Yes another question about the black, round things. No I'm not going to get into the issue of tire brands; I've read more than enough about that in prior threads. This is more specific.


As some of you may recall, I bought my car about 2 months ago. I have been slowly getting to understand all the intricacies of the various systems as time and weather permit. I have fooled with sport mode and traction control a bit; but never could get "trac off" mode, regardless of how long I held the button down.


I had to have a new battery installed, and the AAA guy who did it reset a number of functions; but did not do a hard reboot. A few days later I found out about the passenger seat issue post battery swap. Then I found a thread here explaining that I needed a hard reboot. Off to the dealer for the reboot and the seat is fine. Guess what? I got "trac off" this morning!!


After an early breakfast I went over to the industrial section of town where there are some wide, straight streets and no traffic on Sunday mornings. I was making some serious blue smoke in the back and the rear was dancing like a belly dancer gone crazy. Yahoo!!


OK, so here is the question(s). I have the standard 19" wheels with an almost new set of black round things made by a company that some of you like and some don't. Brand doesn't really matter, I need more traction! I'm interested in hearing what you guys have done tire wise to get better traction. Especially you guys who go to the strip.


M & T drag radials? Drive them on the street or have 2 sets of rear wheels/tires?


Wider 20" wheels with drag radials? Can in keep the 19's on the front safely or should I go 20's all corners?


Other suggestions? I want to take her to E-town to do some runs, so your experience will be greatly appreciated.

 

I just found a post from 4 years ago on this issue; with great info. M&T drag radials on 19" wheels; size 305. They should eliminate the nasty habit this car has of wanting to go sideways when in "dsc off" mode.

 

FWIW, I've reduced my tire pressures to accommodate my spirited habits when needed. I run 19s in the winter, but the 20's in the summer rock in comparison.

Cheers.

 

19" much better for the drag strip than 20 and 18 even better. Also you need to change the rear end to an LSD for one of the biggest and best upgrades to keep that tail in check.

 

Thanks for the info. Have you used an lsd? Quaife? Any issues or problems with this change?

 

Quaife yes. Only issue is I wish I had done this years ago. It is an enormous improvement and costs less than a set of tires.

 

Thanks. Does it require any reprogramming or does it affect any systems? I don't know why it should, but I am quickly learning to ask.

 

jahummer and sick,










there may be a difference. the 07-09 cars had an open differential and could be upgraded to the quaife. I have not seen on here the use of the quaife on the 10+ cars, which already have an electronic locking differential. also the 10+ may not see as much in the way of gains

 

I was in a similar situation with a new to me 2010XKR, and I can tell you the comment "Brand doesn't really matter, I need more traction!" is confusing and perhaps misleading for some.
I came from an 07 XK, and those that know me, know I don't just drive corners, I attack them. Traction is at the top of my most important list, with brakes being right there with them.

First off, your on 19s, which is a better choice than 20s. 20s may serve a drag strip well (questionable) but for overall traction and cornering, you'll get around them much quicker and safer with a little sidewall to help keep a larger percentage of rubber on the road. Roads are an imperfect world, and 20s can quickly let you down if you encounter sways, rocks or potholes in mid corner.

Like you, my XKR is new to me, and came with black round things made by some company starting with a D. As I had 4 years in my XK riding S-04's for immediate comparison, it took less than 3 weeks before I pulled perfectly new tires off the XKR and replaced them.

With a 2010, you should have the E-diff, and I've not heard of anyone replacing their rear end in favor of a basic unit and then installing a Quaife. Doing so would most likely send your DSC into fits.

If the drag strip is your only concern, then I'm not your best source for data, as I have never done it in my 43 years of driving. But traction for aggressive driving is an area I have spent many years at autocross, track days, and canyon twisties learning all about. (neither Jag has see a track day due to insurance costs)

My advice, stay on your 19s, move to a quality tire that grips (and will at best last you 2 years, and more likely 1 with an XKR) Your just trading life expectancy (IE hard rubber bricks) for adhesion (soft and sticky).

Look and study hard at the top end of two brands (starting with M and then B) for your better choices.

BOL
Vince

 

There would be no need nor would it be possible to replace the e-diff.

EDIT: Well I could have sworn I saw this was a 2007 - if it is a 2010 then your rear end is just fine as is...

 

None at all, very straight forward. Please see another member's flyc2c detailed how to along with pics of mine.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lation-155867/

 

Sorry Rob, too much late night surfing, thought I saw yours was a 2007. With the 2010+ you have an LSD of sorts already. If the rear end is slipping, then you need better tires. I made the switch a couple of years ago to a particular tire on the XKR and it was a night and day difference.

 

I'm also having major traction issues, and I'm looking towards having a set of rear wheels made for drag duty. I'm just wanting to do 19s with the widest rubeer possible but there is 0 information about this.

 

I believe 305 is the widest. I don't know of anyone on this forum who has gone wider. I have 295 now but will go to 305 when it is time for new tires.

 

Thanks. Could you enlighten me on the tires you like?

 

Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

 

Oh noooo.......

 

I know there are some who have strong negative feelings about the Super
Sports. I'm not one of them. No opinion pro or con. I just need traction and that is my criterion. I appreciate the input of others who have used them and are satisfied.

 

+1

(Although I run S-04s, myself, the PSS will still out corner me, and have a longer tread life... Just avoid A/S if at all possible.)

 

I have read that many folks don't like the Michelin Pilot Super Sports for reasons I have not experienced.

I just replaced the PSS A/S's with A/S-3's on my 2008 XK. I bought the car with 24,000 on it and it now has 35,000. Best I can tell by the date code on the old tires, they were very likely the originals. I have NO complaints with them.

I found the handling to be everything I could want, quiet ride and if the new ones last 35,000 I will be VERY happy.