[ajmat]

Already dealt with on my Vtec review thread but more specifics

Comparison base – The OEM 175/65 14 Bridgestone P522

Tested on Bangalore – Mahabalipuram return

Appalling Bangalore Roads – avg 10km/h
Passable Karnataka Highway Roads avg 100 km/h
Decent Andhra curvy hill / ghat roads avg 120 kmh
Superb TN highway roads –avg 140 km/h
Not bad rural TN roads – avg 110km/g

Looks – Looked ordinary on an Optra but it seems to make the Vtec look more muscular

Steering Response – more fluid and smoother actually lighter despite the plus sizing

Noise – The softer compound + tread pattern and reduced the road noise

Ride Comfort – Smaller bumps are better absorbed, large bumps are still felt but better cushioned

High Speed Stability – Vastly improved – My vtec is normally happy cruising in a relaxed manner at 100km/h, 120 upwards requires concentration – now read this as 120 / 140 respectively.

High Speed Curves – Mild highway curves at 120 kmh – good surface Major improvement – no tyre squeal or sign of breakaway, rear was firmly planted. Previous tyre would start to reach threshold at that speed

Braking – more confident, lock up reduced. I reckon stopping distances are reduced. Braking is more controlled and managed an “elk test” well. Rear breakaway did not happen

Traction – Every morning, I make a fool of myself, taking a high speed U turn at Manipal hospital (I need to get a fix of the Vtec roa before I get into work!) *– the car screeches, rolls hard, front wheel spin trying to regain traction. This morning – nothing, it just went around

Wet Weather Handling *- Travelled in heavy downpour on the TN village roads with lots of mud etc. Car was surefooted and I did not have to reduce my speed except to avoid getting school kids on bicycles getting wet

Alternatives:
Bridgestone Potenza’s – await rudra’s comments
Goodyear F1’s – believed to be noisier, learnt from another forum tread throws up a lot. loose material so be prepared for your wheel arches to be shot blasted. Am not sure if you get this size in India. Only alternative is the Eagle Ventura at Rs 3500.

Michelin Certis – believed to be noisier


Verdict:

This is a great optimum tyre upgrade which enables you to get 90% of the potential, 100% of the time. I wanted to keep stock *rims as they are tough. Any more increase in width has more cosmetic benefits – unless you do get to do 160km/h day out. Now for that strut brace - was going to fit it at 5.30 am for my return journey but it started raining

[Rudra Sen]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (ajmat @ Oct. 26 2004,11:20)]High Speed Curves – Mild highway curves at 120 kmh – good surface Major improvement – no tyre squeal or sign of breakaway, rear was firmly planted. Previous tyre would start to reach threshold at that speed

In Optra It's not that sure footed. I think it's because of it's heavy rear. No fish tailing though but you get the feeling of reaching limit.

Fantastic write up Ajmat. Everything is true and now I feel this tyre is matching VTEC perfectly.

[lamborghini]

have nct 5 on nexia
improvement can really be felt and the best part is that theyre tubeless

[aadix]

my friend got fit 205 potenzas on his existing vtec rims,another on the stock steel lancer rims
is is ok to have such huge tyres on the existing rims?
what are the pros and cons???

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (aadix @ Oct. 26 2004,20:22)]my friend *got fit 205 potenzas on his existing vtec rims,another on the stock steel lancer rims
is is ok to have such huge tyres on the existing rims?
what are the pros and cons???

Mainly cons

Tyres bulge like a middle age midriff
There will be too much tensile force on the sidewall - too much sidewall trying to get out as wel as cornering forces plus weight of car will overwhelm lateral forces

[aadix]

any big risks due to the cons?
like tyre bursts? coz these guys drive really rash and at high speeds
what precautions to be taken?as they are gonna stick to these tyres

[Firestarter]

Recently i fitted Goodyear eagle ventura 195/60 R14 on my Vtec i guess with the price i got them they were the best deal. As for the size do they really affect the car since it just a one size up from the OE tyres....
any comments on these tyres...

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Firestarter @ Oct. 29 2004,19:21)]195/60 R14 on my Vtec

since it just a one size up from the OE tyres....

Thats actually 2 sizes up..

Good for you..since the VTEC could definitely use more rubber.

I havent really heard about the eagle venturas, so cant really comment.

cheers
R

[GTO]

Dayyummmm, where is the rubber I want on my Vtec!!

Sweet review Ajmat. I think that appropriate rubber would make a difference on a Vtec more than any other car. Simply bcos its too undertyred in stock form to handle the engines capabilities.

GTO

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (GTO @ Oct. 30 2004,10:56)]Dayyummmm, where is the rubber I want on my Vtec!!

Find a good mate like Rudra for those tyres

Ten days down the line, the car is much more confident to drive. You are in perfect control. My idiotic high speed u turns are faster yet less idiotic since the tyres grip and do not lose traction so no dramatic squealing.

GTO - it is worth it - you can drive my car later next motnh when you are over and see for yourself. You can defer the engagement ring contribution fund payments - she'll understand !

[GTO]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]You can defer the engagement ring contribution fund payments - she'll understand !

Rings already here, sport. Why do women want to spend on jewellery when you can buy turbos, alloys/tyres, SS headers, shift lights, momo steering wheels.....

Hahaha, just kidding. True Love is the best thing in any persons life. Just pamper your woman, guys! The joy of that subsequent smile is lightyears ahead of upshifting at 7100 rpm.

GTO

[aadix]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (GTO @ Oct. 30 2004,12:49)]Hahaha, just kidding. True Love is the best thing in any persons life. Just pamper your woman, guys! The joy of that subsequent smile is lightyears ahead of upshifting at 7100 rpm.

hey gto
what did you vote for in v12"s car or women poll??
as far as i remeber it was the car,so u gonna ghange your vote now?

[shravan316]

Cool review Ajmat.... from what i read, i think u are verry happy about the tyre upgrade!

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (GTO @ Oct. 30 2004,12:49)]Rings already here, sport.

Ring or Ring's ?

Ring as on finger or those black rings on cars called tyres

[Dippy]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Hahaha, just kidding. True Love is the best thing in any persons life. Just pamper your woman, guys! The joy of that subsequent smile is lightyears ahead of upshifting at 7100 rpm.

Now ure talking

Dippy