308 GT4 tyres

Olivier,

Unless you really plan to drive your GT4 to the limits and over 100 mph all the time, or do al ot of tyre burning off starts there is no real difference, V rated is suitable for higher speeds and is guaranteed for continuous running up to 140 or 150 mph if memory serves me right.

The only thing you may want to consider is your insurance policy, some companies requries you to fit the manufacturer recommended tyre rating. If you have a crash that is your fault and don't have the tyres in place they can invalidate your insurance

 

T and H ratings are lower than V. I believe these are also being phased out. Why do you want to go to a lower rating?

 

Likely because these are the only ratings that the appropriate sized tires are readily available in.

I understand the rules are a bit different over there, but plenty of folks on this side of the pond are running H-rated tires.

(The vast, vast majority of US tires have either no rating or an S rating. T and H are considered "performance" (or at least "premium")

The only real risk is lower traction (but fresh H tires will be stickier than 5 year old V tires), slightly poorer handling (due to softer sidewalls) and a lesser ability to shed heat at high temp/load/speed levels. As long as you are within the load ratings, then you should be safe cruising up to the rated speed of the tires for extended periods... the slightly poorer turn-in would likely be the only thing you really notice.

Bill

 

I have to disagree here. Just about everything has an H rating or higher. S & T are available but not very popular. Take a look at tirerack.com or tires.com

I guess I read the first post incorrect. I thought it sounded like you "wanted" to go with a T or an H rated tire. If you do I don't think you'll have any problems unless you consistantly drive at higher speeds than what the tire is rated for. You might check with Yokohama, I believe they make a V rated 205/70-14 that is not too much $.

 

I put some 225-60 XGT H4 Michelin "pilote" tires on my '75 GT4. Looks good, actually fills the fenders pretty well. Better than the smaller sized tires mentioned in the above posts. I rolled in the inner Fender lips on the front fenders with a basball bat (this operation sounds a lot cruder than it actually is, and you can get a nice round consistant bead with a liitel effortand patience) and the result is no rubbing. The car handles pretty well, but it does not turn-in like a 50 series 16" tire. But it looks "period"on the car, and I am pleased with the result. Actaully I think Michelin are going out of production on the above mentioned tire, but if you call around, or have your tire distributor call arounf you should still be able to locate a set.
Martin Jansen
Agoura Hills
So CAL

 

Buy Fulda CARAT , V rated : they are not much expensive vs low rated H or T tyres and drive just fine.
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I respectfully suggest that you check your own sources.

Most popular tire size in the US is 235/75-15. Tirerack shows 71 tires with a rating of T or below as compared to only 12 above.

Best selling car in the US is the Camry. Base tire was 195/70-14. Tirerack shows 26 tires T or below, half that many H+.

Another top seller is the Accord. Base tire was 196/65-15. Tirerac shows 42 tires T and down as compared to 26 tires H and up.

The Honda civic is another great seller. Base tire was 185/70-14. Tirerack shows 30 tires T and below, only 5 H and up.

The only place where this is reversed is the Taurus (which was the best selling America car) with a size of 215/60-15. 13 tires T and down versus 22 tires H and up.

I maintain that the vast, vast majority of American vehicles are driving around on T or below tires.

Bill

 

Not available in the US and not DOT approval.

The XGT has been out of production for over a year... unfortunate; it was a great tire!

Bill