My xk8 convertible (stock) needs new tires...the stock 17 inch chrome wheels will take other than stock sizes, anyone has an idea, i don't want more Michelin or perellis.

wheel lugs, have found 92 lbs and 65 lbs, i would choose the 92 for the lugs, anyone have any opinions???

for tires a bit more performance would be nice but keeping the correct spedo calibration is more important...no i am not getting new wheels. thanks

 

Attached is the torque ch art from the tech manual . the 68-82NM converts to 50-60 foot pounds and the 88-102NM converts to 65-75 foot pounds.

As for tires I run NITTO MOTIVA in the factory size. I have over 40,000 miles great wear and no road noise and plenty sticky grip in the curves.

Running anything much wider and any wear in the shocks and shock mounts are going to show up as tire rub.

 

I like the Yokohama YK580 tires on my wife's 2006 XK8. Great wet-weather performance, quiet, excellent treadwear longevity, and reasonably priced. Available only at Discount Tire....

 

I just put Continentals on my 19" Apollo's. So far, smooth. However I was not looking for high performance tires(did all my fast driving on the track when I was young and unbreakable).

 

I put General G Max AS 03 99W SL on mine about 3 yrs ago. No complaints.

 

I also have 17 inch wheels on my 2000 XK8 and didn't want to change them. When looking for 245/50 tires it was a pretty disappointing selection. I wanted to match the characteristics of the P Zero tires at a livable price. I purchased a set of UHP summer tires in size 235/55. The diameter is spot on and by running 32PSI front and 34 PSI rear the handling is fine. Plus in that size there is a very good selection to choose from. Plus I do like the way they look, kind of a traditional British roadster look.

 

thank you all for your experience...i still don't know what to do yet and what the exact torque number is, conflicting answers....65 lbs, 92 lbs, 82 lbs, i have found them all, i think when i did the brakes i did 92 lbs and it has worked fine. tires, well i am thinking 255/45/17, maybe continentals or ???? thanks

 

TORQUE

When you see a figure e.g. 88-102 Nm, it DOESN'T mean this is a range and you just choose any setting between the two.

The higher figure is the one for NEW bolts; the lower figure is the one for USED bolts.

The reason for this is once new bolts have been initially stretched, they no longer require as much torque applied on subsequent removal/replacement.

You can now see from the chart in Vern's post #2 that you should apply exactly 68 Nm for steel wheels and 88 Nm for alloy wheels.

Graham

 

Her is how it all worked out:
4 new bridgestone turanza vr rated tires, stock size. about $1000 at America's tire store,with their warranty. What came on the car were 10 year old Michelin tires had about 20% left and I am using one for the spare. The original Perelli spare from 1999 was so hard that it cracked when taken off the rim, it was toast, and NEVER used. torque spec as 75 lbs, again I have the chromed steel wheels. Thank you all for help. Car is at 45k mileage so these were probably the second set in almost 20 years.

I could have spent more or less, so I took the 2nd or 3rd choice from the top. I could have fooled about with differing sizes, but in the end i went with stock...it's a luxury touring car.

Feedback after 100 miles is better grip, i can feel the road through the wheel more, no shimmy or shake, car handles better, smoother ride but i can feel more bumps, I am going with 32 lbs air all around.

 

"Feedback after 100 miles is better grip, i can feel the road through the wheel more, no shimmy or shake, car handles better, smoother ride but i can feel more bumps, I am going with 32 lbs air all around".

Each and every Jaguar is an individual. Do not be afraid to experiment with tyre/tire pressure. You should not feel more bumps. It's a Jag, and should be comparable to riding on a magic carpet!


Cheers,

Stu

__________________

 

Now you've got the tyres sorted, have a look at the front suspension bushes if you're feeling the bumps excessively.

I settled on 32F/34R on my 2001 XK8. Lower pressures would have given better ride quality but I found this was the best compromise for ride and tyre life.

Graham

 

32F/34R is what I decided on for my 20"s...The point is to keep the tread level across the Pavement and it takes a bit more to keep the Rears from bowing-in....Watch the Tread not the gauge.....Size of the wheel doesn't matter....You just want the tread level......Then remember how many pounds you are running...........My Lug-Nuts always get 75lbs. after the initial install...

Billy Clyde

 

thanks guys, i will try the 32/34 lb inflation