512 BB Tire Advice

I need to put four new tires on my 512 BB. My options are to stay with the Michelin XWX's which I can source from Longstone tyres it the UK ($$$$) or switch to a more modern tire. I have been searching around a bit but can't not find a decent set of modern tires that will fit both front and rear. I do not want to put different models/makes on the two ends. Suggestions, advice ?

For what it's worth I recently put the following on my 512BB:

Pirelli P600 235/60-15 (W speed rating) tires on the front
Pirelli Scorpion Zero 255/60-15 (V speed rating) tires on the back

These gave me the highest rating and closest size I could find. I spent a long time looking for something better than the XWXs.

Appreciate the advice.

Any handling issues having different model tires on the front and back ?

Good day Boxer512,

I, and others, have had the same issue. In fact, there were several of us talking about this issue in another thread....

Sadly, there does not seem to be anything available in the factory sizes unless one wanted to go to a lower speed rating...S or T... Which for me is undesirable...

You may wish to check the availability on the Scorpions mentioned above, as they do not seem to be available... at least in Canada anyway.

On a side note, I saw a post on another chat-site that was drumming up support to have custom rims made to look like the Boxer ones, but in a 17" rim width... 17's would allow for a greater range of tire choices. The last price I heard was $3600 USD for a set made from Aluminum.

Personally, I think this number is somewhat high. Consequently, I will be talking to a friend of mine about making these rims (Boxer duplicates in Aluminum, 17x8" Front, and 17x10" Rear), as he has routinely creates custom rims for his race cars (he has a CNC mill, etc). The fellow is currently on vacation and so once he returns, I will post a follow up and let people know he will make additional ones for others and if so, at what price.

Cheers,

Sam

Handling has been fine with the new tires, easily as good or better than the XWX tires. The main problem with the XWX tires is that they have no grip and the back end is always trying to pass the front. The scorpions have way more grip and stiffer sidewalls.

Overall I am much happier with these tires.

Grant

As this was becoming a bit of an urgent item to get done, I went back to order the tires yesterday. The only ones in stock over here that I could find that would fit were the Michelin XWX's.

Sam,
Any word yet from your friend regarding making up some Boxer wheels?

John

Good day John,

No word yet, as my buddy is supposed to returning from vacation next week. I have e-mailed him about the wheels and is certainly considering it. I will have more info next week!

I did find a wheel vendor that has rims for the BB (http://www.garedcars.com/Default2.htm)... The style (2400SM) is similar to that of the 288 GTO which is fine, but not what I wish. Also, they are priced at $3900 USD for a set (2 of 17x7.5 and 2 of 17x9).

On a side note, Longstone has a deal on the OEM XWX's that includes free shipping. Consequently, I picked up a set, as I was in need of tires for my vehicle's governmental inspection.

Cheers,

Sam

Thanks Sam,
I'm close to needing tires too. Contacted Longstone a couple weeks ago, but I'd really like to go with a modern readily available tire.
Compomotive also has a wheel similar to 288 GTO/F40 style. About 6 months ago priced at about $2200 a set. Like you, They'd do, but not really what I want. I'll hang on and see what your buddy says.

Good day John,
I finally have your answer, as my buddy finally returned and I was able to chat to him about the rims... Sadly, I did not consider the variety of manufacturing issues that become present once the rims are made available to the general public. First and foremost is liability...i.e. a rim failure do to a flaw within the actual rim blank. Apparently, the rim manufacturers actually x-ray/stress test the rims for internal defects, etc which he is not set up to do on any kind of quasi volume basis. Adding this and the additional cost of increased liability insurance, customer support, etc makes the project not too attractive.

So in short, these reproduction rims will not be available publicly.

I am sorry for the bad news...

Cheers,

Sam