Replacement Tires

[dbsupercrew]

Re: Replacement Tires

Well, I finally got the General UHP's mounted and balanced. They seem to be more surefooted, softer riding and quieter than the originals. Looks like I am going to be pleased with them. By going the Tirerack route, I saved almost $300.

[Johnny TBird]

Re: Replacement Tires

I purchased a set of BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE960 AS tires today. Hope they work as well as the MICHELIN tires that came on the car.

Happy Trails

[Rambird]

Re: Replacement Tires

While we are on the subject I would like to change the color(if white is a color!)
Although I have not made a Bird purchase yet-think that wide white walls will be added at some point
Can anyone recommend a source and do the rims need to be changed to suit size available??
Thanks in advance for any input
Cheers from north of the border
Bob

[redbirdsal]

Re: Replacement Tires

We've been waiting for more info on these, but haven't heard anything lately:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16984&highlight=white+wall+tires

[Doug]

Re: Replacement Tires

I put on a set of the GY Response Edge 2 weeks ago, from Discount Tire here in LV. $910 incl tax, road hazard etc out the door, took 30 minutes first thing on Sat morning while I read the paper at the McDonalds across the street. Verdict: moderately harsher (more feel through steering wheel at speed 75/80mph). Definitely firmer, but no noise. I had to stop rapidly (80 to 15mph) on the commute the other day, and the combo of the fresh GY's, brembo rotors, and Pro Act II cermaic pads was spectacular. A confident "Whoa, Birdie" experience. I will get a 4 wheel alignment this week, and report back then. I noted some steering wheel vibe at 80 +/-, and hope the alignment will help with that. NOTE: the tranny ran very funky that first Sat-Sun that the car had the new shoes... could the increased traction, stiffer sidewalls, etc affect the shifting? She's smoothed out since. GY for $900, Michelin OEM's for $1300... same value, IMHO... all a matter of taste (as with beer).

[V8 Cat]

Re: Replacement Tires

I noted some steering wheel vibe at 80 +/-, and hope the alignment will help with that

I don't think an alignment will help a vibration. This is just my opinion, but let us know if it does. Sounds like a balance problem to me. Did you have it before you put the new tires on the Tbird?

[ScottyNeutron]

Re: Replacement Tires

I don't think an alignment will help a vibration. This is just my opinion, but let us know if it does. Sounds like a balance problem to me. Did you have it before you put the new tires on the Tbird?

I had the vibration problem, and a standrd spin balance didn't fix it. The only thing that worked was this:

http://www.gsp9700.com/

They found one tire/wheel that was "11%" out of balance. Once they fixed it, the bird was vibration free.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Replacement Tires

Scott,
Guess this is why I haven't had any tire vibration problems in years (I used to have problems with balancing all the time). All the dealerships I use for my "fleet" are listed as using the gsp9700 equipment.

[Gregg]

Re: Replacement Tires

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[VELOCEBYRD]

Re: Replacement Tires

Many, most new tires will ride better and quieter (more tread) than tires with 30-40,000 + on them. So it's very difficult to tell whether a new set of tires is better than the old set. We had a nail in sidewall of a tire 10,000 miles ago and bought two new Mich Pilots, OEM tires. Now buying two more to replace the rear tires, got 44,000 mile on them. Could probably get another 5,000 easy, but don't want to take the chance of having a flat and then damaging a NM wheel. Good news is, my son found a pair of Mich Pilots for me, they are now discontinued. Zero at tire rack, zero at firestone, he found on line with Mich in Houston. If you want OEM tires, you had better start buying now!

Friends, there are many great tires out there, pick yours and drive for fun!

Well, I finally got the General UHP's mounted and balanced. They seem to be more surefooted, softer riding and quieter than the originals. Looks like I am going to be pleased with them. By going the Tirerack route, I saved almost $300.

[Gregg]

Re: Replacement Tires

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[luvbirdz]

Re: Replacement Tires

I agree with you Gregg, OEM Michelins are great on a dry road, but don't let sand, gravel, snow, get between you and the road. My Bird does not see snow, so not really a problem.
My Cadillac Deville came with Michelins and could not believe how pathetic it was in snow, suffered through one winter with ABS and Traction Control light flashing all the time, put Perelli Snows on ( not all season ) and it goes through just about anything.

Martin

[Gobird]

Re: Replacement Tires

I just ordered a set of four Goodyear Eagle GT's for the Bird from Discount Tire. I set install up for them on Friday the 20th. Got the stock size 235/50R-17 96W BSW. These are Z rated. Total price is $700.85 - $25.00 Goodyear rebate and maybe another $25.00 rebate for Florida Customers only from Discount Tire. I'll report back after I get the new shoes on Misty and see how they are.