Mondial tire/wheel comparison story

Over the past 11 years, I've had a few different sets of tires on the Mondial, all of which imbued a certain personality to the car. Here is the history:

Stock rims: 7x16;8x16

Initially came with the Goodyear Gatorback tires, stock sizes of 205/55-16 and 225/55-16. In retrospect, these tires were total crap. They had a fairly decent level of grip, but I hated the response, rode like wood and I know now are LOUD LOUD LOUD.

I replaced these in Germany with a set of Euro Pirelli P-6000, 215/55-16 and 225/55-16. A totally different car, and again in retrospect, the most fun actually to date as it was so "chuckable". Not the greatest absolute grip, but the steering ligtened AMAZINGLY, ride improved and HUGELY QUIETER. The biggest memory though is how absolutely controllable these tires were - you could throw the rear out with precise control, and I finally understood the old addage: 'steering with the throttle'. I had never been in a car so utterly balanced and controllable, especially on the backroads of Germany. While not the best in absolute handling, these were WAY the most fun.

The move to 17" rims - Speedline 7.5x 17" and 8.5"x17; These were the recommended aftermarket rims from Speedline for the Mondial. Since they have access to all the factory enginnering data and are the Ferrari Factory OEM, and were sold by the European Ferrari dealers, I didn't argue this one.

I did some research, and decided to go with tires similar to the 348 Bridgestones, RE-70s I believe in 215/50 and 245/45. The car did feel more planted and with more grip. The ride was a bit worse and the 'chuckableness' was gone.A bit louder than the Pirellis, but still much much quieter than the Gators. Eventually, since I use my car on trips and commuting, and perhaps I missed the previous Pirellis, I decided to chage to a more 'daily tire'.

With the move to DC, I needed an all weather tire. I wanted good response but also thought that perhaps ride would also improve dramatically. Enter Michelin Pilot A/S in 225/50 and 245/45. Immediate change was in the ride - it did get better - not as much as hoped, but it got better. Grip was still very good, perhaps not quite the Bridgestones, but still not with the balance of the Pirellis, but closer. Very precise steering, and as expected superb inclement weather handling. I had kinda forgotten about the steering, and as you would expect, at slow speeds the 225 sections were a bit heavier, but not near the Gators with a 205 section!! These are really a nice tire and have better grip than I expected of an A/s, and especially the preciseness of the steering.

As a few of you know, I am now porting and polishing the heads, and expect (hopefully) a noticable power and torque improvement over the same powerband. I am taking this opportunity to go somewhat 'back to the future' and design in a bit more fun. Using many from FChat's recommendations, we are installing Michlin Pilot PS2 tires in sizes 205/55-17 and 235/55-17. The fronts will keep the same height as before, but be a little narrower but with the max width wheel for the section, and weigh less than the current tires. The rears are deliberately a little taller to bring down my effective rear ratio from 4.01 to 3.86 for better cruise. Like the fronts, the 8.5 rim is the widest recommended for the section. I am hoping with the slightly smaller patch and more power, I'll be able to put the car in a better balance between front and rear. Interestingly, these are also the Porsche recommended sizes for the Boxster, and not far off the original sections. I am hoping to keep a good ride, keep a very precise and light steering and hopefully bring back a little of that balanced controllable rear chuckiness that made it so fun. I'm not looking for the handling of a 67 911S as far as rear looseness, but you know what I mean. The Mondial is all about balance. That's always the goal.

Hope this was entertaining for a few.

 

Both the Goodyear Gators and TRX are contemporaries. Almost ANY newer technology tire has immense advantages. The Pilot A/S are 20 years newer in technology, and you can feel it. I think you would think you had gotten in a different car. With the Boxer, the 225/50 front section might fit the bill, but you may want a bit wider in the back. Not cheap, but for all around capability in cool/cold climates they are probably the best.

To me, the 225 - 245 section range is perfect for the Mondial rear tires (and were the original section range). The choice of fronts is where you can weigh the balance and steering feel and response using 205, 215 or 225 section tires on a 7" or 7.5" rim. (my example is although a lower profile, even a 360 may a use 225 section front) I will say anything less than a 25.5" diameter starts to be a bit out of place though.

Another tire I seriously looked at were the Goodyear F1s, and I think everyone should consider them as they seem terrific. Hank swears by them on his "Model t" Mondial, though I forget his size choices (of course with that sissy power steering the front is less of a concern... j/k ).

Here is the comparison I did between my current Pilot A/S and and the PS2s:

Pilot A/S
Front: 225/50-17, weight 24#, 9" section width, 26.1" diameter, 795 revs per mile
Rear: 245/45-17, weight 26#, 9.5" section, 25.9" diameter, 801 revs per mile

PS2
Front: 205/55-17, weight 23#, 8.4" section, 25.9" diameter, 803 revs per mile
Rear: 235/50-17, weight 26 #, section 9.6", 26.6" diameter, 777 revs per mile

Am planning on bringing down the rear suspension about .35 - .40 inch to compensate for the rear tire height change to keep the original stance.

I'll also re-state that if you have the stock 16" wheels, I'd HIGHLY recommend the still available P-6000 in 215/55-16 and 225/55-16. They are just so much fun.


All experience and advice welcome.