Dear all - which modern style tyres are suitable for Ghibli original magnesium rims as used by the factory? Which type & size does fit best to standard suspension set-up? Any special recommendations - or good/bad experiences?
Don't know if they used them in period, but you can now get Pirelli Cinturato tires (try lucas classic tires).
Which size do you recommend on the 7 1/2 x 15 rims? 215/15 or 205/15? How do different sizes/manufacturers change the road holding? Any experiences out there?
I think you've already received the list of period correct tires for the car.The trouble is none of them are modern. I don't know what you intend to do with the Ghibli but perhaps a bit of reading about the nature of Michelin XWX tires would help you out. Until recently Pirelli had a more modern tire in the sizes you listed, P4000 & P4000E. Still not a high performance tire but then either is an XWX in terms of handling. It is out of production except for the P4000E which has been picked up by Coker Tire in a 225/65ZR15 size. That's that same diameter as the 215/70VR15 XWX but slightly wider. Check the actual tire dimensions of the Michelin and this Pirelli directly as even in the same sizes the actual dimensions vary from on manufacturer to another. http://www.cokertire.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=pirelli&x=0&y=0 I have these on my Espada and have no issues. They have no obvious modern looking markings on them like the P4000 tires did with that huge P4000 molded in the sides. I f you have to have the original exact size for concurs purposes then these won't do but @ $65 they are a hell of a bargain and properly rated.
I really would not have any idea what are the best modern tires for a Ghibli. When I need new tires for my Ghibli I will consult Tire Rack in the USA by phone to see what they say and then make my choice. I do know for sure they will be the cheapest and they will have the largest number of choices If there are any people on this site who are knowledgeable about modern tires I would consider theior advice. Please remember that no one but yourself knows how hard you drive you Ghibli and how far you drive at high speeds. If you are still not happy google the tire size!
I could be proven wrong, but I believe this not to be a correct statement. Both the Pirelli and the Michelins are constructed using modern techniques, etc. it's just that the rubber outside LOOKS like they did in period. The rubber compound may not be the most modern composition, but neither is it the same one they used in period. Essentially, it is a "modern" tire with a vintage look. At least that's what I have been lead to believe. Then again, if it's on TV or the Internet, it's got to be true, right?
By the way, here's another option: http://www.cokertire.com/tire-styles/radial-tires/205-70vr15-vredestein-sprint-classic.html I've heard good things about this brand of tire, but have never used them. I've seen plenty of Pebble Beach cars with them on, though (which doesn't really speak to how they handle, but more to the look of the tires).
That's not my understanding of the XWX. It's not that the XWX was a tire incapable of speed in it's day. It's how it handled that was the issue for me. We used it in the mid 1990s for a high speed run at the Nevada Silver State specifically because of it's superior characteristics. It has a very stiff sidewall so it tracks very true. It was narrow. and it was capable of very high speeds. It has a high load rating even at higher speeds. The Michelin engineers at that time said it was good for 200mph in our application. We weren't going anywhere near that speed. Topped out at 166. It's my understanding that the basic design has not changed but I agree, certainly the materials may have. I no longer have access to any Michelin engineers who would know the details of the current tire. I think that this tire has to meet or exceed the capabilities of the original tire or they'd be in some real trouble. That's saying quite a bit.
I didn't see a 215/70 at least on Coker. The Ghibli shows a 205VR x15 Cinturato and then later a 215 but no aspect ratio is given. I had the 205 as an original on the spare in my Espada and my god that was a tall tire. So I'm not sure what the 205 version originally had as a diameter. I suspect it's north of 70? Does anyone know where one can find vintage measurement specifications for the Cinturato tires of that era?
Thanks but strictly speaking that's not a vintage reference. According to that website the 205VR15 Cinturato is 27.8" in diameter. That's quite a bit taller than the XWX 215/70VR15 @ 27" The XWX 205/70VR15 is 26.5" So that old spare on my Espada was quite the tall pup!
The Actual Dimensions for the XWX wernt exactly 70 Profile even though that was the spec on the tyre. The dimensions I found from some Old Stock was they were 695mm or 27.36 Dia. I have been using 225 65 15 P6000 Pirrelli which are a Jag size and speed rating rating is correct. I run them on my Khamsin ( same rim but with saftey bead) at a higher pressure 35 psi to make up for the softer side wall. Fun thing about tyres of this size, is for the size asking at the tyre shop getting the question and what FWD are they for! and as Final Note Michelin make the 215 70 15 XWX's in batches from time to time but you need to be quick. and be prepaired for the expence. Regards Graeme
Yes your right they are 225 65 15 P4000 and checking local tyre supplier the following is available 225/65R15, 205/70R15, 215/70R15 all 270 KPH rated I also Note that Longstone Tyres UK list 215/70VR15 Michelin XWX http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/Special_Offer Regards Graeme
FWIW, I have another early Giugiaro design and have BFGoodrich tires, the original tires on the Mangusta were listed as 185HR15 (F) & 225HR15 (R). Unfortunately or fortunately those sizes no longer exist. The 185HR more or less translates to 195/75 or 215/70 and the 225HR translates to 235/75 or 245/70. but these do fill in the fenders as well as let's say 225/65 or 245/50R15 (F) and 265/65 or 295/50R15 (R) Sidewall height is essentially the same and the car has a larger contact patch also the thread is not too modern for the car and since I do drive the car a fair amount, I get a great ride and feel safe driving the speed limit (OK maybe a little bit over !) my 2c Image Unavailable, Please Login
You're right about the Goodrich tires on the Mangusta, Denis. It's one of those cases where a slightly wider tire actually is a visual improvement. Those 185 Dunlops they put on the Mangusta at the factory actually looked a bit silly from certain angles. Check this photo I took at the factory in 1970 and notice how narrow the front tire on the yellow car is. The most important factor, though is the overall diameter of the tire. Giugiaro's design, both in the Ghibli and the Mangusta, has the wheel/tire diameter perfectly coordinated with the wheel arches and the lines of the cars profile. If you put smaller diameter tires on the cars they look a bit out of whack. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I actually looked on the internet today. Discount Tire Direct has many choices 215/70R-15 size from many tire cos. starting at $88. I noticed Pirelli P4000 Touring 215/70ZR-15 97W available by special order for $229 including shipping. I do not know how long a special order takes because they are closed today, Sunday. As a minor plus I do not think they charge local sales tax, for me in NYC that is 8.875%
NLA in the USA at least. Has to be at least a V speed rating and the load rating is important as well if you ever want to drive it fast. Let us know if they think they can actually get any. Hard to beat the Coker Tire price on that P4000E.
