Vredestein Mayhem

[rhythmic6]

Has anyone had directional stability issues with Vredestein Sprint Classic 165 HR 15 86H tyres on 60-spoke wires?  In contrast to the period Pirellis I had on the car previously, which were very stable at speed, the car now feels vague and oscillatory when making left/right corrections above 60 mph.  I rebuilt the steering box and idler/bushes, track rods etc hoping to remove the vague wobbliness but no change.  No wheel bearing or suspension play.  When I push the car from the side, the car and rims move in unison but the tyre walls flex and role sideways as though the tyre walls are quite thin. Increasing the pressure to 40 psi makes a mild improvement but still not right.  Has anyone else bought these tyres and noticed anything similar?  The car is a Healey 3000 MkII BJ7.

[frankenhealey]

What tyre pressures are you using?

[rhythmic6]

I've tried various ranges between 30 and 40 psi - all of which feel soggy and unstable at higher speeds. I had something similar with a Peugeot 205 GTI many years ago when I put cheep tyres on - it was driving on balloons and the car wobbled (due to tyre flexing) when given a shove from the side when stationary. The Vredesteins aren't as bad but a similar effect. I am now thinking about Michelins or Blockleys and maybe 5.5" 72 spokes, if I win the lotto...

[frankenhealey]

Then it's tyres

[healeyneil]

Have you double checked your tracking? The only time I ever had issues was when I had a little bit of toe out, and that made the car wander quite horribly

[rhythmic6]

Thank you both. Tracking is fine - it is more of a sogginess than a wandering issue (my bad explanation, sorry). Yes, I think I may have to bite the bullet and buy some stiffer rubber (and maybe upgrade to 5.5" 72 spokes if I can find any). No doubt this has been discussed to death but, of the higher-end tyres, is there a consensus on Michelin XAS versus Blockleys? I am interested in performance while keeping a period look.

[bbh]

I am sure you will have seen this, Dougal from Longstone Classic Tyres talking about Austin Healey tyres ....



Interestingly I have Vredestein Sprint Classics on my MGA and they work OK. However for the Healey I have taken Dougal's advice and plumped for XAS's (on 5.5" x 72 spokes). Can't give any ride feedback as yet as still under build, but they do look the part!

[rhythmic6]

Thanks bbh, yes I have seen this clip a few times and am almost convinced. I have seen similar independent videos about Blockleys claiming they are the best too, although I have not compared overall diameter etc. Blockley allegedly offer 'your money back within the first 1000 miles if it is not the best tyre you have ever fitted to your Healey' but I guess no-one has tried them on this forum so I may never know. Michelin XASs is certainly the direction I am leaning in so far. MWS are suggesting I order one wheel and tyre for fitment check which I can return if undamaged. I am not in a rush so will see if anyone else is willing to share their experiences.

[nick]

I visited Longstone early last year and changed to the XAS from Goodyear Eagles. Although one of them needed a little jiggling around to get on, when they are on they look much better.

As for driving on them and the "feel", they are a dramatic improvement all round.

Overall, a great service from Longstone and worth the drive to be able to look at the options available.

[rhythmic6]

Oct 1, 2020 15:25:24 GMT nick said:

I visited Longstone early last year and changed to the XAS from Goodyear Eagles. Although one of them needed a little jiggling around to get on, when they are on they look much better.

Thanks Nick. I am hoping my BJ7, whose springs are probably a little more settled at the back end than a BJ8, has enough wheel arch space to prevent any fouling. Any thoughts (the pic below is with the skinnier 60-spoke wheels and Vredesteins, which I think are smaller overall diameter than the XASs) ?