Page 2 of 2

Re: Saloon tyres questions

Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2018 11:09 pm
by Crossley Stephenson
I recently fitted the Retro Classic 001 to my 68 V8 250 after deciding the 18 yo Michelin XVS should be replaced due to age and some sidewall cracking. The Retros look almost identical to the Michelins (the supplier suggested Nanking may have purchased the moulds) and I have noticed a definite improvement in the ride, road noise and handling. I initially set the pressures at 32psi front and 30psi rear as this was the settings used for the old Michelins. I have now reduced the fronts to 30psi because I felt the steering was a little light. I am off for a 200+ mile run this weekend and will be able to make a better assessment.

Michael

Re: Saloon tyres questions

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 8:49 am
by Crossley Stephenson
Did a little bit more than the anticipated 200mls over the weekend. It was our annual Brass Monkey touring weekend and the mileage came in at 350mls door to door (24mpg). I am happier with the new tyres at 30psi all round but may experiment with a couple of psi less next run. The manual says 30psi "but up to 3psi less for normal two up motoring for maximum comfort" The steering effort at parking or slow manoeuvring speeds will tell the tale.

Cheers
Michael

Re: Saloon tyres questions

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 10:28 pm
by captain bobo
350 miles sounds like a good round trip! I'd be interested to hear how the car feels after a 3 psi drop when you get the opportunity. Thanks for the inputs.

Re: Saloon tyres questions

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 9:04 pm
by KV8
Crossley Stephenson wrote: Wed Aug 22, 2018 11:09 pm I have now reduced the fronts to 30psi because I felt the steering was a little light.
Michael
Hi I also have the Retro Classics on my V8. I assume that you have power steering as Dave (Captain Bobo ) does?

I do not have PS and read somewhere that 35 psi on the fronts is recommended in this case. It certainly makes the steering lighter at low speed (but still a lot heavier than PS!!)

Regards

H

Re: Saloon tyres questions

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 11:09 pm
by Crossley Stephenson
No I don't have PS. 35psi would shake the fillings out of your teeth.

Michael

Re: Saloon tyres questions

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2018 8:59 pm
by KV8
Crossley Stephenson wrote: Thu Aug 30, 2018 11:09 pm No I don't have PS. 35psi would shake the fillings out of your teeth.

Michael
Er no!
Firstly despite being in my 4th quarter century I have no fillings left due to implants and porcelain crowns. On my last trip to Australia in 2017 I found the roads excellent (NSW, Tasmania, Victoria, SA, and a few years previous Queensland). Certainly better than the frost potholed tracks that claim in some cases to be "A" roads here. These retro classic tyres have fairly rigid sidewalls anyway and with the fronts at 35 and rears (no load) at 28. I can not detect any difference in ride quality but the steering is definitely lighter.

H