308 14 inch tires? | FerrariChat

308 14 inch tires?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jbcottrell, May 12, 2004.

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  1. jbcottrell

    jbcottrell Rookie

    Apr 8, 2004
    31
    I was wondering if there is a preferred tire for the 308 running 14 inch wheels. The car is currently shod with Pirelli P7F 225/55-14's. I have not even seen this size at Tire Rack, I think it may be discontinued. What are you gentlemen running?
     
  2. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Michelin® XWX 205/70VR14
     
  3. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    Firestone Firehawks 235-60-14 . I have seen B F Goodrich 245-60-14's on 308 also.
     
  4. jmillard308

    jmillard308 F1 Veteran
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    Me too - originality rules! :)
     
  5. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    John,

    I agree. That was OEM for those early GTBs. They were, after all, high performance tires at the time. How do the XWXs do on the track?

    Barry
     
  6. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie
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  7. jmillard308

    jmillard308 F1 Veteran
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    Barry
    Actually, the XWX's are a pretty good tyre - the problem with (most of them) now is that they are old and hard as battery cases.
    New ones are great.
    I haven't used mine on the track - I have Hoosiers on 16's for that :)
    I'm scouting for a new set of XWX's at the moment as mine are coming to the end of their life - prices frighten me, but I baulk at putting anything else on as nothing looks as "correct". That's probably a bit anal, but there you go. :)

    Regards
    John
     
  8. Wasco

    Wasco Formula Junior

    Dec 9, 2003
    486
    Salem
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    Randy
    I Agree! I bought the 14 inch XWX's from longstone tyres in the UK for 400 bucks a copy before I could find them on the Coker site for same price.

    I am still looking for a set of 15 or 16 inch rims and then will get tires to match. There is just no selection in 14's V rated. I do like the security at "sustained" speeds of 120+
     
  9. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    John,

    My XWXs are relatively new. I bought them 2 1/2 years ago when I bought my car. They have a 6/01 production date and were $360 apiece at the time. I think they're pretty good too, in keeping with what the car is capable of on the street. I haven't tracked my car (it has been tracked in the past by a previous owner with the XWXs) but if I do, I'll certainly consider different wheels and tires. I'll be going to Pocono later this month for a first-time novice run.

    Regards from the other side of the planet,
    Barry
     
  10. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Randy,

    I know what you mean. I bought 4 new XWXs from Coker when I bought my car. Last year, I noticed a shallow little slit in the sidewall of one of them and called Coker for a replacement. Unfortunately they were backordered there and didn't expect a shipment until late in the year and so I ordered one from Longstone Tyre. Very nice people there, a family business. I enjoyed speaking with them. I also paid $400 for the tire with $75 international shipping. The tire had a very recent production date, just 6 weeks prior to my order. The defective tire became my spare.

    Regards,
    Barry
     
  11. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Mike,

    I remember that thread. That's why I've been on the lookout for a nice set of OEM 16" QV wheels.

    Barry
     
  12. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Goodyear has one or two series in that size, but not the speed rating.

    I've pointed out the market niche to the factory guys, and will see what they respond!!
     
  13. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Alan,

    When I was originally looking for 205/70VR14s, the European market Pirelli P4000s in that size were V-rated (H-rated here). They might still be available.

    We are getting extremely limited in choices for our 14" rims.

    Barry
     
  14. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Well, you are aware of Goodyear's Vintage racing tires program?

    Let's all run Blue Streak slicks!!!!!!!

    They hand cut the grooves, if it rains! LOL!

    Wish me luck getting this Portland car home. Flying tommorow.
    THAT's the scary part, for me.
     
  15. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #15 BigTex, May 13, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. jbcottrell

    jbcottrell Rookie

    Apr 8, 2004
    31
    I am looking more for performance and driveability then originality. This car is a driver. I found some BFG Radial T/A's in a 205-70, or Michelin Pilot XGT in a 225-60. Also the Yokohama Avid in both sizes.
     
  17. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    I think my "new" car has the Radial T/As.
     
  18. Dom

    Dom F1 Veteran
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    Nov 5, 2002
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    14" tires are getting harder to find. When I had 14" wheels, I went with the Sumitomos from tire rack. Cost was about $40/tires. They were H-rated and not V-rated. But, honestly, how many of us really take our 308's beyond 130 MPH (even on a track).

    I have recently switched over to 16" 328 wheels from Ferrari UK. Cost was about $1600 shipped to my door. Did have to modify the front dust cover to get them to fit, but not a big deal really, especially if you are mechanically inclined.

    See the thead on this topic at:

    http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11452&highlight=328+wheels


    Dom
     
  19. 4re gt4

    4re gt4 Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2002
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    I actually like the XWXs. I'm running the 215/70s in the rear. The slight size difference probably gives a tiny margin of safety in the oversteer department, but more importantly, it corrected my speedometer error!
     
  20. F308 MAN

    F308 MAN F1 Rookie

    Jan 19, 2004
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    after years and years i have actually found somebody else running xwx 215/70's on the back !!!
    cheers, d
     
  21. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    Hans, is that what is shown in your avatar and profile picture?

    Dave
     

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