent wheels, but the wider Kent (used
to accommodate the 215 size but also fitted to the 6 cylinder cars) and the
Ogle “pepperpot” wheels were the same size.

There were no clearance issues at all with the fitting of the 215 tires -
but the cars definitely look better with the 215!

Gregory,
Victoria, Canada.-----Original Message-----
From: Trublu
Sent: Monday, March 04, 2013 12:11 AM
To: xj@jag-lovers.org
Subject: [xj] 205/70R15 v’s 215/70R15

Just like to know the pros and cons of going from the original spec
205/70r15s to 215/70r15s on a '86 4.2 Sovereign (with ‘pepperpot’
alloys)?

I realise the rolling diameter will be slightly higher and will
consequently result in a marginally low reading speedo.

V12s of this model were so equipped, but were their instruments
callibrated differently from the humble 6s? or did Jaguar not
bother?

I ask the question as a local tyre dealer has Pirelli P4000 215s at
$270 ea v’s 205s at $415 ea (if the web site is correct).

I notice most V12s had the less attractive Kent rims. Is the rim
width of the Kent wider than the ‘pepperpots’?

From reading other postings I realise the P4000’s seem to have had
a few issues with some folk, but we don’t seem to have much choice
here anymore. Anythings probably better than the aging Bridgestone
B70s on the front, and two year old Nangkang ‘Utility’ tyres on the
back I am currently running!

Kind Regards

Philip M, Auckland N.Z.

Trublu
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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5

In reply to a message from Dr. Gregory Andrachuk sent Mon 4 Mar 2013:

My .02!!

The 215 70 15 on a Kent wheel was a tad high for the spare floor to
sit sqaurely on. I made my own Dzus style screw to accomodate the
extra heighth. When I changed to 7’’ Lattice wheels with B. F.
goodrich touring 215 70 15’s the road wheel and tire was even
tller. so, back to the original Kent with the really old tire that
was there when I got the car.

The 215’s on 7’’ wheels fill the wheel openings very nicely. N o
unsightly gaps and no contacts under any condions. I am quite
pleased, even if the speed rating isn’t ultimate. The T rate is
adequate for any speed i’ll drive at. Earlier days, not so much…

As for speedo reading, I can’t offer much. Mine is nuts for a
reason not discussed here. I have the fix, but that inertia
thing…

However, I suspect there is enough manufacturin g difference brand
to brand so as to make the slight change in diameter or
circumference meaningless.

Put on the tire that best fits your driving style and budget on the
wheel of your choice and enjoy.

Carl–
The original message included these comments:

There were no clearance issues at all with the fitting of the 215 tires -
but the cars definitely look better with the 215!

–
Carl Hutchins 1983 Jaguar XJ6 with LT1 and 1994 Jeep Grand
Walnut Creek, California, United States
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6

In reply to a message from cadjag sent Mon 4 Mar 2013:

After 5000 miles I went back to 205s with the pepperpots.
Your money. Good luck from Haroldus…–
The original message included these comments:

Put on the tire that best fits your driving style and budget on the

–
Noel william
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7

In reply to a message from Haroldus sent Tue 5 Mar 2013:

I have 235/60 R15’s on Kents and I love the look.
The ride does suffer a bit. A tad harsher.
IMO, Kents suit the series 3 perfectly.–
Russell Barnes
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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8

In reply to a message from Russell Barnes sent Wed 6 Mar 2013:

Michelin Defender somethings are now available at Costco in
size 215/70 R15 for $115 a tire. He said they started
stocking them about 4 months ago.
I just had to put four on, as one of my Goodyear Comfort
Assurance went bad on the sidewall at 40,000 miles on it.
That left two old MXV-4 Michelins that needed replacing due
to age, and one decent Goodyear… I had to put on a pair
of the Goodyear tires about 5 years ago when one of the
Michelins got killed on the freeway, and Costco no longer
stocked them, and would not put on whatever other T rated
tire they had at that time (not matching the original
vehicle spec). (Discount Tire did not mind putting the
Goodyears on it.)
This time, Costco put the T rated tires on with no question.
Got out the door for under $500 with coupon. They have not
been on long enough to feel if there is much difference but
I am, like Carl, not going to push the car to those limits
anymore, and I already had T tires on it partially.
The MXV-4 on Kent wheel was a tad tall for the wood cover in
the boot, but carpet over it hid the 1 inch or so gap. The
tools etc that I carry weight it down nicely so no flapping
noises from it. The Goodyear now is the spare on same wheel
and has the same gap. I like the look of the 215 on the
car, but since that is all I have ever had on it, what do I
know. Just that it is the most beautiful car on the road.
Period.–
Bryan - 87 XJ6 - 88K Miles, 01 XJ8 - 111K Miles
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