Pirelli P7 285-50 VR15 NOS

Dave,

Just an FYI.

When I purchased #4134 15 years ago it had P7s that were about 3 years old. Deep tread and no cracking. 8 years later the tires were badly cracking between the tread. Upon closer inspection small pieces were beginning to come off the rear tires.

I read that even minimal driving at legal highway speed could cause actual tread separation and complete tire failure.

I have a second set of Pirellis on my original 7s & 8s that are 17 years old. They have been black trash bag stored etc. and also have slight cracking. I would be very nervous driving them on anything approaching modest highway speeds.

Just my 2 cents.

Jeff

quote:

Also the 285-50 profile is the right diameter for your speedometer to read correctly.

Actually, the speedo will read approximately 1.5 mph faster than actual speed. A 295/50 will be 0.5 mph faster than actual speed. These numbers are from a generic tire calculator.

Most tire shops will not mount, balance, or repair a tire with a date code older than ten years (at least in my area). A tire that old will probably be dried out and hard, resulting in, among other safety issues, poor traction.

John

quote:

Originally posted by jb1490:

Most tire shops will not mount, balance, or repair a tire with a date code older than ten years (at least in my area). A tire that old will probably be dried out and hard, resulting in, among other safety issues, poor traction.

John

Hi John,

That was my case exactly.

When I had a nail in one of the tires of my BFG's, circa 1995 build date, Discount Tire sent me to a tire shop where English was the second language to have the the tire plugged. Fortunately, I was able to source a brand new set of Toyo's for my 8's & 10's 15" wheels and I was on the road again feeling safe with the new shoes on my Cat.

If you're looking to enter the Silver State Classic Challenge, then these tires aren't for you. If you want some "period", Italian tires for your cat, then maybe. I often get comments at car shows about my P7s. Just a couple weeks ago at a show a guy says "Wow Cinturato tires!" Maybe he meant "Wow, you must be nuts to still drive on those Cinturato tires!

Hi Kerry,

Yeah, it was your experience and info that I got from several different tire shops that prompted the post.

John

Dave,

I hope that you were not taking my comments as a personal slam. By your forum name and avatar I assumed that you were running your Pirellis on the track.

I too like the period correct and Italian specific Pirellis. And if you are driving at modest speeds and distance they may last many years to come. But they are definitely not safe at highway speed where heat buildup will cause them to separate. Not if but when they fail.

I think I have located a new source for 1/08 production Toyo Proxes ST 295/50/15s. These combined with Toyo Proxes 4s 225/50/15 and I am all set for any drive.

Stay safe!

Jeff

quote:

I think I have located a new source for 1/08 production Toyo Proxes ST 295/50/15s.

Jeff,

Tires-N-Parts in Raleigh, NC had a bunch of these tires a few months ago. 800-322-9415

John

Thanks John,
Rick Miller was great to deal with.
$160 + shipping.
They have about 30 left, late 2007 to Jan 2008 production.

Jeff