Blingtastic - tyre choice?

[rswaffie]

Just taken delivery of 5 MWS 5x15 chromies.



These are to replace the black painted versions that were on the car when I purchased it 4 years ago. This will be the last ‘to-do’ item before I declare the restoration ‘complete’.
Got a great special offer deal from SC Parts, which included a free gift choice worth £250!

I now have 2 choices in terms of tyres.
1. Re-use the 205/70 Vred sprint classics that are on the current wires which only have 200 miles on them and seem perfectly good for road use, (but low speed turning is a bit too grippy) or
2. Get new set of Vreds with 185/70 profile and sell the old wheels with tyres as a package?

I know most suppliers favour Cinturato or XVS but these seem expensive when compared to Vreds and for normal road use I would need convincing that there is any noticeable benefit when they are twice the price?

Any views?

[Tom W]

You need at least a 5.5” rim for 205 width tyres, so re-using your original tyres isn’t an option with your new wheels.

In terms of Vreds vs other tyres, there seem to be as many opinions on tyres as there are members on here. If you’re happy with them, buy them again. If there’s a particular trait you don’t like, then that might be something that could be addressed with different tyres.

Bear in mind most opinions on here are slightly skewed. Most people only buy new tyres when the old ones are either worn out, or so old they’re due replacement. They’re comparing old and worn out with new, so whatever they fit immediately feels better. Unless you’ve got feedback from someone who’s done back to back testing of several brands of new tyres (across all conditions), you’re unlikely to get meaningful information.

[Heuer]

Fit 185VR15's - you will love the way the car becomes alive!

Bear in mind the Vred's are not VR rated so the Pirelli's are certainly worth considering. The VR rating does not just apply to maximum speed but also load weight and cornering performance.

[rswaffie]

Thanks guys.
My originals are 5x15 Tom (according to Turrino Wheels). I had read conflicting info froM tyre suppliers that 5.5 was the minimum for these tyres as well as 5.0 being the minimum!
I think I’ll go down the new Vred route and get Turrino to refurbish the old wires back to silver painted spec and sell with the 205/70’s

[Tom W]

If you’re going to sell them, there’s probably more money in selling as is. By the time you’ve paid Turrino for the refurb and taken the tyres on and off a couple of times, you’ll have spent a similar amount to what someone could buy a new set for. 2nd hand Jag wheels aren’t particularly valuable because new ones aren’t a fortune and they’re readily available.

[rswaffie]

Fair point!

[paulsco]

Hi Richard,

Have you thought about Blockleys, they are VR rated and a similar price to Vreds.

They say they will refund if you are not satisfied

https://www.blockleytyre.com/

Paul

[MarkS]

I'm very happy with my Blockleys

[RogerM]

You can now get VR rated Vreds.

Sprint Classic now available as 185/0/15 V 91

[johnetype]

You can now get VR rated Vreds. Sprint Classic now available as 185/0/15 V 91

At around £130 each.

[rswaffie]

Thanks chaps, I’ve got those on my list!

[dal2.0litrefrogeye]

Have you considered Avon cr6 zz these are a very sticky tyre both in wet and dry conditions , I was power sliding mine in the rain , and you could still smell hot rubber ,
Yes they won't last as long as verdastien or blockley , but how many miles a year do you do in your E , and on the up side at least they will wear out before they become old and hard / dangerous

[JerryL770]

Look in the magazines for Pirelli, they are doing a very favourable offer if you buy their tyres.

[rswaffie]

Hi
Which magazine?

[steve3.8]

I know most suppliers favour Cinturato or XVS but these seem expensive when compared to Vreds and for normal road use I would need convincing that there is any noticeable benefit when they are twice the price?

Any views?

Richard ,

As a comparison between brands, the way the carcass reinforcing is constructed could give some indication to the price difference .
Saying that, maybe the latest Vredstein in V rated now has a different construction ?.
It would be good to have each manufacturer produce a load test video---- Dougal ?

Vredstein Sprint H---
Tread 1 x rayon 2 x steel 1 x nylon
Sidewall 1 x rayon

Pirelli---
Tread 2 x polyester 2 x steel 4 x rayon
Sidewall 2 x polyester

So 4 ply+1 ply Vredstein V's 8 ply + 2 ply Pirelli

[JerryL770]

Hi
Which magazine?

E-Type Club, Jag Enthusiasts and probably others, maybe Octane.

[rswaffie]

I’ve looked through the club mag. Longstones have dropped their price a bit for a set of 5 cinturatos which could be an option.

[mgcjag]

Hi Richard...whatever you go for check out Vintage Tyres.....they have some good deals from time to time and often free delivery....Steve

[rswaffie]

[Jeremy]

Whichever you go for Richard, make sure that whoever fits and balances them uses stick on weights. The guys down at Beaulieu used clip on weights on mine, and they fell off one by one before the car had gone a single yard under its own steam. Imagine if they had flown off at speed.....