Hi Caddy Fans,

I just bought an 84 with the touring suspension and P215/70R15 tires. I know it's supposed to have P225/70R15 tires which are on my "to do" list. The placard on the drivers door is faded but the rear psi looks like 30 and I can't even make out what the front psi is supposed to be. Would somebody be so kind as to tell me what are the recommended psi's. The recommended max psi on the tires is 36 and I loaded it up to 32. I'm in Chicago if you think that would play into consideration.

Just an aside, when everybody said that the HT4100 was underpowered they weren't kidding! It's fine bopping around town, but I cross my fingers when it comes to the expressway on-ramps. There are some places around here where you'd better be doing 65 mph or higher once you hit the bottom of that ramp--I avoid those places. I don't even try to pass anybody once I'm on the expressway because it's hopeless. Having said that, I always wanted an 80-85 Seville and I love the car for what it is. Although it's not cheap (as you all know), I am in the process of undoing several years of minor neglect with help from ebay.

Thanks in advance,

Pete

So you have 10mm less tread... definately not anything to worry about so if I were you I wouldn't bother changing tires until the current ones need replacing. If the tire says 36 max, then if you want the best handling and fuel economy, run 36. If you want a cushier ride, run 10-20% under max. That's my rule of thumb anyway.

From the '84 Owner's Manual (page 98):

P205/75R15 30psi Front 30psi Rear

P225/70R15 28psi Front 24psi Rear (which seems awfully low to me)

It goes on to say that if you'll be driving over 75MPH (as is fairly common nowadays) add 3psi to the recommended cold inflation pressure.


I too am a new owner of my '84 Seville, and just put new tires on on Saturday. I searched high and low for the best possible tire. Not suprisingly, getting a good tire with a white wall wasn't easy, but I eventually found a tire that I'm extremely pleased with.

Check out the Toyo 800 Ultra. I had replaced the shocks two weeks ago, and like you I have the "Touring Suspension" but had the smaller size tire installed by the previous owner. The shocks did improve the ride and handling but replacing the tires really transformed the car. It went from a squirmy, wallowing beast to a responsive car instantly.

I'm running 32psi all around, by the way.

Hi Dave, Thanks for the sage advice. Gas prices being what they are, I think I'll try to stretch that gallon. The tires are not name brand but they seem to be in pretty good condition so I think I'll ride these for awhile. I won't be driving the car in the snow or rain so traction won't be an issue. Thanks again.

Hi Rawja, I'm impressed that your car can hit 75 mph. When I drove my car home after buying it, my top end was about 72 and the cruise kept it at 70. Of course, I haven't been on the expressway since I had the tune up and other mechanical work done. I also replaced all the shocks. I'll definitely have to look into the Toyo even though I was planning on installing Goodyear Regatta 2s which I've had pretty good luck with on my other cars. You're right about that 24psi sounding low--it doesn't sound right to me either. Thanks for the tips.

Pete

I'm impressed that your car can hit 75 mph.

LOL...On my "to-do" list is figuring out a way to eliminate the "blinking 85" you get at speeds in excess. If you are maxing out at 72 something is wrong with the vehicle.

Not that these are performance cars by any stretch of the imagination, but I've found my car to be quite comfortable as a high-speed interstate cruiser.

The Toyos are "T" speed-rated meaning they are capable of running safely to 118 MPH. Obviously I'll never get her up to those speeds, but the added level of capability a high-spec tire provides can be appreciated at all speeds, not just at the limits.