Replacing XLR-V Tires

[deadringer]

Now that I've hit 16k miles, it looks like I need new tires on my V. Here's what I'd like:

• I'm only interested in run-flat tires... I've had three flats in 16k miles, and every one of those flats I got in a city away from home.
• I'd like wider rear tires than 255 - after the performance upgrades, its harder to maintain traction on hard acceleration.
• I'd like to see options that will allow me to keep my stock rims... but this is flexible.

So some options I've come up with are:

• Just forget it, and get the stock tires in the stock sizes and move on.
• The stock Pirelli eufori@ run-flats are available in 275/40R19 which may not fit on the stock 8.5"-width wheels in the rear. The overall diameter would move from a stock 27.03in to 27.66in which is about a 2.28% increase. (I will just get the computer reprogramed to correct the speedo). I will just keep the stock 235/45R19 up front.
• I found that the Goodyear Excellence RunOnFlat tire is also available in 275/40R19 for the rear... and its availble in 245/45R19 which I could put up front.

Assuming that the 8.5" stock rims can't take more than a 255mm width tire - I guess i'll have to upgrade wheels... any wheel/tire combinations that max out the sizes but are still runflat that people can suggest?

I saw this ebay listing where he got 285/30R20's to fit...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cadillac-XLR-2004-CADILLAC-XLR-Mint-Condition-WHEELS-HOT_W0QQitemZ260407101811QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Car s_Trucks?hash=item3ca1790973&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245 &_trkparms=65%3A13|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Any thoughts and/or advice would be helpful....

[Dr. Design]

Hello,
Just FYI, the approved rim width for the 275/40/R19 tire is 9.5" wide wheel. That would be just out of the range of the factory width rim. The other option would be to run an aftermarket 9.5" wide rim and use the 275/40/R19 tire. Unfortunately there are not a lot of options for run flats, but understanding your past issues with tires, it is certainly understood.

Let us know if we can help.

Thank you,

Dr. Design
D3 Cadillac

Originally Posted by deadringer

Now that I've hit 16k miles, it looks like I need new tires on my V. Here's what I'd like:

• I'm only interested in run-flat tires... I've had three flats in 16k miles, and every one of those flats I got in a city away from home.
• I'd like wider rear tires than 255 - after the performance upgrades, its harder to maintain traction on hard acceleration.
• I'd like to see options that will allow me to keep my stock rims... but this is flexible.

So some options I've come up with are:

• Just forget it, and get the stock tires in the stock sizes and move on.
• The stock Pirelli eufori@ run-flats are available in 275/40R19 which may not fit on the stock 8.5"-width wheels in the rear. The overall diameter would move from a stock 27.03in to 27.66in which is about a 2.28% increase. (I will just get the computer reprogramed to correct the speedo). I will just keep the stock 235/45R19 up front.
• I found that the Goodyear Excellence RunOnFlat tire is also available in 275/40R19 for the rear... and its availble in 245/45R19 which I could put up front.

Assuming that the 8.5" stock rims can't take more than a 255mm width tire - I guess i'll have to upgrade wheels... any wheel/tire combinations that max out the sizes but are still runflat that people can suggest?

I saw this ebay listing where he got 285/30R20's to fit...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cadillac-XLR-2004-CADILLAC-XLR-Mint-Condition-WHEELS-HOT_W0QQitemZ260407101811QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Car s_Trucks?hash=item3ca1790973&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245 &_trkparms=65%3A13|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Any thoughts and/or advice would be helpful....

[deadringer]

I'm still chewing on the run-flat issue...

I met a Z06 Vette owner and he's running standard tires and carries a plug kit... says not to sweat it and the plug kits work great.

Anyone have any opinions on how feasible it is to use a plug-kit while on the road? (I don't expect to keep the plug in permanently, just long enough to get the tire serviced).

[Dr. Design]

I want to say that there is an optional factory air compressor with some of the new GM vehicles....This is the "new" spare. Works pretty good. We had a flat on one of the show vehicles and the little compressor filled the tire back up within a few minutes through the factory lighter plug. Even has a little pressure gauge. Much smaller than a spare tire.
Thanks,


Dr. Design
D3 Cadillac