45 replies to this topic

[KevinB]

Hi one and all, just returned from three weeks in France (sadly the vx had to stay at home) and I need to MOT the car. I think it's time to replace tyres (my first time) and I am shocked by the lack of choices for my fronts. I can only find Bridgestone's for about £175 with the measurements 175/55 17. However, I am sure my fronts are actually, 175/54 17 but I can't find them anywhere. Can anyone advise on tyres, especially if I can save a few quid? KevinB.

[G-Bob]

If it's standard bridgies you have then they are 175/55/r17. Only bridgestone make tyres in this size and if you are staying on the standard wheels then your best alternatives are the 195/45/r17's from Goodyear or yokohama. Tonnes of threads on this if you do a search.

[fezzasus]

Hi Kevin There is very little choice for front tyres - either refit the original spec Bridgestone tyres (175/55/17), or some people do move to195/45/17 Eagle F1 tyres Most people end up moving to 16 " alloys to give them greater choice.

[KevinB]

Thanks for the swift reply chaps, just a quick question then - does this mean 195/45/17 Eagle F1 fit my rims (aren't they too wide??).

Additionally, where is the locking wheeel key / bolt under the bonnet?

[fezzasus]

Thanks for the swift reply chaps, just a quick question then - does this mean 195/45/17 Eagle F1 fit my rims (aren't they too wide??).

Additionally, where is the locking wheeel key / bolt under the bonnet?

The 195's will fit. VXR'ed is running them.

It's er... under the bonnet. Passenger side, close to the fuse and relay boxes.



To the left of the tyre weld in this photo.

Edited by fezzasus, 06 May 2013 - 11:34 AM.

[Paulus H]

16 inch fronts is a good move Kind regards Paul

[KevinB]

I'll look at the 16s, but thx to the pic I found my locking nut! Who knew, thx.

[MWS]

I run 195/45/17 Goodyear Eagle F1's on the front. Only just put them on so will be a few more miles before i can compare the two. I got mine from Camskill for about £75 a tyre

[KevinB]

I run 195/45/17 Goodyear Eagle F1's on the front.

Only just put them on so will be a few more miles before i can compare the two.

I got mine from Camskill for about £75 a tyre

Thx mate, I just don't understand how they fit?

[Bumblebee]

http://www.willtheyfit.com/

[KevinB]

Doesn't it mean that I need new wheels (sorry to be a noob but I do not really understand the website).

Edited by KevinB, 06 May 2013 - 07:32 PM.

[turbobob]

Basically limited choices on standard rims. Bridgestone are the OEM Tyres for standard wheels. Plenty good enough for road use. If you want more choice there is the Goodyear f1's but are a pain to fit. Thereafter 16 inch fronts and more choice especially if you intend to track.

[ChrisS1]

Unless you put rear wheels on the front

[Crock]

I've just had Yokohama S Drive's fitted to the fronts. I've only done a couple of miles so can't tell how they compare yet. I'm not sure about the look though. Apart from the (even) bigger gap between the tyre and wheel arch, the tyre appears to bulge slightly from the rim. And they cost me £100 each fully fitted. HTH

[jules_s]

£175 for the fronts now heh? Beyond belief, changing to 16/17 would pay for themselves in a year no problems at that price

[-JK-]

They were 'only' around £120 when I changed mine about 18 months ago Will be fitting new RE040s to the rear of mine soon then I think I'll go for a shiny set of TDs when they wear out. If your rear tyres aren't brand new I'd go for a set Team Dynamics rims in the 16/17 combo to save money in the long run.

[anz3001]

I've just had Yokohama S Drive's fitted to the fronts. I've only done a couple of miles so can't tell how they compare yet.

I'm not sure about the look though. Apart from the (even) bigger gap between the tyre and wheel arch, the tyre appears to bulge slightly from the rim.

And they cost me £100 each fully fitted.

HTH

If by that you are saying youve fitted a 195 section tyre then a bulge from the rim is to be expected. The 5.5J rim isnt ideal for the 195 tyre, it will take it and barring the aesthetics, wont 'harm' anything but i'd expect a small change in handling characteristics at the extreme end (compared against the tyre on its nominated rim). Equally so with the 7.5J rear but in the opposite direction with a 195 section tyre as it will be somewhat streched. Its not a 'bad' compromise but a compromise non the less

[anz3001]

£175 for the fronts now heh?

Beyond belief, changing to 16/17 would pay for themselves in a year no problems at that price

The potential abs issue puts a few off no doubt, myself included

[jules_s]

£175 for the fronts now heh?

Beyond belief, changing to 16/17 would pay for themselves in a year no problems at that price

The potential abs issue puts a few off no doubt, myself included

What ABS?

I'm just about to spend a grand on fixing my ABS, and the first thing I'm doing after is disabling the bloody thing!

[Bumblebee]