Tires - Size & Brand [850]   WatsonMD -- Saturday, 19 May 2001, at 7:27 a.m.

 I realize that this topic has been hashed out here time & again. I searched all the avail archives but not
 much help.

 I have a 97 850 GLT. The stock 195/60/15 Michelin MVXs are getting a bit thin. Two questions:

 1. Would it be OK to up the size to 205/55/15. I want a bit more contact patch and less sidewall flex. ??
 rubbing ?? funny looking

 2. Anyone wearing the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Asymmetrical?? I like the concept of this tire. Also I was
 looking at the Michelin Pilot XGT but the price is big.

 Thanks for the advice.
 Andrew T. Watson
 --
 1997 850 GLT, 1996 Toyota 4Runner

 I also have a Volvo that uses 195-60-15 tires and will be waiting for other brickboarders' response.

 I have no answers to your questions, but have you considered the Yokohama AVS dB tires. I purchased a
 set for my wife's Nissan and they are exceptionally quiet with excellent handling properties. I was
 considering buying a set since they are V rated tires and prices are reasonable at www.tireack.com. They
 are not available in 195-60-15, but come in 195-65-15 at $67 per tire.

 Not sure about the Dunlop but 205/55/15 will fit fine. You will have the same amount of sidewall flex though.
 But there should be no rubbing or other issues.

                                         Volvospeed

 I have a set of the Dunlop SP sport 5000 installed on my '99 XC, I replaced the original equiptment tires -
 Conti's, because old set was worn and I was not happy with the performance of the Conti's. With the
 Dunlops, I am very happy with these tires. These tires do not squeech while going around twisty roads and
 they also grip better than the Conti's. The speed rating on the contis were h rated while the dunlops are v
 rated. I also have a 1997 850 GLT. I had the same dillema as you. Instead of staying with the 15 inch
 wheels, I went ahead and upgraded to the 16 inch wheels. This upgrade allowed me to go with the
 205X50X16 tire size. (Same as the Turbo). I installed the Bridgestone re730's on these wheels and I am
 very satisfied with these tires. I purchased these tires from www.Tirerack.com for $104 a piece. I do not
 know whether or not they carry these tires in the 205X55X15 size, but if they do, I sure they will be cheaper
 than what I paid. Hope this was helpful.. good luck in your decision.

 Watson,

 I always stick with Michelin on my cars....but thats just me.
 As far as size goes....well my car came stock with the six spoke 15" whees and 195/60 tires like yours.
 What I did was to find a set of Volvo OEM 16" Perfo wheels on the buy and sell section of this board. Then
 I had a set of
 Michelin Pilot XGT Z4’s mounted....yes Z rated was more money...but its a better tire. I am 100% happy
 with this fitment.....these Pilots are a much better than the older plain jane XGT’s.
 If you go this route, you can save the 15" wheels for a winter tire(if needed in your area)....like the Michelin
 Artic Alpine.

 good luck....

 --
 Steve Ferraro / Hoboken, NJ / 2000 S70-GLT(only added some 16 inch Perfo wheels with new Michelin
 Pilot XGT Z4’s, and the rear splash guards)

 I am also looking for a replacements for 195/60-15 tires. Would there be any performance advantages to
 going to 195/55-15 size instead of 195/65-15? My tire comparisons at the tirerack site indicates the
 Kumho ECSTA Supra 712 might be good. Can't find any outstanding tires in the regular size. Although the
 Yoko AVS dB seems good at the higher size. Can anyone help?
 --
 Andy

 I made that exact size change roughly 18 months ago. Speedo error is only 1.4% and I like the look of the
 slightly shorter sidewall and wider contact patch. I put Goodrich v-rated Touring T/A's from a warehouse
 club on the car and after 15k miles I am very happy with them. I know I don't need v-rated tires but for only
 $5 or so more a tire I thought I'd splurge a little. Cost including mounting, balancing, lifetime rotation and
 balancing, and tax, was $325 or so. I would highly recommend them.
 --
 Wayne '94 854GTAS 95K

 You might consider a set of wheels off a turbo model. I've
 seen them on I{D's classified for $300 a set (could try ebay,
 too). That should be a nice step up in performance along with
 the larger tire.

 Also, Michilin now has an H rated Pilot that goes for about $100
 each (have them on our 95 GLT).

 --
 Ray Niblett 95 855 GLT / 98 S70 T5M

 I recently replaced my the stock MXV4 tires(195/60R15) on my S70GLT with 4 Dunlop SP Sport 5000, the
 size is 205/55R15. I notice there is a big improvement on ride and handling, the stock tires have poor
 traction and they are too skinny for a S70. The Dunlop Sport 5000 is made in Japan and I paid around
 Can$160 each before tax. Having them installed at a Volvo dealer costed me another $65(before tax).

 The new tires look great on the car. I would advise not to go for Michelin tires as they are over-priced. Go
 visit a Canadian tire shop at  WWW.TIREDEPOT.COM, I know they carry the Dunlop too.

 Since you went to the 205/55/15`s have you noticed any fender well/suspension interference due to the
 increased width and smaller diameter ?

 I was in the exact same situation three months ago.

 I had a set of Bridgestone Turanza 195/60HR15 that probably could have gone a few more miles, but...

 I was getting new Bilsteins, IPD sway bars, and a strut brace and convinced myself that I needed new tires
 also. I did quite a bit of research on the new tire purchase and had several people recommend the
 upgrade to 205/55R15.

 My final choices were the Dunlop SP 5000 ($420 out-the-door) and the Michelin Pilot XGT V4 ($600-ish). I
 decided on the Dunlops.

 Answer to your first question: no rubbing.

 I'm very happy with the SP 5000s, especially their traction/performance in the rain and a little bit of
 Maryland snow. I feel the car is much safer and more fun to drive now, especially cornering and
 "emergency" handling.

 At first I was not fully happy with the significantly stiffer ride -- this probably had only a little to do with the
 tires and much more to do with the other new suspension components. But, over the past 3 months, my
 attitude has changed somewhat. Maybe:
 a) I've gotten used to it,
 b) the shocks, struts, and rubbery components have had a chance to "wear in" a little bit and are a little
 more forgiving, and/or
 c) I've significantly improved my ability to notice and avoid pavement imperfections and potholes... see,
 that "emergency" handling really is important.

 Good luck on your tire purchase.

 --
 Ralph '93 850GLT

 I've got the Dunlop SP 5000 and they're very good. No squealing, quieter and softer ride than the old
 Continentals they replace. Look mean too :)
 --
 Matthew de Seattle ____1997 850 T5, all opts.