Tire Questions (456GT) | FerrariChat
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Tire Questions (456GT)

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Ronbo, Mar 9, 2006.

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  1. Ronbo

    Ronbo Formula Junior

    Aug 2, 2005
    413
    Morris County, NJ
    Full Name:
    Ron
    #1 Ronbo, Mar 9, 2006
    My 98 456GT has about 20K miles on it. My mechanic told me that the front tires (Bridgestone Potenza OEMs) are original and will need to be replaced soon but the rears seem much newer as they have almost all their tread.

    Question 1: Is it possible to replace the fronts with tires of the same size but a different mfr, and later replace the rears with tires from the new mfr? Are there safety, handling or other concerns with running tires from different mfrs?

    Question 2: I gather that the 18" wheels from the 550 will fit the 456. What if anything actually has to be done to make this work? (I know this has been discussed but I couldn't find the thread.)

    Thanks,

    Ron
     
  2. BigDog

    BigDog Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2003
    1,316
    under the sea!
    #2 BigDog, Mar 9, 2006
    #1

    Generally the rule of thumb is don't mix and match tread patterns for saftey/handeling precautions...



    #2

    Unfortunatly that I don't know
     
  3. vlamgat

    vlamgat Formula Junior

    Jan 9, 2004
    776
    #3 vlamgat, Mar 9, 2006
    1: Yes it is and its not a bad idea if you have a requirement that is better satisfied by another brand. But you need to know exactly what concessions you are making by doing that For example I run Hoosier DOT slicks on the front of my FWD and a really soft compound tire on the rear to try and keep the rear tire temps up which is not possible with the weight and suspension set up that I use. On the 456 I would not think of running worn front tires on a wet highway as the aquaplane will be akin a water ski. What you should never do (other than NASCAR) is run different tires on the left and right. Now that can produce a surprise !

    2: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39416&highlight=456+550+wheels+18+fit
     

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