I figured I'd make a new thread since this isn't exactly related to the transmission swap project I'm doing -- what three-season/"""all""" season tires do people recommend for an '86 XJS V12? I don't plan on driving the car in the winter to avoid the rust issues. I've got the 15x6.5 wheels with 215/70R15s on them, and I was eyeing Vredstein Sport Classics in that size. They were highly recommended by an acquaintance, and they come in the appropriate size. Tire rack doesn't have much else beyond that in 215/70R15, but if there's anything I'm missing I'd be all ears. I was also considering switching to a later (and larger) wheel like the 16x7 five-spokes from 1994 and getting a more modern tire, but that adds $800 and I'm not sure if everything would be copacetic with the change in unsprung weight and width.

 

Could it be Sprint Classic rather than Sport Classic? If so, the spec looks good and Vredestein has a good reputation...so I suspect you'll be happy. Are you looking for any specific qualities in a tire? Any priorities?

Cheers
DD

 

Yeah, I meant the Sprint Classic. The only real goals I have are good grip, especially wet stopping/braking and a 149mph or higher speed rating — I’m not planning on going cannonballing but something about having tires that don’t match the capability of the car rubs me the wrong way. I also don’t really mind if they’re relatively quick wearing because I don’t plan on putting that many miles on the car. As far as price is concerned, as long as they’re at or below the price of the Vredsteins I don’t mind.

Are you familiar with anyone who’s swapped the wheels from a 93/94 onto a mid-80s car? My engineer brain tells me there might be some differences in the suspension to account for the weight differences

 

I have the modern facelift 5 spokes on my 1985 coupe. They are fine and there is a far larger choice of tyres and they are also much cheaper over this side of the Atlantic.
The only differences they make are:
Slightly less smooth ride (this is because you lose a touch of sidewall depth)
More direct high speed ride, directional feel and handling, for the same reason.

There are no other things to adjust or worry about suspension-wise, it is a straight swap.

 

That’s fantastic! I’ll likely pencil in to snag a set of those later on if I start driving the car more than I expect.

 

The Vredesteins are one of the very few manufacturers offering that size (or any 15" tire) with a high speed rating, so that alone may cinch your decision. You can still buy the Michelin XWX...at about $400/tire. And I think you can still find a 215/70x15 Avon in that size and rating, for an equally high price.

Many (including me) went to 225/60x15 to get a greater range of choices, or 215/65x15. Nowadays, though, the selection in thinning even in those sizes.

Cheers
DD

 

I did the same as Doug, I put 225/60. Perhaps they are a little small in total diameter, but to keep the 15" wheels there are few options today (at least here in Europe). Pirelli 235/60s are hard to find, very expensive, and it's not a particularly good tyre. The same goes for 215/70. So that leaves us almost only with the 225/60 or 215/65. The latter has an ideal size, copying the total diameter of the 235/60, but the variety of brands is limited, and there are no top brands, the best being Kumho.

With 225/60 we can at least choose between Continental or Falken, for example. Years ago there was also Vredestein Sportrac, but now it seems that they are no longer made. In my 3.6 I have 225/60-15 all round, Vredestein in front and Falken rear.

An option that can be excellent would be 225/65, as some XJ40s had, but I only find the Avon CR6ZZ, and they are outrageously expensive (450 USD each). Changing to 16" there are more and better options (I recommend 225/60-16), but I'm a Lattice wheels lover, and finding them in 16" is difficult (and expensive). In addition, the Lattices that I have seen for sale in 16" are all 8", and for the front axle it is recommended that they be 7".

 

I ended up with Falken Ziex and those are ok. Ive been looking at the Vredesteins and that’s probably going to be my go to. If not Ill get Khumo Ecsta with V rating and call it a day. If not, Ill head over to my local wheel shop here in LA and get a set of 17” Style 5 wheels with some good rubber. Proper 15” and 16” tires are getting harder to find these days.