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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!floyd!clyde!ihnp4!inuxc!ralph
From: ralph@inuxc.UUCP (Ralph Keyser)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re:280Z Tires
Message-ID: <868@inuxc.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 6-Dec-83 16:27:08 EST
Article-I.D.: inuxc.868
Posted: Tue Dec  6 16:27:08 1983
Date-Received: Fri, 9-Dec-83 02:53:48 EST
References: <2025@floyd.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Consumer Products Div., Indianapolis
Lines: 25

I've just re-shod my trusty RX-7 ('81), and I'll pass on what I
picked up in the process.
Wider tires will increase your car's lateral acceleration *on dry
pavement*, but not automatically in the wet. The biggest thing
that affects wet weather handling is how well the tires channel
water away from the rubber/road contact patch.
I elected to swap my stock 185R70-13's Bridgestones for a set of
of Phoenix Stahflex 3011 195HR60-14's. The tires are just a bit
wider than normal, and the shorter sidewalls are stiffer which 
increases the car's lateral acceleration. This particular tire also
got a high rating in Road and Track's last tire test from earlier this
year for wet weather traction. I've been nothing short of amazed at
the difference in the way the car sticks nowdays.
This is all kind of expensive though, since you need new wheels in
the deal. If you don't want to go to all that expense, you might
be better off with a standard size "performance" radial. 
I'm not familiar with the Michelin model you mentioned, but I'm
thinking of the Goodrich Comp T/A, Goodyear NCT, Pirelli P6, etc
type tires.
Just remember that wide tires will hurt you in the wet unless the
tread pattern is really "aggressive". Nobody runs slicks in the
rain.

			Ralph Keyser
			inuxc!ralph