how is the ride quality and comfort in compareson?

Q8KNIGHT:

I replaced my tires on my 04 with non-runflats. No change in ride quality or comfort. It handles a little bit better due to addition of rear sway bar; but I drove it a while before adding the sway bar and everything was just fine.

captam

Q8KNIGHT:

I replaced my tires on my 04 with non-runflats. No change in ride quality or comfort. It handles a little bit better due to addition of rear sway bar; but I drove it a while before adding the sway bar and everything was just fine.

captam

I see, I am also considering of adding the rear sway bar, are these all the parts that I need for the upgrade:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214638&chapter=&Sectionids=24,2788&groupid=51856&subgroupid=2542&componentid=0&make=5&model=XLR&year=2007&graphicID=BL04540&callout=1&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

Without a spare, what is your plan if you get a flat?

I see, I am also considering of adding the rear sway bar, are these all the parts that I need for the upgrade:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214638&chapter=&Sectionids=24,2788&groupid=51856&subgroupid=2542&componentid=0&make=5&model=XLR&year=2007&graphicID=BL04540&callout=1&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

You will need one bar, two of everything else as well as a few nuts that I don't think are included. They go on the end of your bushing bolts.

There are other threads that include more specifics for this procedure. Best of luck!

Without a spare, what is your plan if you get a flat?

I have done this as well. I got mine through Discount Tire and got the lifetime warranty and repair for flat on the tires. I carry a can of fix a flat with me to get me to the nearest Discount Tire.

I am running Yokohama S-Drive P255/20/35 on the car. I would recommend this new tire to anyone - great handling - excellent ride - quiet tire and good wet road traction. Please note this is a Summer UHP tire so it is not 4 seasons.

Steve

how is the ride quality and comfort in compareson?

Generally, non-runflats are quieter and ride more smoothly since the carcass is less stiff.

However, if the original shocks and suspension settings aren't suited to non-runflats, the ride improvement may be minimized, and you may only notice a change in tire noise.

With either type, it's very specific- the actual tread pattern of the tires and the roads driven on will determine the result. There are posts on XLR forums from owners who changed and were pleased with the result, however.

Lower profile tires, by the way, will tend to stiffen the ride and can make it feel harsh.

If you can find a tire you like that can be returned if you're not satisfied, that would be useful. Some can, some can't, and with some it depends on where you buy them.

If you want an alternative in oem-size runflats, try the Goodyear that is being used on the new XLR's.

If you're used to a C6, the XLR probably feels like it's going to roll over while turning in and braking. Adding the correct rear bar will reduce that significantly.

Generally, non-runflats are quieter and ride more smoothly since the carcass is less stiff.


Lower profile tires, by the way, will tend to stiffen the ride and can make it feel harsh.



I can not agree with this - I believe that my non-run flats do no feel harsh and provide much more robust handling.

This is the reason I chose the s-drive from Yokohama. I did a lot of research and actually found a few cars that had these tires on them and had the chance to drive them.

I will tell you that I am extremely impressed with the ride of these tires.

Sully

I can not agree with this - I believe that my non-run flats do no feel harsh and provide much more robust handling.


Sully

Sully,

I believe you misunderstood rwd, he's saying run-flats provide a stiffer ride.

Floyd

how is the ride quality and comfort in compareson?

I just piad $89 a piece for 4 tires from tire rack (Bf Goodrich) for my car and couldnt be happier! paid my local dealer $60 to install and balance them. No brainer. I have bought $300+ tires in the past but its really a waste of $$$ because those more expensive tires dont seem to last as long treadwise. Just my 2 cents :-)

Don't take your X up over 100 mph, your flirting with danger Will Robinson. Tires are rated for a reason.
BoboI just piad $89 a piece for 4 tires from tire rack (Bf Goodrich) for my car and couldnt be happier! paid my local dealer $60 to install and balance them. No brainer. I have bought $300+ tires in the past but its really a waste of $$$ because those more expensive tires dont seem to last as long treadwise. Just my 2 cents :-)

Just a note, a friend just put those $89 BFG tires on about 8 months ago and while on a trip to Ga. 2 weeks ago, she had a blow out on the left rear that actually ripped the left side of her car off as it shred to pieces. She said she was going about 75 mph and by the time she could slow down and pull over on I-75, she did over $2000 worth of damage. Sometimes you can be penny wise and pound foolish. Good luck with yours, but be carefull, her's had plenty of tread but just blew on her unexpectantly. Always remember, you normally get what you pay for. Bill

Words to live by - literally! There are places you can cut corners, tires are not one of them. Most of us take them way too much for granted. They should be checked periodically for cuts, splits, bulges, nails or other objects and pick out any rocks stuck in the tread. Keep them inflated and pay attention to cupping and/or uneven wear.

Bob is correct, our tires are speed rated for a reason. They are also wear rated for a reason. If your only consideration is tread life, no problem, but you will give up traction, control, comfort, safety and reduced road noise.

When I turned wrenches 25 years ago, I was told the exact same story as when I drove the V-Performance Acdemy last year,,, hold your hand up, turn your palm to face you, and that is the total amount of rubber (traction) you have on each corner of your car keeping it on the ground.

Like we all have said,, skimp here, cut corners there, but tires no way!

www.Cadillac-XLR.com (http://www.Cadillac-XLR.com)

Thanks
Allen

Well they are ZR rated tires and I read the reviews on the tire before I bought them and everyone loved them and the tire was rated 400AAA by the national tire rating standard. I have always had BF goodrich on my Jeeps and other cars I have owned in the past and never had 1 issue with them. The $89 was because they were close-out specials. If one explodes and destroys my car while driving 150 mph which I regularly do (wink):nono ....I'll let everyone know.

Well they are ZR rated tires and I read the reviews on the tire before I bought them and everyone loved them and the tire was rated 400AAA by the national tire rating standard. I have always had BF goodrich on my Jeeps and other cars I have owned in the past and never had 1 issue with them. The $89 was because they were close-out specials. If one explodes and destroys my car while driving 150 mph which I regularly do (wink):nono ....I'll let everyone know.

If the tire blows at 150 MPH - you won't be around to let anyone know.

One of the problems with a low production volume car that has tires of an uncommon size is that there's very little room for experimentation, very few owners to talk about their experiences and not many alternatives that don't involve changing rim sizes.

The same brand/model/type/size tire can behave differently on different cars, so reports and opinions of non-XLR owners are of limited use. What works well on their car may or may not work on an XLR, and there's also the matter of different driving styles, usage and preferences.

Those considerations aside, it depends on how the tire characteristics work with the vehicle's suspension and noise suppression package. It's a very complex area.

Yes, I did say non-runflats provide a smoother, quieter ride. Grip is a completely separate, and, again, very specific issue. It can be difficult to accurately compare the performance of new tires with your originals when the originals are old, dry and worn, and the new tires are fresh and at full tread depth.

All XLR owner experiences are helpful and appreciated.

rwd:

I am in the middle of finalizing a purchase of 4 "factory spec" replacement Michelins for my 2004 XLR from Discount Tire.

I'll "report in" on my experience when the deal is completed later this week.

So far what I know is that the dealer wanted $345 per tire plus the various Fed and local taxes and other stuff they charge.

RIDE QUALITY: It was interesting to note that Discount Tire calls for 30lbs of tire pressure in the run flats -- cushier ride.

I am used to running 35 and seemed to get longer tread life.

Apart from the Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT that they started using on the XLR's in 2007, that's the only runflat option I'm aware of. To me, the RS-A's seem fractionally quieter and a bit less jarring, but some of that could simply be a difference between specific cars or running changes to the XLR of which I'm not aware.

In a perfect world, it'd be nice to get a 30-day trial period to make sure the tires do what you want, but that's not always possible. Granted, if they're called Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 ZP's, they should be the same as the car's original equipment tires, but one never knows.

To a critical driver, tires can make or break a car, so I hope things work out well. Good luck!

Apart from the Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT that they started using on the XLR's in 2007, that's the only runflat option I'm aware of. To me, the RS-A's seem fractionally quieter and a bit less jarring, but some of that could simply be a difference between specific cars or running changes to the XLR of which I'm not aware.

In a perfect world, it'd be nice to get a 30-day trial period to make sure the tires do what you want, but that's not always possible. Granted, if they're called Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 ZP's, they should be the same as the car's original equipment tires, but one never knows.

To a critical driver, tires can make or break a car, so I hope things work out well. Good luck!
Well I just got back from the local Discount Tire Store.

As I mentioned I replaced my tires with the same factory Michelins that were on the car originally--4 Michelin P235/50R18 97W Michelin Pilot HXMXM4 GM ZP

The transaction went exactly as we would all hope for.

The tires were ordered Wednesday afternoon, showed up this morning and were installed in about 45 minutes. NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER!!! They have the right equipment for the wide rims.

The pricing was exactly as quoted with no surprises.

Liftime Repairs--Free, Lifetime Spin Balancing Optional Charge--$60, TPMS Rebuild Optional Charge --$20

Based on my experience, I would recommend doing business with Discount Tire if you are wondering where to go besides the Cadillac Dealer.