Tyre query

My dad is running an 850R. It is due for some new tyres. He doesn't like the p zeros so he is looking at replacing them with goodyear F1s. The wheel is a 17x7. He currently has 205/45 ZR 17 tyres fitted but goodyear don't do this size.

Does anyone know what if 215s will fit. will he need 215/40 or 215/45. this system of tyre sizing still confuses me.

what are all of you running and what sizes. Your help would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Turbo pete

[noiseboy]

Pete,

215 is a no-no on lowered suspension like an R, it'll scrub on full lock - I know (and have a bill for a set of arch liners to prove it).

If you do want to move away from 205/45 then probably the best bet is 205/40/17.... 3% less rolling radius makes minimal difference, and the key thing is that you dont change the width...

Just check the load/speed index of any tyre you go for. You need 500kg per corner and a W-Z rating to be safe!

Lots of good tyres are available in 205 too!

Hope that helps,

Phil :-)

[Simon Linton]

Phil's right about the width; don't go oversize there or you'll be expensively returning tyres (like he did...)

There are many many threads about tyres for Rs; if you ignore the 215 brands (most of them) you're left with Pirellis, Michelins, Kumhos, Falkens, Avons, Yokahamas and I believe Dunlops in the standard size or Phil's lower profile option.

We all have our favourites; mine so far is the Michelin Pilot Sports, but they're not cheap.

Phils the man - again - 215's are too wide

I'm running 205/40's and they're fine. This size also appears to be more popular in the shops - both cheaper due to the choice and often available off the shelf :)

I've hear some excellent reports about the G/years from another owner but I beleive Toyo's are really good on 200+ bhp cars.

Jim,
'96 855-R (The Flying Wardrobe)

Pete,

You mentioned in your post on the 850/70 section that your dad has for some reason removed the standard "volans" and replaced them with presumably some other aftermarket alloy wheel. These wheels will more than likely have a 35 or 38mm offset compared to the standard wheels which I think are either 42 or 43mm. This extra offset would allow your dad to fit 215's without having the same experience as Phil did, but be warned that this extra offset can shorten the life of wheel bearings e.t.c.

The only Volvo 850/70 to be fitted with 215's from the factory was the V70R-AWD which uses 17" wheels with a 43mm offset but does not sit as low as a FWD "R".

Cheers

Neil '99 R-AWD

PS Anyone who may be thinking of buying an R-AWD, yes the traction and handling are superior to a 2 wheel drive, but be warned the running costs are not for the faint hearted !!

[Simon Linton]

Too right, Neil - especially if you have a puncture and foolishly replace the dud tyre with a new one.

If tyre diameters differ by 3mm or more in the early AWDs, the transmission failed; a very expensive business.

Later AWDs and XCs are more tolerant, but always bear the diameter problem in mind when replacing tyres on these finicky beasts.

Simon,

Yes I'd been told different stories about the "allowed" variation in tread depth, but I took mine in for service last week and the dealer said that Volvo only recommend a difference of 1mm between tyres - mine were between 2 - 2.5mm, so I spent £300 on a service and then £430 on tyres - OUCH!!!.

Still I've now got a garage full of part worn P6000's (the tyre fitters thought I was mad taking off tyres with 5mm on them !),that may get used sometime, and £430 is cheaper than a new transmission.

Neil.