Hello,

I'm going to be putting 20" Sepangs on my Super V8 eventually, and I've been doing some research on max tire size that can fit, but I'm coming up without much solid info.

The stock tire size on these wheels is 255/35/20 I believe.

I'm interested in trying to fit something wider, maybe in the 275 range. Does anyone have any actual experience with this, in terms of running a wider tire on these wheels, in real life?

Justin.

 

I don't think the wheel is wide enough properly wear a 275 width tire.

 

just posted a similar question

I have the exact same wheels and can guarantee that 285/30/20 fit perfect. Ideally it should be 295 to match the diameter of the front wheels, but I haven't had any problems.
Bad news is that even with michelin pilot super sports, which is the best non-racing tire available AFAIK, traction is still an issue, which is why I am contemplating the possibility of putting 345 rubber in the rear wells.

Also if better traction is your goal, you might want to consider NOT using 20" wheels. At most 19" wheels, ideally 18", but they have to be specially made to fit the Brembo callipers which I think you have. So best bet would be 19s.

 

Thanks Matei!

How long have you been on these wheels/tires? Zero rubbing? Stock suspension height?

And lastly, the most important question — do you you have photos? Side and rear if possible

 

Here they are:






I had the size for about a year, zero rubbing. there is still like a centimeter or so inside, and a little more outside. First set was a michelin ps2, it sat perfectly straight on the rim. The current PSSs are very very slightly ballooning, but only if you put a straight edge can you see that.

For Sepangs, I can't recommend going 275, because 275/30 would mean too little sidewall, and 275/35 will rub, as I understand.

 

Thanks! Have any experience with 265/35/20? I know you said 275 won't fit, but what other sizes have you tried?

 

I have the Brembo brakes on my 2004 Super V8, I have the 20" Sepangs for the summer tyres but have 18" standard Jaguar Luxury wheels with my winter tyres on , they do fit over the callipers.

 

MrWest, 265/30s would fit, they'd be about the same diameter as the 235/50/18. But really you won't feel a difference... I can barely feel it with 285s.

roviw, that's why I said only certain 18 wheels fit the brembos, I think I have the exact same 18s you have. I know the poor Murcielago folks who can't change their wheels for other 18s, because those were specially made for calliper clearance. And the Murci has the same diameter brake disks as we do.

Also, I see you have a pre 2005 Super V8, which means short wheel base, I was trying so hard to find more info on that, all I found when googling was about the US LWB model. Do you know something other that it is a standard suspension car with an XJR engine?

 

Hi, yes mine is an early one, there was not a LWB until , I think, the end of 2005.
The Super V8 , as you mentioned, was really a very high spec Sovereign Xj with the supercharged engine and comfort suspension. The XJR had regular leather and the Super had the soft piped leather. Mine also has the electric and heated front and rear seats, 4 zone climate, side window blinds and heated steering wheel and garage door opener, also the rear screens , adaptive cruise, sepang alloys etc. I think the only thing it did not have was the sunroof.
Here is a link to the original brochure and spec available.


Jag-lovers brochures - the 2004 XJ8 [X350] and LWB option choices brochure

 

Thought I'd come back and share some photos. Got a fantastic condition set of Sepangs, and installed 265/35/20 P-Zero N0 tires.

Only downside is that my coolant reservoir hose broke off the tank while I was drying out the engine bay after washing... Can't drive it until that's fixed. At lease it appears to be common, and not a crazy expensive repair.

 

looks lovely in that Green

 

Man, you are making me wish I went with 20"s. I have 18" Coventrys which are a very similar wheel design and it was only a $200 difference.

Yeah, the coolant tank is a simple job. I had to replace mine a month ago. I bought a couple extra hoses and was out of the dealer for around $180, but my local dealer is Gaudin that also runs the online parts site and I've bought enough parts from them they give me a bit of a break which is similar to their online prices. They even price matched an eBay deal for me once.

 

Do you remember how much of that was parts and how much was service? The OEM tanks I'm finding online are around the $160 mark.

And as far as Sepangs, maybe your car could use a good set of summer wheels / tires?

 

That was just parts. I got the parts from the dealer and installed them myself.

As much as I would love to snag another set of wheels, I just ordered a custom set for the Lincoln.

 

Ah, I see. What kind of coolant did you use?

 

I fully flushed until I had clean water and used Prestone yellow. If you are just drain and filling I would just go with a Dexcool approved coolant.