Hi

I am looking at changing the tyres on my ‘97 XK8 which has the 18x8/9 rims. The tyres are not particularly worn but they are 7-8 years old (the car was stored for 4 years before I brought it).

The current tyres are as per the Jaguar recommendation of 245/50 Pirelli PZero directional front and 255/45 PZero Asymmetric rear

So I was wondering why they had different tread patterns front and rear, as Pirelli don’t make 2 different PZero tread patterns any more (and I don’t think other companies do either)??

I was also wondering why the fronts were 245/50 (dia 702mm), and not 235/50 (dia 692mm)? As the rim diameter of the 235/50 matches the diameter of the rear (687mm) better? Also the recommend ideal with for 8” rims is 225-235, and the max is 245. Was it just that 235/50 was not a common size back in 97, or is that max width or 245 is needed??

 

I always thought of your set up as a performance upgrade option. I think I saw it on a price list as an upgrade for additional $$. I bet it looks better than the four 245/50 r17 on my car too.

 

245/45R18 in front and 255/45R18's in back would be the best setup for a staggered set of 18-8/18-9 wheels with lots of tire options.


The wheel offset of an XK8 makes even 245's visually look too small. I would not want to go narrower.


On my lowered '97 coupe, I would love a square set of 9" 18's all around with 255/40's.

 

On my 05 XKR I went with 19" wheels, 255x40/19" front, 285x35/19" rear. Continental Extreme contact tires. Standard suspension, no rubbing, looks great, especially from behind.