I have to replace the tires on my Wife's 94 XJS.
The current tires are Goodyear Eagle GTII's 235/60R15's.

The local big brand tire stores tell me that Goodyear doesn't make this
model tire anymore. So, I am told that a set of Cooper tires will work
or BFGoodrich T/A's will work installed for about $600+.
But, the 235/60R 15" wheel size is not a common tire size anymore
according to these tire stores.
The 16" wheel version is more common for that size tire now.
So, for future tire replacements, the new wheel size may be needed.
The tire stores won't fix any tire older than 7 years now.

I see that the recommended tire size changes to 235/55R instead
of the 235/60R.
I guess the reduced tire height will compensate for the increased
wheel diameter.
I just wonder what kind of ride this tire size will give. And what about
problems or advantages to the suspension and braking.

Any suggestions or recommendations?

 

In and of itself the change from a 60-series tire on a 15" to a 55-series tire on a 16" wheel won't change the ride comfort much, if at all.

More significant might be the sidewall construction of whatever specific tire you end up selecting. For example, a tire with a high load rating and high speed rating will likely have stiff sidewalls and stiff casing....and give a more firm ride.

As far as steering/braking goes I have not heard any negative remarks from those who have gone to a 16" wheel....especially when the change results in a tire of approximately the same over width and circumference. Here again the your choice in tires will probably have more influence on steering and braking than the change to 16" wheels

Cheers
DD

 

I have the BFG's in standard 235/60-15 and they seem a good all-around tire for real life driving. Mine are wearing well despite my not slowing down in curves. Tirerack.com also has a Pirelli for twice the price. Though I must say my spare tire is an Eagle GT and it feels better than the BFGs to me. Quieter, stickier.

 

You're looking for a 26.1 inch overall diameter to match the 235's.

225/60-16 is 26.62" (2% larger than stock)
225/55-16 is 25.74" (1.4% smaller than stock)
255/45-17 is 26.04" the closest.

The above are all readily available sizes today. However, my tire guy (a Firestone dealer) says he thinks the BFG 235/60-15 will probably be around for a long time because so many muscle cars use it.

 

I did get the input that the older Camaro and Corvettes use those
size tires. But, not much input on any newer rides.

I am going to get the BFG's mainly because the tread patterns are close to the
Goodyears.

P O R

 

I had a set of those BFG 235/60x15s years ago. They're the standard "T/A" offering from BFG. Perfectly satisfactory tire. Nothing particularly notable about them in specification or driving characteristics, but nothing wrong with 'em, either.

They have only an "S" speed rating, though....so no autobahn-ish driving.

Cheers
DD

 

i just put some tires on mine i got p235/60r15 grand am preformance g/t tires i paid $540.66 after mounting balancing and tire disposal tax ect.

there not a all out preformance tire, they have a speed rating of T witch if memory serves is 120mph? and are a 60k mile treadwear

they seem to grip pretty good though i haven't really pushed the car around very hard on them. but i did toss it around a couple corners and they felt good.

only put mabye 100 miles if that on them so far but so far i like them.

I would like to go to a 16 inch rim as it would give me a lot more tire choices. but i really like the look of the rims that are on there. i feel this was a good tire choice for the price but i don't have hardly any miles on these tires so time will tell.




here is what they look like on the car

 

The Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum is a V rated tire in the 225/60/15 size. These are very nice road touring tires...

 

I have had good luck with my falken Ziex912s. 225/60r15. The 60 looks better than the stock monster truck tires and the width is decent. Plus they were only about $80 a piece

 

Oh well, I wound up getting 4 BF Goodrich T/A 235/60R15's at
National Tire and Battery (NTB). Total out the door for 4 and install - $661.00.
I won't have to worry for at least 7-8 years before another replacement cycle.
My 70 mile test ride on the new tires felt okay.
Now to get at the rusty/corroded underbody with a sandblaster or something.

 

I currently have those same tires and I keep 33/32 cold PSI in them. This to me seems to be the best ride/handling air pressure. I always check my tires in the morning before driving...