84 replies to this topic

[oblomov]

Need new rears soon, anyone running Eagle FI 245/40/17's on the rear with the 195's up front?

[Neil H]

Went through a few sets of GSD3's on my VTS. Phenomenal wet weather grip and also great in the dry. Only downside was the very soft sidewalls. When used on track, I had to run 38F/34R psi to stop the tyre folding under the rim when cornering hard. Was fine once running the higher pressures though. In the wet is where they really shine. I drove a friends VTR at a very wet Cadwell Park a couple of years ago and just had so much confidence in cornering due to the levels of grip the GSD3's had to offer. It was awesome! Would definately try these on the VXT

[bazzio]

have the gs-d2's got firmer sidewalls?? handy for trackdays

[jimbo220]

I'm about to get some new fronts and and looking at the goodyears too. One thing that the worries me: Is anyone concerned that the extra width (and maybe even tread pattern) could increase the risk of aquaplaning?

[siztenboots]

I'm about to get some new fronts and and looking at the goodyears too. One thing that the worries me:

Is anyone concerned that the extra width (and maybe even tread pattern) could increase the risk of aquaplaning?

I run 205 fronts without problems. Worn tyres are a big factor

[mcarrick69]

I'm using 195's (GSD3's) and the improved braking outweighs any aquaplaning or any lesser cornering ability. Not that aquaplaning or cornering has ever been an issue.

[Craig S]

I'm using 195's (GSD3's) and the improved braking outweighs any aquaplaning or any lesser cornering ability.
Not that aquaplaning or cornering has ever been an issue.

Just to let you know they have stopped making the GSD3's and a new pattern F1 is out but not available in 195/45/17. So better source a set now if you want them.

[timmyp]

Just been looking around at tyres (don't need any yet, but being forced to buy Bridgestones annoys me!).

Since the GSD makes are not long for this world, although I assume there will be a replacement at some point, has anyone tried a 195/40/R17 tyre, now that other people have established that 195 tyres do in fact fit?

I realise the sidewall will be a little smaller than the 195/45, which might mean they don't flex enough to fit them on the narrower rims, but rolling circumference will still only be 5% less than the standard tyres according to this so I wouldn't imagine that the ABS will be affected (I have it switched off most of the time anyway).

I only ask because if the 195/40 tyre fitted, there are loads of tyres available, including KU31s, which a lot of people fit on the 16/17 combo, so could prove quite a cost-effective solution...

[vxbandit]

Im needing 2 new fronts and looking at the F1's. From what ive read they are the mutts nuts on the VX but im unsure of whether to go for 195/45/17 or the original size. Mate at kwik fit said playing with tyre size isnt a good idea and shouldnt be done but reading this it all looks ok. My only concern is the tyre wall, will it hold out on the rim during hard cornering and do they rub???

[timmyp]

They don't exist in the original size. Bridgestones are the only tyre available in 175/55/R17.

Edited by timmyp, 13 September 2008 - 10:38 AM.

[vxbandit]

They don't exist in the original size. Bridgestones are the only tyre available in 175/55/R17.

Oh yeah, so is it actually worth upgrading then??? Im confused and need some newbies but dont wanna kill myself.

[Retset]

vxbandit: Each width of tyre has an ideal rim width. If the rim is too narrow then the tyre may flex too much during hard cornering. If the rim is too wide (the 'Euro' look) then ride quality suffers. The 175/55 R17 is the ideal width front tyre for the standard wheels. The Bridgestone tyres are pretty good. If the car understeers too much, you can take most of that away with a good geo and the rest by driving it right. A 195/45 R17 ideally needs a 6.5" wide front wheel. The fact that people are fitting them to 5.5" wheels is not dangerous but it did not appeal to me as I track the car and wanted to not introduce unwanted tyre flex. I, and many others, have changed wheels to Team Dynamics wheels as sold by Thorney. They have advantages of being lighter, having a wider track (esp front) and coming in variety of colours. The fronts are 16" wheels and, IIRC, 6.5" wide. Now a wide variety of tyres are available to you including 'track' tyres like the R888's. For me it was a no brainer as I wanted black wheels and don't like the style of the originals or the way they sit in the front arches. I also fancied a slightly wider front tyre and like the way it feels. Inevitabley the car needs a slight drop with a 16" wheel in a 17" hole ... but that was on the cards anyway. Hopefully this will help you make up your mind but in summary I'd say put the Bridgestones on the original wheels or get some new wheels and put on whatever you desire ... including Bridgestone HTH

[Slippery]

I've just fitted exactly the same tyres as "thelynxeffect" fitted at the beginning of this tread: GSD3's 225-45-17 rear and 195-45-17 front. I'm a little bit concerned that he hasn't added anything to the thread for a while........I don't track the car but love testing it on the road. I came off the standard (although a little worn) Bridgestones. First impressions are very good. There seems to be more forgiveness in that the limit, when reached, is easier to detect and control. The wider front tyre gives a much more solid feel, it looks a whole lot better and it's almost impossible to scuff your alloys! There seems little danger of the tyres popping off. I have more concerns over the rear tyres. They do seem to stick out further than the Bridgestones and seem fatter too.After fitting, when cornering hard over bumpy surfaces, I get a scraping noise indicative of tyre against wheel arch or wheel lining. Has anyone else had this? (I have put on weight lately too, maybe this is a contributary factor!)

[NOBLE]

I've just fitted exactly the same tyres as "thelynxeffect" fitted at the beginning of this tread: GSD3's 225-45-17 rear and 195-45-17 front...

Same here since June.

Positives:
Good grip in the dry
Great grip in the wet

Negatives:
Catches front plastic when turn corners that are on an incline but not badly
Soft side wall makes you have a bit more wallowing not great if you have a standard VXT shockers

If Bridgestones were cheaper I'd still be buying them but they are not so the Eagles will do for now.

[vxbandit]

Waaaa. So torn about what to do now. I can get the Bridgstones and the F1s supplied and fitted for the same price. Can you increase the size of the width of the ridgies??? Thanks for all of your answers it does actually help quite alot as always.

[MaDFreeBiRD]

i also need new fronts but only replaced my rears with brigies a couple of months ago. I should really stick with the same tyre all round......shouldnt i?

[LazyDonkey]

yes

[Anarchy]

Are there not any 185 that will fit?

[vxbandit]

Well i done it, went and got the 195/45/17 F1's and to be perfectly honest they are amazing. The car feels some much more planted when going around corners in the wet and in the dry. Im running standard suspension and to be honest havnt had any draw backs whatsoever, no rubbing, nothing. I would defonitely recommend them to anyone else over the Bridgies.

[Slippery]