Which Tyres - 200 5E

[one trick phoney]

Okay - after a bit of a panic with the boot/key over the weekend I have now completed the suspension work.

I discovered a broken spring on the rear a couple of weekends ago and having been unsucessful in sourcing an 'original' spring I splashed out on a set of 'Sport' springs by AVO. (long email chain with AVO to ensure suitability!).

New springs and shocks at the rear - new springs and shocks at the front. (as well as the new TCA's on the front) Oh, and another split cv boot - so both outer CV joints have been replaced now.

Before and after measurements (AVO springs potentially -40mm) show a drop of approx 5mm at the front and at the back, well to be honest theres no way of telling because of the broken spring. I have to admit that I was expecting a 'visible' drop, especially at the front as the new spring was half the free length of the original. 26 years of 'sag' i guess.

However - what a difference in the drive! much tighter (obviously) and sure footed despite the very dodgy tyres (and at last the point of the thread!) - okay, has any one else heard of GISLAVED?

So, been on to Elite at Rainham (in Gods grand county of Essex) - I've used these guys for nigh on 20 years now and they are very good. I am going to go the whole hog and get 5 new tyres (205/60R15 on the original 6J rims) and thought I might get some opinion (or experience) on what choice I've been offered that are in stock and in my budget range.

Pirelli P6000
Vredestein SPORTRAC 2
Dunlop SP200 E

Any advice or alternatives welcome

[amanda]

I have Dunlop sp9000 on my ur only because Pirelli dont make the size any more But 3 good makes there dont think you can loose either ways

[joe90]

[quote=one trick phoney;22968] okay, has any one else heard of GISLAVED?

I started doing part worn tyres about 12 years ago and gislaved were a common sight in the part worn department, but i probably havn't seen any now for about 7 or 8 years which means you could have some mighty old tyres on the car, there will be a date code on the sidewall but i have been out of the tyre trade for a couple of years and i cant remember what it is, should b able to find it on the net somewhere.

Bryan

[randall977]

Just off the top of my head... I asked the chap in the tyre and exhaust place accross the road and he said Gislaved are a Scandinavian make - not too bad in their day (apparently). I guess your tyres date back to 1990 / 91. I put Dunlop sp6000's on mine, they look slightly modern but the ride is good etc.

[Isimmo]

[quote=joe90;22974]

Originally Posted by one trick phoney

okay, has any one else heard of GISLAVED?

I started doing part worn tyres about 12 years ago and gislaved were a common sight in the part worn department, but i probably havn't seen any now for about 7 or 8 years which means you could have some mighty old tyres on the car, there will be a date code on the sidewall but i have been out of the tyre trade for a couple of years and i cant remember what it is, should b able to find it on the net somewhere.

Bryan

The code should be in an imprinted box and read something like - [27/05] this signifies it was made in the 27th week of 2005. If they are really ancient, (like the old set of CQ tyres I've got here, the code is not there) then it's guess work... (I know this old set for the CQ are ancient because they were made in West Germany, and that's a substancial give away!)

Hope this helps..

[pimpdriver]

Vredestein Sportrac2 - I have had these in the same size on my 100 quattro avant for about 18000 miles now, still plenty of tread left, and an Auto Express well rated tyre.

Low road noise, good grip wet and dry, good life. What more do you want???

Ste e

[randall977]

Would it be possible for you to send me the details of your suspension upgrade - I might be interested in doing the same thing too. Ta