Hi,

I just recently got a set of the starfish rims. I was using the 16" lattice rims with 225/60 tires. Now that I have the starfish rims I notice that the factory tires size is 215/70vr/15. When looking for tires the only options are S and T speed rated. I do like the look of BFG Radial T/A tires, but I not sure about the speed rating. The stock Pirelli's where V rated I believe. Should I try and get a higher speed rated tire? Will it make that much of a difference? Is it too risky to drive on S rated tires with this car?
Any help with this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jake

 

Jake, its funny I'm working on exactly the same thing. Car I just purchased has a set of chrome knock-offs that were not my style, so I'm reverting back to the starfish as well. Unfortunately, the only 215/70vr/15 tire available is made by Michelin, called the XWX. Its about $2k for a set unfortunately. But near as I can tell, and Doug on here confirmed, that is the ONLY 215/70/15 tire still for sale with a v speed rating So I'm also trying to figure out what the best option S and T rated tires are. If anyone with recommendations could chime in that would be helpful.

 

That is unfortunate. I am tempted to go with the Radial T/A's, I have seen other XJS owner use them. However I am somewhat apprehensive to the idea of S rated tires. I do like to drive fast. Not really around corners as much, but I'll cruise the highway at 80-90mph at times. I hate to think of what would happen should those tires not be able to handle that.

 

Exactly the same situation I'm in. Worried about highway driving. The Dunlop Signature II tires are T-rated, and that's the best I can find. However, they're only $75 each. I'm all for not overpaying... but that makes me nervous.

 

Mm. I agree.

 

I have found perhaps a better option. Michelin offers their Defender tire (t-rated) in 215/70r/15 @ $155.00 each. However, they're not a performance orientated tire.. simply all season. Highly rated though. Might be the best option out there....

 

According to the sales brochures, the standard tyre for a 1989 XJS was a 236/60 VR15. No idea if you'll find any more choices in that size?

 

Is there much difference between S and T rated tires? According to the tire rack web site.
S has a speed rating of 112 and T is 118. Does 6mph make any difference?

 

Hmm. Hopefully that will help JakeM. Allan, maybe you can confirm for me that the 1987 XJSC came standard with the 15" Starfish alloys, and 215/70vr/15 tires?

 

In my opinion, not really. It pretty much comes down to S/T vs. V I think.

 

That's for the lattice rims. I have the starfish rims. Which came standard with 215/70 vr15. I don't know that 235/60 VR15 would fit on starfish rims.

 

I'd say your right.

 

While we're on the subject, where did you get your Starfish alloys from, Jake? I haven't purchased mine yet but was planning to call Paul's down in FL

 

Yes the 215/70VR15 were standard on the 87 and 88 models. The lattice wheels were optional on the 88MY with 235/70 tyres.

My understanding is that the lattice wheels were standard from 89 to 94, shod with Pirelli P600 tyres.

I don't think you would have a problem putting 235/70 tyres on the starfish as both the starfish and lattice wheels are 6.5J x 15

 

Well, that got me excited. Until searching for 235/70VR15 tires. Same predicament as before. I can only find one tire, made by Avon, in that size @ $400 each.

Good thought though

 

Yup....that's why l bought 16' wheels. bigger choice of tires.

 

So I guess the real question at this point is, if we stick with 15" wheels, are S/T rated tires safe for regular highway driving around 80/90MPH in an XJS?

 

-I'm considering changing up my tire sixe from the 235/60-15 on stock Lattice rims on my '89, to an after-market 16" rim with 225/60-16 tire, as the tire heights are 26.1" dia(15") to 26.5"(16") -I punched these tire sizes into Costco.ca on-line, and they have a Michelin tire, and two BFG, the Advantage T/A comes in a V rating for $167 +$15 Installation.

 

According to the speed rating, yes!

One thing you can do is look for the highest possible load rating. Load rating and speed rating are two different things but a higher load rating tire will generally have a stronger casing, which should make you feel a little better

Probably even safe for over 112-118 mph for short periods...although one hates to take chances at those speeds, of course. Crash at that speed and you're toast. But, it's not like a bomb necessarily goes off the minute you hit the speed rating.

Look at the tires we used to run on ages ago. I can remember going 120-130 mph on 'Goodyear Polyglas GT' tires in the 70s with no qualms. They didn't even *have* a speed rating! It was a good tire in the day....but I reckon most any tire made today is light years ahead of it.


Cheers
DD

 

That's a good point about the load rating.. I'll take a look at that. Right now I'm leaning towards the Michelins I mentioned earlier in the thread. Best buy short of the XWXs.