OK, I will! And for those that don't know Simon, you can read about his journey here: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/how-can-i-justify-a-ferrari-to-my-wife.634676/ Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks Carl. Maybe I need to pull the spare out and take a photo of that so that responders can see if their wheels match since the UK and US ones differ in colour. Bugger, I just left the car in Melbourne though...
Because one cannot view images unless logged in and for period I was unable to login (On the road away from my computer and email for a day - had to use someone else's browser). Not a problem anymore.
No, I meant why do you want TRX’s? The replica 16” would be a better option surely? Silly signature here to annoy KIAI
He's a friend of Carl's.....nuff said?? Carl will be pushing him to keep original, even though we all know what you're suggesting would be a massive improvement.
It's up to Simon what he does, but the reality is these cars drive great with the TRX fitment. Provided they are fresh.
Why do I want TRX wheels? Ah, well that is the subject of much debate. The car originally came with TRX wheels. My 308 is fairly unmolested, right down to the original paint. The only things that are not original are the SJ stickers (Which can be peeled off), the sports exhaust (I have the original), two small tweeters added to the firewall that can be removed and the BBS wheels. The spare is still a TRX. 16" wheels were a factory option. But you probably know that. If I was an originality freak (I am not particularly - originality is just a plus), then the TRX wheels should be the aim. Yes, it is harder to find clean ones these days. Yes, the tyres are 3x the cost. But a) They were original equipment, b) I have a TRX spare, c) TRX wheels, being aluminium rather than the 16" magnesium rims, can be easily repaired and refinished, and d) The 16" rims are larger on the back and don't really fit in the spare location, so if you get a flat, your passenger will be walking home as you nurse your rear in the passenger seat. Image Unavailable, Please Login Option B is 16" wheels. But finding clean, original 16" wheels isn't easy. They could end up costing more than refinished TRX wheels. At least I could put my new tyres on them. Option C is knockoff 16" wheels. Cheaper, but not original. I struggled with the decision. I decided to go for originality, given the rest of the car. Believe it or not, the BBS wheels, which I originally loathed, are beginning to grow on me. They are easy to keep looking nice. But I think I will strive for originality.
Can you buy fresh ones? My memory is that they were nowhere near as good as the Goodyears (Gaiterbacks?? my spare is still an original 16"one) fitted to 16" cars when new. Let alone what you can buy now.
Most of the replacement 16" tyres now have a higher TWI than what you could buy 20 years ago. The Good Year Eagle VR50 to which you refer was 140, same as the P-Zero Giallo and ContiSport Contact. Now the only 16" tyre (Without going to a "R' compound) with a 140 TWI is the Pirelli P-Zero Cinturato P7 re-edition. The P-Zero Rosso is now 220, along with the Conti and Bridgestone offering. On light cars light like the 308s and 911s, these modern compounds are not as good as what was available new because they're just harder. About a second at PI with a good driver.
Fair enough. I wouldn't do what you're doing, but there's nothing wrong with your logic and at least you're well informed.
OK, TRX TWI is 100, same as the XWX. So why would you put a tyre with a TWI with 220 on it? Anyway, up to Simon. His car is spectacular BTW.
My tyres don't wear out, they time out; so the softer, the better. I'll get R specs next time. You're right about the prices - not worth it, IMHO
