Goodyear F1 (GS-D3) Tires, how long to break in?

[lwalling]

I just mounted my S2 wheels today with Goodyear F1 GS-D3 tires (205-45/16).

Surprised at how badly the car handles, alot of flexibility in the tread blocks. The previous tires were the factory original Goodyear Eagle GS-D tires, literally factory - as the car was very low miles when I bought it last year. It handled GREAT on those old ass tires (no sign of degredation, etc, but still safter to replace I think..).

I remember quite a few people saying this GS-D3 was a good pick for the M100, am I missing something or is the break in long? Going to go run it a bit and see if things improve.

[Sy V]

Tyre pressure should be 29-30 psi.

[M100 TWO]

Iwalling had the same feeling when changed from Michelin the turn in was not as sharp this did improve after a 1000 miles but they ran quiet and are about the best you can get in the wet by a big margin
john

[JIMBO]

Hi Iwalling,
Be patient, like all new tyres they will need at least 1000 miles to reach good drivability. The main reason for this is that during manufacturing the mould is usually sprayed with a silicon based releasing agent to stop the"cooked" tyre from sticking. This agent gets absorbed into the very top few thou of the rubber. This is why the steering always feels light and the breaking distances increase when new tyres are fitted.
At least you can use your Goodyears. Mine are fitted to a new set of after market wheels which dont fit. The manufacturer is scratching their heads as they make wheels for Lotus (Elise) and cant understand why they bolt up against the brake caliper. This leaves me on two different sizes of tyre in three different makes. !!

[John_W]

... during manufacturing the mould is usually sprayed with a silicon based releasing agent to stop the"cooked" tyre from sticking. This agent gets absorbed into the very top few thou of the rubber. This is why the steering always feels light and the breaking distances increase when new tyres are fitted.

That would explain my 4-wheel drift round the first roundabout after a lorry pulled in front of me after getting 4 new Pilots fitted a couple of years ago.

They've been great ever since. I had put the twitch down to either diesel on the roundabout (it was on a well-used oilfield industrial estate) or the fitters leaving the labels on the tyres (I had only gone about 200 yds).

John

PS JIMBO, do you still rate the Goodyear F1 as one of the best tyres for the Elan?
PPS: Why don't tyre manufacturers tell you two of the most important factors in choosing a tyre - tyre weight and sidewall stiffness?

[Paul.P]

I'm running these tyres on blacky, against Michelin Pilots before, & have noted that the handling is still excellent, although they give a harsher drive, so i'm presuming the sidewall is stiffer ?. Only problem with Michelins was the price !

[lwalling]

I'm running these tyres on blacky, against Michelin Pilots before, & have noted that the handling is still excellent, although they give a harsher drive, so i'm presuming the sidewall is stiffer ?. Only problem with Michelins was the price !

I'm up to about 300 miles, still squirmy as hell. We'll see as they break in more.

I noticed that the tread blocks are very flexible on these tires. Hope that changes with a little bit of time as the silicon wears off. Most of the time thats gone by now, but I seldom run goodyears.

The car looks SO MUCH better with the S2 wheels though. It's like looking at a whole different car. I can't stand the federal M100 OEM wheels.

Thanks.

[JIMBO]

John

PS JIMBO, do you still rate the Goodyear F1 as one of the best tyres for the Elan?
PPS: Why don't tyre manufacturers tell you two of the most important factors in choosing a tyre - tyre weight and sidewall stiffness?[/quote]

Yes' I rate them enough to have bought a set for my new wheels.

Most manufacturers are cagey about giving weights as tyre prices
can be partially based on this info. It's all a load of round spherical black things really as we have to weigh them ourselves to work out delivery vehicle capacities and also for carrier companies..
Sidewall stiffness can vary depending on construction / materials used and "turn up height". The higher the turn up (casing around the bead wrap) the quicker the steering response and more stable breaking can be achieved. The draw back / compromise is ride comfort and driveability.
You pay your money and take your choice, but I havn't used a better all round tyre than the Goodyear F1. And I dont even stock it !!
Jim

[John_W]

JIMBO,
Interesting - thanks for the insight.
John