I believe minimum spec for the STR is Z (thus W, Y), but for winter tires is V. H is out of spec.

 

Wow. I'm glad I don't have 17" wheels.

In the United States, where the top speed allowed is 80 mph, and where regular S-types are governed to 121 mph, a V, W, or Z rated tire makes about as much sense bringing silverware to McDonalds.

We obviously need to upgrade the speed limits and remove the speed limiters on the S-types.

 

Just a little note: Same brand and model tire with two different speed ratings: IE 235/50/17 in H and V. The H will give you longer treadlife but less dry pavement grip, while the V rated tire will be of a softer compound therefore less treadlife but better dry grip. So, it becomes a matter of choice as to what the end user expects or wants. The speed rating tells more than just how fast the tire can spin.

 

I'm with you, FloridaJag. I would much rather have H-rated tires on our S-Type. They'll do significantly more miles before they're done, they'll handle just fine for our purposes, and they'll cost at least a hundred bucks less than their V-rated brethren in my neck of the woods. Can't find a decent H-rated tire here for our 17-inch wheels, though, so I'm stuck with V-rated tires that the car doesn't need....

 

Even Tirerack only lists one all season tire in 235/50/17 that is lower than V rated... And it is only S rated...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

So, based on size and spec...looks like your SOL...

 

Yep, that's essentially what I've already stated. The good news, however, is that my buddy at Discount Tire has worked a deal for me to buy a set of the V-rated, 60,000-mile warrantied Dunlop SP Sport Signature tires I've been researching for more than a year for $560 out-the-door. That is indeed a bargain. Many good reviews for this tire, including a couple here on this website. I'll find out for myself once I put them on the car, and I'll offer occasional reports here as the new tires get some miles on them....

 

Nice deal. Keep us informed.

 

I don't expect to need the new tires until early 2011. My Discount Tire buddy said that he will honor the price whenever I'm ready to pull the trigger. We'll see....

 

I guess What important on a tire Verys alot person to person Cause out of all the tires ive had Im still saying The Federal 595's Are the best they Feel Solid on the road and Even better on the Track for auto Cross Events they Never run hot And Wear is not an issue i have hundreds of high speed laps and 9000 Road miles and Still no sign's of wear The handling Beats my Old Perelli's Even when i push the car to its limits There is no sidewall roll .. so if Performance is important to you Trust me Try them I did Go to a 245/50/16 vs the Stock 225/55/16

 

p.s I have a 2001 S type 3.0 And mine Tops out at 138 MPH not 121

 

If I remember correctly, Federal is a Taiwanese tire brand. Most tire professionals will tell you that the Korean and Taiwanese tires are still behind the curve in their ability to deliver long tread life, which is very important to me. But if you're using your car as a street rod, you can forget all about long tread life regardless of the tires you select....

 

So he says... So it must be gospel....Sheesh

 

Then don't believe me, pal. Talk to the tire professionals you know yourself and see if they concur. I never said it was gospel, and I never said it was my own data or science. I have several friends and acquaintances who are or were in the tire industry for long periods of time and I listen very carefully to what they tell me. I sometimes post that information here, and when I do, I credit them. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, and some folks seem to appreciate it. Just not you....

I'm done with you.

 

I have an 03 S type 3.0 and put Conti UltraContact DSWs on it last week. So far, so good. We get some snow here in Ohio, so an all season tire is necessary. My experience with Kuhmos is that they handle well (at least in the dry), and are priced well, but tread life is usually well below some of the more expensive tires.

 

Just a note about Tirerack....

I just bought a set of tires for my f150 pickup. I had decided on Yokohama Geolander at/s 235x75x15. I looked everywhere, and the best deal by far was tirerack.

I paid $326 plus $56 shipping plus $52 mounting/balancing @ Wally world...S, $428 total.

NTB and sears wanted over $600 and an independent tire store wanted almost $700 for the same set of tires.

The next best deal was treadepot.com...about $20 more than tirerack.

Again, just to let folks know what I found....will be buying tires for the Jag come spring....another research project....

 

Turanza Serenity Update -

Taking road trip to Atlanta. Tires are extremely quiet. Car is agile and steers like a fighter. Tires have about 1000 miles on them.

Only one problem - and I'm not sure what the real cause is.... My gas mileage has dropped from the high 20's to about 23.8 mpg on my 80-85 mph cruise up to ColdLanta.

Does anyone think that tires can cause a nearly 5 mpg loss at that speed?

 

Tyre pressures ????

 

No, not unless the pressures are off.

More likely if there is a significant temp difference there may be some ECU adjustments in progress that can effect MPG. Or winter blend gas.

 

I've been watching the tire posts for some time because the original Michelins on my 3.0 were closing in on their last expected miles. I never liked them because, though quiet and fine on dry roads, they handled like ice skates in the winter.
Then some road hazard damage intervened and it was time for new rubber immediately. I was set to choose from 3 of the usual suspects - Continental, Kuhmo and Dunlop. Then I went to the multi-generational family owned local tire store I know well. They're a Tirerack installer and went over my 3 picks in detail before suggesting a tire that does not appear on any of the mega-websites. The made-in-USA Cooper CS4 (the 235-50-17 is V rated). After another day of online research, I bought them. It's early, but I'm pleased. Very quiet with amazing traction and braking on wet roads (which we have lots of around here). And the local family-owned independent store made the price very competitive.

 

Your out-the-door cost?