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Tires
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Modification:
In 1999, I Installed Dunlop
Z9000 245/40-18" tires on the new
Forgeline 18" wheels.
This was an all-or-nothing type of
decision. I needed to replace those awful Pirelli
P600 tires and I'd be crazy to buy another set!! A lot of
"tire experts" always recommend Pirelli for Jaguars. I've
had three sets in all so far--one on the
Vanden Plas and two sets on the XJ-S.
I thought they did not handle well, were noisy, expensive,
and had a lower mileage per set than any other "top-quality"
tire I've ever owned!
Even the second time around, I had again considered Michelin Pilots,
but were really leaning towards the Dunlop SP8000. Even though
the model number is lower, it is a higher end tire.
My local tire guru and friend, Don Schultz
of Hanover Tire in Richmond VA (804-222-0156) really knows
his stuff. He has fitted many Jaguars with tires and custom
wheels. If your local tire guy can not help,
give Don a call. Unfortunately, they don't carry Nitto, but he can
set you up with the Forgelines and other major tires.
April 2001: I bought the Nitto 555 for two reasons. One, 'car guys' just
intuitively can look at a tire tread, feel the rubber, and
just know through a sixth sense that that tire will
work on their particular car. It's sort of like
women's intuition--just turned around for male gear heads. Same
principal--different topic. But seriously, the main reasons
that influenced me were the tread design, good looks, the fact
that a lot of Japanese import cars use them successfully in racing, and
lastly the price. They were also about $100 less per tire
then the SP8000s. I figured I would give them a try and had everything
to gain and little to lose. (Update 7/31/01) So far I am not unhappy, but not
thrilled. The Nittos ride softer,
are quiter, and handle adequately, but not as robust as the Dunlops under most conditions.
They also trammel more on irregular surfaces.
The tread is stickier and softer, but the sidewalls flex too much and don't seem
to be able to adequately support the heavy weight of the car. Thereforewhat they
gain in traction, they lose in increased understeer. Rain driving is much worse
than the SP 9000 too--I had a bit of a scare a couple of times under severe rain conditions.
I'd give high speed driving and overall driving to the Dunlops. I'd recommend
the Nittos if you are on a budget (or perhaps have a lighter car), are looking for a
comfortable sporty touring tire,
but the higher end Dunlops still overall are better and worth it..
By the way, not to put the SP9000s down, in the last few months of their
life, they have been harder riding, noisier, and trammel severely.
And most importantly, the brilliant handling edge I once felt is
gone. Still good, but a little more prone to let loose more
suddenly and feel a bit slippery and not as gummy as when
new. I'd still highly recommend them, especially if wet weather
or snow driving is concerned.
Effect:
Combined with the Bilstein shocks, 18" wheels, and
polyurethane steering rack bushings, handling limits have
increased about 30%. The old Pirellis would drift and
break loose suddenly at the limit, but the SP9000 Dunlops
as well as the Nittos continue to
exceed both my nerve and driving skills. I take freeway
on-ramps pretty easily at 60MPH (100KPH) and braking
ability has been greatly improved too.
The tires are also quieter and track truer than the P600's.
I have never had
a car with tires with this high of a performance
envelope, and I have come to one basic conclusion. Like
a stereo system, the most important component are your
speakers. In automobiles, tires are everything.
The ad is right. Control is everything...too bad
for Pirelli it is on Dunlops and Nitto!
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