Replacement Tires

[Guest 501 Club]

So, the TC has Continental ContiProContact tires that are 9 years old with excellent tread. Unfortunately, the tread is separating from the sidewall with very serious gaps between the sidewall and tread (much more that a crack). Amazingly, the tread has not flown off the tire. I would like to replace with a similar Michelin that came on the vehicle with updated tire technology. Michelin just came out with the Defender which is an 80K tread life tire that is replacing the Harmony and Hydroedge. They are expensive and not yet available in 205/60/15's. I am considering other brands such as Pirelli P6 plus. I would appreciate if members could let me know what your TC is wearing these days and how you like the way they sound, ride, handle etc. Looking forward to many responses.

[Guest george w]

I've had great luck with the Michelin Pilot Exalto's. All the Michelin's are excellent tires and were the only brand fitted as OE.

[Lkvr]

I got my tires at Costco a few years back.

BF Goodrich 205/60/R15 90H M+S

They have served me well

[NTX5467]

The Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S is their entry Pilot series tire . . . according to the TireRack website. They have them in your size for $105 each, which seems like a decent price (UTOG "400 A A"). You might get similar pricing at Discount Tire or some of the other larger chain stores. The Michelin Defender in that size is a little more money for a "standard touring" classed tire, but not avail (at Tire Rack) until 09/2012.

It might be a little "out of character", of sorts, but you might also consider the BFG Radial T/As in that size. Similar UTOG of "400 A B", and about $20.00 less money (each) from Tire Rack.

I say "out of character" compared to Michelins, but I've had the BFGs on my '77 Camaro for several sets now. Actual wear is usually about 80K miles with good performance. They are aa few nothes lower in the TireRack's surveys, and there are probably some better tires, but they seem to be the best blend of price and performance I've found. Plus, there are many places to get them and they might not discontinue that size in the near future (as can happen with some other brands). To me, it's just a good, solid performer.

My luck with Pirellis has not been quite so good. The P77s I got for the Camaro (back in the '80s) were really good performing tires, but there was something in the rubber compound that kept the KONIs from feeling right . . . even when the adjustment was cranked up. But the main issue was weather cracking (even with protectant use!). The kicker was when I came out to go to lunch one spring day and saw shiney metal cord showing through a crack between two center tread ribs! For some reason, the OEM Pirellis I saw on Jaguars and such didn't show ANY signs of weather cracking! I went back to Radial T/As and the shocks felt "right" again. It got it's gutsy performance feel back, but with a good ride. I just don't believe that Pirellis are the same quality tires they were back in the 1970s.

I'm using TireRack as a comparison shopping website. I've bought some KONI shocks from them, but usually try to do tires locally rather than "mail order".

Your judgment call . . .

Enjoy!

NTX5467

Edited April 18, 2012 by NTX5467 (see edit history)

[Guest 501 Club]

Think you are right about the Pirellis. A lot of reviews mention tread life as not good. They are not priced in the cheap tire catagory either. I love Goodrich radial's, but it's more of a muscle car tire. I am liking the Pilots thus far as the defenders seem more of an everyday standard touring tire rather than a high performance tire. I think I will wait for Costco to run the $70 off for 4 tires deal on May 5th. Thanks everyone for the opinions.

[Guest TCBucky89]

I just put a set of Hercules Roadtour 655 tires on the 89. They are very smooth running, quiet, and really hold on cornering! Haven't tested them on rainslick pavement, yet.

[Hemi Dude]

So, the TC has Continental ContiProContact tires that are 9 years old with excellent tread. Unfortunately, the tread is separating from the sidewall with very serious gaps between the sidewall and tread (much more that a crack). Amazingly, the tread has not flown off the tire. I would like to replace with a similar Michelin that came on the vehicle with updated tire technology. Michelin just came out with the Defender which is an 80K tread life tire that is replacing the Harmony and Hydroedge. They are expensive and not yet available in 205/60/15's. I am considering other brands such as Pirelli P6 plus. I would appreciate if members could let me know what your TC is wearing these days and how you like the way they sound, ride, handle etc. Looking forward to many responses.

Yokohama tires are made in the USA and in your size. We have 3 of our family cars on them and like them a lot. They are available through Tire Rack.

[Guest Ralmon]

So, the TC has Continental ContiProContact tires that are 9 years old with excellent tread. Unfortunately, the tread is separating from the sidewall with very serious gaps between the sidewall and tread (much more that a crack). Amazingly, the tread has not flown off the tire. I would like to replace with a similar Michelin that came on the vehicle with updated tire technology. Michelin just came out with the Defender which is an 80K tread life tire that is replacing the Harmony and Hydroedge. They are expensive and not yet available in 205/60/15's. I am considering other brands such as Pirelli P6 plus. I would appreciate if members could let me know what your TC is wearing these days and how you like the way they sound, ride, handle etc. Looking forward to many responses.

I put the Michelin Defenders on my '89 two months ago. The car rides and handles like new. I got them at Tire Kingdom for a good price.

[Bill Reichert]

I like the Pirelli tires. They don't wear as well, but I like the soft ride and they stick better wet and dry. The new TC I got last fall has Goodrich and they aren't bad. I think the Pirelli would minimize the "cowl shake" with the softer sidewalls.