Michelin Pilot XGT V4

[Guest Dolores]

I'm researching replacement for my tires and noticed the recommendation on this discussion board is the Michelin Pilot XGT V4 tires. I have a 1990 Reatta convertible that currently has Michelin XOne 215/65/16. Is the recommendation still the XGT V4? And should I go with the 225/60/16?<BR>

[HRP]

I think Barney addressed tire size within the past few months. He recommended the 225. <BR>

[Barney Eaton]

I am going to attempt to attach a chart from <A HREF="http://www.powerdog.com/tires" TARGET=_blank>www.powerdog.com/tires</A> <BR>This is a great site if you are looking at larger tires or going +1 or +2.<BR>Dolores, I don't know it it was a mis-type or not but you indicated 16 inch wheels. If you have the stock 1990 wheels they are 15"<P>Specification--Sidewall--Radius--Diameter <BR>215/65-15-------5.5 in----13.0-----26.0<BR>225/60-15-------5.3 in----12.8-----25.6<BR>235/60-15-------5.6 in----13.1-----26.1<P>Circumference--Revolutions--Difference<BR>---81.7 in------776 / mile-----0.0% <BR>---80.5 in------787 / mile---(-1.4%) <BR>---82.0 in------773 / mile-----0.4% <P>I hope this alignes and makes sense. You will notice that the first size is the original with its dimensions. The 235/60-15 actuall comes the closest... being only .4% larger. That is an insignificant amount. <P>[This message has been edited by Barney Eaton (edited 04-09-2001).]<p>[This message has been edited by Barney Eaton (edited 04-09-2001).]

[Guest Dolores]

Thanks Barney,<P>It wasn't a mistype, I have the Select 60 with the 16" wheels. I could not open the chart but I will check out the site. Thank you.

[Reatta Man]

Dolores, <P>You have a select 60 convertible that needs new tires? Awwwwww...if I were you I'd get rid of it. In case you can't see me, I'm the one in the back of the room holding up my hand volunteering to buy it.<P>Just kidding.<P>Joe<BR>BCA #35662

[Guest Dolores]

I just got off the phone with tirerack.com and they said the 225/60/16 puts unnecessary strain on the operation of the car that may result in other problems down the road such as transmission? Anyway, they recommended going with a 225/55/16 only a .12 difference. The tire I'm thinking of buying is a Dunlop SP9000 summer performance tire. The Michelin tire recommended is an all season tire with performance is up to 85 degree heat. Florida gets MUCH HOTTER. Anyone have any recommendations on summer tires?

[Barney Eaton]

Dolores.. I don't think you need $153 tires.<BR>The SP Sport9000 225-55ZR16 is a super tire but the "Z" is rated at 149mph and you usually pay a premium for that. I will be the first to agree that extra rating gives you extra insurance against the Florida heat.<BR>You can get the SP Sport 5000 in the same size and speed rating for $103. Dunlop's D60A2 JLB in 225-60HR16 (130mph rating) is only $85. You can get a Pirelli P4000 Super Touring in 225-55HR16 for $90 and the same tire and size in "V" rating for $109.<P>Unless you drive well over the speed limit, the "H" rated tire will give you everything you need even in the Florida heat, use the left over $$$ to join the Reatte club.<P>"Paid political announcement"

[Guest Dolores]

Thanks Barney,<P>Your probably right about not needing the high performance tires. That's why I posted the question again. The sales man was very convincing yet I did say I would think about it. I'll check out the other tires and see how they handle the Florida heat. Thanks as always for your input.

[Guest rong]

Dolores......If the original size is truly 215/65-16, then the closest fit is the 235/60-16 (0.4%). The 225/55-16 is actually 4.7% smaller overall. The increased footprint of going from a 65 profile to a 55 profile will increase gas consumption and more easily run into your wheelwells in a tight turn. I am in Florida and run a 225\60-15 "H" rated 'touring' tire with great results. I believe you would be happy with Barney's recommendations.<BR>LOL

[Barney Eaton]

All 1990 Select Sixtys and all 1991 cars had 215/60r16 from the factory. Dolores is already running a tire (215/65r16)that is +3.2% too large in diameter (.80inch in diameter larger than the original)<BR>The first number is the fattest part of the tire in millimeters.<BR>215 would =8.46 inches<BR>225 would =8.86 inches<BR>235 would =9.25 inches<BR>Going from the 215 to a 235 would be just over 1/2 inch fatter, but remember that is total, only half of that would be to the outside and the other half would be to the inside.<BR>That 1/4 inch will not interfer with anything on the Reatta (unless other things are changed such as rim offset or a wider rim)