Several weeks ago, based on List member info, I determined to keep the
ancient Michelin XVS radials on my TR6, since my wife had pointed to the
abundant amount of tread. Now, I should re-title this message "Mechanic
vs. TR6 Tires"--- because the Triumph guy who inspected my car questions
the tires again. He said they were "incorrect" earlier---and he now says
it wasn't because of the size, but because of the WEIGHT of the tire. When
he lifted these early XVS radials off the car, he noticed how "very heavy"
they were.
HIs argument goes like this: (1) The suspension of the TR6 was designed
with the original Michelin Redlines in mind, (2) These were significantly
lighter than the heavy, early Michelin radials that are on my car, and
therefore (3) I need new, lighter radial tires at the very least---if I'm
not going to pop for a new set of Redlines.
I've been putting off paying for an alignment and (on-car) wheel balance.
Of course, I don't want to spend money on new tires, but then again, I
don't want to drive around with tires that may prematurely wear out the
suspension. How do I avoid being an idiot here? What is the effect of
heavier-than-normal tires on the suspension?
Phil Haldeman
haldeman@accessone.com
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