New Tyres -help please!

[timlot]

Having checked the date codes on my Michelin Pilots I now understand why they are so hard & scary, they are VERY old! So time to invest in a new set, I've read various comments about replacements now that Michelin's aren't available but any up- to date experiences/advice would be most welcome.
I read that Toyo T1R are ok but not so good in the wet, my local garage recon's Bridgestone RE002 are definately the best but I'm not sure if that's because he has the greatest profits on them. So what are you guy's using? I don't do track days just usual spirited road use and some touring about 3k a year but I want the best for the car. Its a 1991 SE with 15" standard Oz rims.
Many thanks, Tim

[Rice crispy]

Tim, ive got the t1r's on mine and they are ok, were much better than the old hard tyres I had not sure I would get them again as I don't use it in the wet so could get something with less tread and softer. I do about 3000 a year and don't do track days.

[Fredjohn]

Tim
I had the same issue when I got my car in 2012. I don't do track either, just spirited driving.

After much reading of posts on here and looking at various online tyre sellers, I elected to go for the Toyo Proxes T1-R. Been very pleased with them and can't say I've had any issues in the wet. As you are not doing track I would personally avoid the R1R which is more of a track tyre than true road tyre.

I bought online and had them fitted by my local tyre shop. Cost me about £80 total a corner I think (2012).

No hesitation in recommending them.

Fredjohn

[Rusty Wishbone]

I bought a couple of T1-Rs too. I've only covered about 60 wet miles on them so far, and the paint hasn't even worn off the rolling surfaces, so it is too early to say how good they are. But I am happy with them.

[Rusty Wishbone]

This thread has prompted me to look for the date code for my two older tyres - the ones I didn't replace. They are 12 1/2 years old - date code 4001. So perhaps I had better think about replacing them too, especially if i decide to do a track day.

So, how old are your tyres? I bet there are some out there which make mine look like fresh rubber.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The rear tires on my yellow car are the ORIGINAL Goodyears that came with the car when new. The fronts are dated 1994. They are only still around to keep the car off the ground. I have NEW Falken ZIEX ZE-912 tires I got back in 2010 when I thought I would be reassembling the car after it was painted but that didn't end like I planned. Maybe this year I will be able to get back into the project.

[timlot]

[quote="Rusty Wishbone"]This thread has prompted me to look for the date code for my two older tyres - the ones I didn't replace. They are 12 1/2 years old - date code 4001. So perhaps I had better think about replacing them too, especially if i decide to do a track day.

So, how old are your tyres? I bet there are some out there which make mine look like fresh rubber.

My rear tyres are 1996 and the front 's are 2000, car has only done 38,000 from new. I saw pictures the otherday of a classic Merc who had one front and a rear both explode on a dual carriageway, they were at least 12years old. I think tyre companies say that they are really only good for up to 10 years so mine are definately past their best.
Tim

[cliff]

My car came with some Nexen ditch finders fitted.

Changed them for Kumho Ecsta Le Sport KU39, after 1400 miles, with & without a good suspension set up, really happy with them.

[Simon_P]

If they are that old it won't matter what you put on and the car will be transformed!

I have a very good experience with Avon ZV3's on the Elan - Apart from being good tyres they are also very quiet.

[ccb056]

Bridgestone RE-11

[hodge]

Cliffe

My car came with some Nexen ditch
finders fitted.
Changed them for Kumho Ecsta Le
Sport KU39, after 1400 miles, with &
without a good suspension set up,
really happy with them.

+1 for kumho KU39, plenty grip wet and dry. Predictable and relatively quiet. ( this on 16" s2 wheels and relative to Michelin exalto on15" oz with previous elan and old pirrellis 7000 something on 16" with current elan - the michelin were v grippy and predictable too but maybe a not as quiet. Would've got michelin again but weren't available when needed and kumho were actually cheaper while being similar on the predictable grip front. Whether michelin would be better, I can't say given different wheel size and elapsed time (1yr) but I can say I'd happily buy kumho again.

[theelanman]

Ive got Kumhos ecsta le sports on the daily (Saab) and I have to say they're quieter than the Michelins I took off and seem to offer just as good grip...
the Elan has yokohama c drives.......my 2nd set of these as I think they're great

I suppose at the end of the day it depends on your budget and use
if youre not tracking the car then no need to go for a hardcore road tyre....
if you plan on doing 200 miles a year for the next 10 years then a cheaper tyre as you will end up chucking the old tyres away with loads of tread

tbh I don't think these anything wrong with a good midrange tyre....
Falken, Kunho, Avon, Continental, Firestone, Gislaved, Goodyear...etc

just my thoughts.....

[Rambo]

I saw a wheel the other day with an original Michelin MXX-2 tyre still in place

[johanvanboven]

I've changed the original MMX's 2 yrs ago at the back (only 18000 km), it was easy to lock the rear wheels, even with std brakes!
Now some Uniroyals at the back with soft sidewalls. Realy comfy.
I can only recommend to buy the lightest load capacity index if it is for rear.

[m100sandra]

I have Kumho KU36's on mine, Aimy as them in her VX220T, they are brilliant Sticky, Look good, and affordable, Lots of reviews online mostly good, Something close to R1R's, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1x-Summer-KUM ... 4#ht_0wt_0

[daveiow]

Toyo Proxes T1R's
Replaced the 14 year old MMX's that it came on. They seem ok to me for general use and not too expensive
daveiow

[rip]

I am happy with my T1R's too & have just renewed 2 of them after around 20,000 miles. My service book will tell me exactly how many but I don't have it with me.
You could get 10 different answers from 10 different people about tyre recommendations & none would be wrong!

If you don't do too many miles, a hardwearing tyre is a false economy because the rubber will have perished before the tread wears out. Look for something a little softer which will need changing because they are low on tread.

[DABgp]

When I bought my S2 in September last year it came with 3 Michelins with plenty of tread but about 8 years old, and one almost new from China or somewhere. I have had bad experiences with old tyres with plenty of tread blowing out on the motorway, and I don't like odd tyres. So had them replaced with 4 new Toyos when I had the wheels refurbed. The difference was immediately noticeable...lighter steering and plenty of grip

[timlot]

Thanks for all your help guys, I've decided on the Toyo T1R Proxes as they seem to be the best & most popular option, good price from etyres as well -£68.00 each all in, having them fitted this week, I'm sure they will be much better than my old rock hard Michelins.
Tim

[mmatthej1]

Yeah, I just got a pair of T1R's on the front, 'bout same price - they look the part, though I've not put any miles on yet, to know about grip etc.