Is there a reasonably priced alternative to the re-manufactured Coker / Michelin 205-70xVR14 original sized tires. I would prefer to stay away from 16" wheels, etc. Just standard size. Thanks!
With a Michelin at $110. Not high speed rated, and more of a general purpose tire. But, it's a fraction of the cost. Sid
I'm going to be the stick in the mud here make sure that whatever tire you use it meets the speed and load rating, do not use a lower speed rated tire with the assumption that since you wouldn't drive that fast it doesn't matter, it does and opens up liability issues in the event of an accident. I'm facing a similar dilemma with my DD, most every friggen tire in the size I need is a light truck tire and would not be safe to use, so I have to either pay up for the proper tire or move up in tire size to something more common these days. Sucks.
Do any of us know of an instance where an insurance company refused a claim because they decided the tires didn't meet the car's requirements, even though the tires didn't relate to the mishap? I am the only one who drives my car and I can assure you there's no where around here where I could approach 112 MPH sustained speed, which is what the tires are rated for, nor would I have the urge to do it if it was possible.
There is no alternative to the XWX ! Search for the best pricing ... 321.00 EUR https://www.reifenleader.de/autoreifen/michelin/xwx/205-70-r14-89w-135698?utm_source=compare&utm_medium=google-shopping&utm_campaign=tyre&gclid=CjwKEAjw4dm6BRCQhtzl6Z6N4i0SJADFPu1nSBqDaSeL6tuRpqvptuvCcNbKs6265tynn66eMlxFGhoC_3jw_wcB
Everything out there is T or S rated. These are sedan tires. But, keep in mind that today's technology and tire quality is 30-40 years better than what came on the car originally. I had Sumitomo's on my 246GT until I switched to XWX for the look, far more than the performance.. I think BF Goodrich Comp T/A might work for you. Has more of a period look, since it does date back to the dawn of time. But it is S rated. Readily available at Tire Rack, walMart, Sears, etc. D Image Unavailable, Please Login
Just passing along the info that the tire mfg's note. A higher speed rated tire will handle better at low speeds, like 35mph turns where roll over of the sidewall effects stability then a lower speed rated tire. The speed rating and load index are tied to each other in that the load placed on the tire and the speed it can sustain do not destroy the carcass, even at low speed. The XWX tire for the 308 has a load index of '89' and a speed rating of 'W'. Per michelin, A construction designed to reach 300 km/h (186 mph) The special features of the XWX ensure that it delivers outstanding performance, combining speed, driving pleasure and safety. The original design of its internal construction, together with its flexible carcass give exceptional comfort when travelling at very high speeds. As it is a VR category tyre, the XWX is now homologated for use at a maximum speed of 270 km/h (167 mph). Is anyone going to stop someone from using an inferior rated tire, probably not, most national tire chains might though. Go to tire rack and search for a tire for a '80 308, it'll come up with nothing, go directly to Dunlop ans same thing, no tire available. The size exists of course but not with the load and speed rating. As to litigation? why take the chance?
As SMG2 has stated, purchase tires with the proper speed rating. They are better in a number of ways. One of the first things I check when looking to purchase a performance car(especially a Ferrari) is the tires that the owner has fitted. When I see that someone has tried to save a few bucks on tires I wonder where else they decided to cut corners.
Maxxix MA-P1 is a "V" rated 205/70-R14 tire (as requested by the original Italian DOT papers) and costs 117 euro. Ciao http://www.gommadiretto.it/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=130&cart_id=55711785.130.26026&sowigan=So&Breite=205&Quer=70&Felge=14&Speed=V&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=PKW&x_tyre_for=&rsmFahrzeugart=PKW&search_tool=standard&Label=F-B-71-2&details=Ordern&typ=R-260977
I am currently running the Vredestein Sprint Classic tire. Tread getting low. I was never very happy with the dry traction of this tire, so was looking for an alternative. I used to have Pirelli P4000 tires that were very nice, but again, wore out. I would be very happy with NOS P-4000's.The P-4000's were half the price of the XWX's. I just do not want to spend $1700.00 for 4 Coker XWX tires, if it can be avoided. Looks like these are my only good choice and I might just have to bight the XWX bullet after all.
It always makes me chuckle when people refer to a 308 as a 'performance car' that needs high performance tires. Remember that in 2016 just about anything off the lot will blow the doors off of a 308 in acceleration and cornering despite being significantly heavier. Tire technology has come along massively since the 308 was new and even the cheapest tire out there is miles better than the XWX the 308 was originally fitted with. For my car I bit the bullet and put on the XWX's because it was the only tire that looked right on the car. That said the new production Michelins ride really nice and are my only choice for the correct classic look.
You're right, unfortunately the 14" tire size is far more common to light truck tires and the majority of those tires do not have the right load and speed index rating.
This one looks to have the correct speed index (V, as on papers) and a by far exceeding load index (95). At 30% (or less) of the XWX price, and maybe is even better. ciao Image Unavailable, Please Login
So we all know the XWX is right and is a very good tire. The BF Goodrich Radial T/A flipped around blackwall out is a great tire alternative. Stock sizes and about $100-120 a piece. Has a nearly identical look to the XWX.
Purchased a set last year from Longstone. Great service, no problems at all. Free shipping straight to my mechanics shop.
I put the XWX's on my GT4 because the ones one it when I bought the car were 25 years old and they were surprisingly not even cracking. I really like the original look and since I don't plan to drive the car too hard they will expire with time before I wear them out.
Is anyone on here running the Coker XWX's? The reason i ask is on the model a ford forums (i realize that it is a totally different style of tire) it is said that to get four good Coker tires you have to order six of them and send the two worst ones back.
All of the XWX's out there whether they be sold by Coker, Longstone, or whomever are made by the classics department of Michelin. I have never heard of tire problems with the XWX's and am currently running two different sets on a Dino and a 308. In both cases they balanced with little weight and were perfectly round and true. Nothing to worry about there so I am not sure what is going on with the Ford guys (maybe a bias ply thing).
