Wide rear tyres (Grp4)

[rutthenut]

I know the topic comes up frequently enough, but I thought a new entry would be as good as any to raise it again.

There have been discussions about going to 16" rims due to the problems in obtaining 15" tyres in the wider width used on the rear of Group 4 style cars. (not a problem for me, with standard, Stradale bodywork and 205 or 225 tyres)

I believe the usual choice is something like 345 width on a 12" rim, although it seems that 285 width tyres can be more usable - but even harder to find.

Some people have managed to find sources for tyres in either of these sizes, but they can often be in very short supply. I think I had heard that maybe Pirelli might remanufacture sets of tyres in the wide sizes too - can anyone shed any light on that.

Anyway, I saw a link from a different forum for a tyre supplier that offers a service over the web - deliver the tyres to you, so you can get them fitted locally. The site states that goods and services are available only for mainland UK delivery.

If you go to www.tyre4u.com you can enter the desired width, profile and diameter (and speed rating) to see what tyres they have available. I tried this and they appear to have nothing in 285 width, but they do list Pirelli PZero's in 345/35/15 size (Y speed rating) at £226.35 - including VAT and delivery.

Description of the tyres at http://www.tyre4u.com/productdetails.asp?ID=2462&Make=Pirelli&Type=PZERO%20ASIMMETRICO

Any other comments on price and availability of Group 4 rear tyres?

[rutthenut]

According to the post that recommended this company (from a different forum), the tyres are delivered by Parcelforce, from Germany. The web site indicates delivery in 4 four working days, stock permitting (which may be the sticking point).

Just working through the available widths of low-profile tyres on a 15" rim, I see that they also list a 245/35x15 Dunlop SP Sport 9000 MFS, Z-rated tyre. That sounds like an alternative for use on the rear of cars with standard arches (albeit at £193.10 cost). See http://www.tyre4u.com/productdetails.asp?ID=1234&Make=Dunlop&Type=SP%20Sport%209000

[chris.richard]

Originally posted by rutthenut
they also list a 245/35x15 Dunlop SP Sport 9000 MFS, Z-rated tyre. That sounds like an alternative for use on the rear of cars with standard arches

Will 245s fit under Stradale arches? I'd got the impression that 225 was the widest.

[rutthenut]

245's would probably fit easily enough, but it would depend entirely on the wheel width and offset you are using.

I have 8" rims on my Hawk, which have an ET0 offset, which works ok but does not give the offset I prefer - so I fit a wheel spacer to increase the track, etc. Which means I could surely use 245 tyres without contact on either strut body or wheelarch lip.

Note that I've also got the smaller diameter coil springs on the rear struts, whereas the standard Stratos coils may lead to a conflict if you run the spring platforms lower on the strut body.

[SCOTTY]

I HAVE JUST SOLD MY HOUSE TO BUY TWO REAR TYRES FOR MY CAR .I PURCHASED THEM FROM SILVERLINE WHEELS & TYRES 01926-490002 PIRELLI PZEROS 34535ZR15 PRICE 180.00 @VAT EACH . £6.95 for delivery .VERY HELPFUL COMPANY AND TYRES WERE DELIVERED TWO DAYS AFTER ORDERING.NOW I JUST SLEEP IN MY CAR

[guy mayers]

I've never had a problem getting 345*35*15 from Jeffreys Tyres in Warrington. From memory, the last set of Pirellis were £215 each fitted and balanced.
Now all I need is the correct pattern wheels to mount them on!
Guy