sandhurst Posted September 29, 2005 Posted September 29, 2005 Having just ordered my factory built Westy [sport 1800] I maybe made a mistake checking out the tyres provided [Avon ZV1's]. Via the Internet, I find conflicting reviews [some good and some bad] and wonder how forumites have found this particular tyre. Before I get a verbal slapping, I should point out that I will be using the search engine on this forum when I return home this evening. Dave Quote
Blatman Posted September 29, 2005 Posted September 29, 2005 Depends what you want. I have no experience of ZV1's, but the usual choices for tyres are thus: For high grip, and consequentially high wear rates, Yokohama AO48's and Toyo R888's. For decent grip and reasonable longevity, Yokohama A539's or Toyo Proxes T1R or T1S. Remember when comparing internet critiques that a tyre that performs well on a 1.5 tonne tin top will behave entirely differently on a ~600kg two seater. Basically, weight = grip when talking about road tyres in most situations. Light cars will make a mockery of tyres who's tin top driving advocates claim they offer *good* grip by offering a lot less grip than you might expect... Quote
Martin Keene Posted September 29, 2005 Posted September 29, 2005 I had some Avons on an Astra, they might have been ZV1's, they certainly ended V1. While they were on the car, they seemed fine. However when I put some new rubber on the front, nothing mega racey, just P6000. It highlighted the shocking lack of grip from the ones on the rear. It went from nice and neutral to having a back end like it was on casters... Quote
sandhurst Posted September 29, 2005 Author Posted September 29, 2005 Thanks chaps. Just to clairify things, I looked at reviews which were KitCar related [Oh yes, plus the odd Cat**h*m!] Dave Quote
leighc Posted September 29, 2005 Posted September 29, 2005 I've got ZV1's on mine. I think they're ok Quote
Chris.B Posted September 29, 2005 Posted September 29, 2005 I had ZV1's as the original factory fitted tyres on my Speedsport. Very good in the wet an ok ish in the dry. I did a few track & airfield days with them & there was hardly any wear. When I replaced them with sticky tyres - in my case Avon CR500's the car was transformed. So now I have 4 barely used & I new ZV1 sitting in the garage doing nothing! Quote
Jed Posted September 29, 2005 Posted September 29, 2005 I thought ZV1's were discontinued and only a few sizes were left. They worked great for me on a 1.5 tonne Volvo and lasted 10k miles. Better than the ZV3's now on it, which is what I thought the factory were supplying last year. If it was me I'd pick from the list Blatman suggest. I use A021R's on one car and they work really well. Quote
chappers Posted September 30, 2005 Posted September 30, 2005 I had avon ZV1s on my 2001 1800 zetec. I was quite impressed with them and would have bought some more if they hadn't been discontinued and replaced by the ZV3. Since I needed new rear ones, I went for Toyo T1-Rs, which so far seem to perform pretty much the same as my ZV1s. Now I am just waiting for another 3 new T1-Rs, since I don't like having odd tyres - though since my spare ZV1 is unused it does seem a bit of a waste. If you have ordered a kit I'd get them to change the tyres, and get them to fit either the ZV3s, or alternatively Toyo T1-Rs (again the luverly T1-S are being superceeded by the T1-R), or Yoko 539s. Either that or see if they will reduce the price and fit your own tires. mytyres.co.uk are about £31, £35, £36 respectively for 195.50.R15 for Toyo,avon or yoko. Try some Toyo R888 or Yoko A048 if you want super grip and don't mine the wear rate and triple cost. Cheers Kev. Quote
Bluerallye Posted September 30, 2005 Posted September 30, 2005 I had ZV1's on my 106 Rallye and they absolutely ruined the handling (compared to the P6000s that they replaced). That's been on Yoko A539s ever since and my Westy is on Toyo Proxes and for £31 each from mytyres.co.uk they're fantastic. Quote
felters Posted September 30, 2005 Posted September 30, 2005 Big vote for Yoko A021's as a wet track/road tyre... Caterham sell them as their road tyre of choice as well. A048's for road/track. Quote
itguy Posted October 1, 2005 Posted October 1, 2005 I've got ZV1's on mine. Ah - thats why your so slow then Leigh Quote
leighc Posted October 1, 2005 Posted October 1, 2005 I've got ZV1's on mine. Ah - thats why your so slow then Leigh Nope, just complete lack of driver skill Quote
sandhurst Posted October 3, 2005 Author Posted October 3, 2005 Thanks to all for the postings in reply to my question. I am just off on holiday as I am "tyred" after a hectic few months [so much for being "retyred"!]. I will take a printout of the thread so that I have something to read on the beach. Dave Quote
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