250 GTE Tire recommendations

[Zanny1]

Just took delivery of SN 3177.
After a thorough inspection in my shop, I note the tires (Michelin XWX 205/70 VR15) were made in 1998. They look just fine, however they need replacement. I understand the new Michelin XWX tires are pricey, however I am more interested in ride quality than price per tire. Tried to locate a set of Pirelli V7's which I had on a 330GT years ago, and really liked them. It appears they are no longer produced.
I would appreciate some subjective recommendations regarding tire choice from those that have bought new tires.
While wishing to retain originality, I drive my cars on a regular basis..... so a deviation from the XWX is just fine.

With regard to pressure- Owner's manual says 29 psi front, 33 psi rear. What's everyone running? Did a search but no definitive answers.
Thanks in advance-
Mike

[Yale]

I love Avon CR6ZZ's. They are great and very grippy with a nice ride feel. Much better then anything else we have to choose from. Roger Kruase racing is who stocks them in the U.S with an East Coast and West Coast warehouse. They are cheaper the XWX's but not cheap. (And they last 8000 miles, but for most Ferrari owners that is plenty.)

Here are some sizes they have for 15" wheels:

205/70VR15 351.00 11017 96V 6.0 - 7.0 26.60 6 8.3 6.61 80 26
215/60VR15 353.00 11466 6.0 - 8.0 25.00 6.5 8.7 7.10 80 29
215/70VR15 365.00 10959 98V 6.5 - 7.0 26.70 7 8.86 7.56 80 26
x 225/60VR15 377.00 14755 96V 6.0 - 8.0 25.70 7 9.13 8.07 80 29
x 225/65VR15 380.00 10961 99V 6.5 - 8.0 26.70 7 9.1 7.91 80 28
x 245/60VR15 399.00 11224 7.5 - 9.0 26.70 8.5 9.9 8.66 80 30
x 275/55VR15 454.00 13013 8.0-10.0 26.90 9 11.2 9.06 80 32

Roger Kraus Racing Inc. 2896 Grove Way. Castro Valley, CA 94546
Phone 510-582-5031 Order Line 800-510-7223

[airsanford]

www.blockleytyre.com

they make a very nice Dunlop SP knockoff in 185-15 and 205/70-15 among others. Prices seem very reasonable.

[Yale]

I have a request. Can we please be specific about recommendations and not say vagueries like a nice a Dunlop sp because 1. I don't know what tire you are actually talking about and 2. I can't tell if you actually used that tire and what you really thought about it in comparison to others you've used. Sorry to be picky but this site is so great because people actually share information here unlike Ferrari chat which is often just sine thing someone has heard about.

I really have wondered about Blockley tires but have yet to meet anyone who has used them. They look cool.

[airsanford]

Which is why I supplied a link so that you could look at them for yourself. SPs were original fitment on some late 250s, Lusso #5931 I know for a fact as I was involved with that car for many years. Our GTE came with Pirelli Cinturatos.

The Blockley website is very informative. Perhaps self education is a better route than snarky comments.

[Yale]

So asking if you actuslly used them is snarky? And relying on some web sites sales language is education? Anyway, I really didn't mean to attack you, or come off as I was. I just get frustrated when people don't actually say anything as I do want to learn from others experience.

[Timo]

... learn from others experience.

+1
With all due respect to all, but OP was asking tire recommendations for driving purposes and therefor IMO any based on real and preferably substantial driving experiences are probably only ones that really count.
So I'm with Yale, if any one wishes to offer a recommendation for something, please have a courtesy to back it up with actual experience(s) or at least add a disclaimer if you don't have any.
Sorry for ranting, but relying on marketing websites or other (self-)promotional advertising descriptions or forum posts by individuals who, regardless of their well meaning intentions or numerous post counts, may not have real experiences regarding the topic being discussed, is not necessarily good way to make informed decisions.
Kind of like A-B spending billions(?) advertising/bottling/canning/selling more light brown, lightly carbonated, liquid substance to be consumed by their "targets" (=victims?) than any rival in the world doesn't necessarily mean it's any better or even beer, just good marketing.

[Zanny1]

Just an update on purchasing Michelin 205/70-VR 15 tires:
- The Coker folks have tires produced in Feb 2013 (already 20 months old) and nothing newer. They had a "take it or leave it" attitude, so I opted for the latter.
- Collectors Auto Supply in Canada has the same story. And their price changed every time I spoke to them.
- Longstone Tire in the UK has these tires date coded August 2014. According to them, Coker does NOT own the manufacturing rights for these Michelin tires, which are currently being manufactured in Serbia. They also had the best price quote and free shipping.... tires, tubes delivered for $1827.

[tim]

Greetings.. Here's the story on Michelin tires from Coker and Longstone. They are manufactured by Michelin in one of their many plants on a time available and demand basis. The volume is to small for Michelin to deal with directly so they are marketed by Coker and Longstone under agreement with Michelin. They are made in the original moulds but with modern materials so are better than the old ones.

Tim

[Steve Meltzer]

Up to now, I have been of the opinion that spending about $2500 for a set of tires (maybe tyres, here) when decent modern tires were available at a fifth the cost was just crazyiness. I also figured that when it was time to sell the car(s), i'd spring for a set of correct XWXs and be done with it. However, I just had a nasty flat (nearly ruined the wheel and the tire is toast) and the good, cheap Kuhmos I was using have been discontinued. I drive my Daytona around town, no high speed events yet and I have no intention of taking the car to any serious concours. I might do a rally in the future, but none to date. So, now, do I spring for the correct Michelins or use a lesser tire (tho' more modern in it's design and probably materials) and not worry about it? thanx for your opinions. steve

[afwrench]

Hi Steve,I say go with the more current tire as long as you get the right look. My feeling is that these cars need the period sidewall profile to look good/correct. Good luck,Mike

[Steve Meltzer]

thanx Mike. s

[Zanny1]

Hi Steve,I say go with the more current tire as long as you get the right look. My feeling is that these cars need the period sidewall profile to look good/correct. Good luck,Mike

I agree that paying $2000 for 4 'period correct tires' is a bit too much. I ran Pirelli P400 tires (if I remember correctly) on my C/4 for close to 7 years. They were 235/60 VR15, cost about $100 each (years ago), looked awesome, handled beautifully, and never received a comment about not being correct for the car.
The problem with the tires for the GTE is the sidewall profile, which just has to be right. If there is a suitable substitute that looks right, I would consider going that route. My tires are old (one is an XDX) and need replacement now.
So yes, you nailed it. The proper profile is the deal maker.

[airsanford]

I researched the tire situation last year. There are modern tires that will work and look right. I don't have my notes handy, but I recall that a 225 or 235/65 has correct dimensions as to sidewall height and diameter.

The hook is speed ratings. Most are T or S. There are a few H (130mph) rated tires, but nothing higher in these sizes. All the higher speed ratings only come in the very low profile performance tires.

[Steve Meltzer]

the Kumho ecsta Platinum is V rated, cheap ($90 or so each) and widely (no pun intended) available. it's 225 X 60. is that too low in profile? s