All, having been accustomed to my puma defender for the last 3 winters, I have started to do my research and thinking on my winter tyres for my V8SC.

Over the last three weeks the options I have been researching based on: cost, performance, longevity, looks (yeah I know ) noise and general driving capability have been as follows:

Pirelli Scorpion ST (OEM fitment) - not chosen as i have heard they arent too good in snow

Cooper Zeon LTZ - chosen

Verdestein Wintrac 4 Extreme - excellent choice for winter, need to get a summer set of rims or change the tyres back to summer tyres...

Continental cross contacts - high cost

I have today fitted the Cooper Zeon LTZ's - 275/45/R20

Cost: £699 fitted
Performance: on the 40 mile run back (sat at 'reasonable' cruising speeds) very stable. No tram-lining as i had on the 4 mismatched tyres that were on the vehicle

Longevity: time will tell but I expect better wear than the scorpions that i did have fitted

Looks: depends on what you like, I am taken by the rugged shoulder lugs and tread pattern

Noise: no noise change from my run to the tyre fitter - more wind noise from the wing mirrors than road noise!

Driving capability: too early to tell, but the series of fast sweepers on my way home, in the dry sunshine, were taken with gusto and the vehicle tracked round nicely without any noticeable understeer or drifting.

The best bit is that I don't have to run two sets of rims through the year, the LTZ's will now be on the vehicle come rain or shine. And before anyone comments - yes it does see mud, but always get valeted pos 'play time'

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Just Love them Cooper tyres

Just bought a set of Wintrac Xtreme for my daughters car

What model do you have Jammy? Your profile says 4.4, but in your post you said SC? And the side vents don't look like SC, hence my confusion!

I'm in Oxfordshire too, sounds like a good price for the tyres, was that from a local fitter or online? Why did you go for 275 45 rather than 255 50?

Cheers,

David Range Rover-less at the moment - Pining!

275 x 45 have fun in the packed ice with those ,

bozmandb9 wrote:

What model do you have Jammy? Your profile says 4.4, but in your post you said SC? And the side vents don't look like SC, hence my confusion!

I'm in Oxfordshire too, sounds like a good price for the tyres, was that from a local fitter or online? Why did you go for 275 45 rather than 255 50?

Cheers,

David

Yes, its a 4.4 V8 supercharged. The previous owner liked his bling hence the chrome steps and optional chrome side vents, i believe they are still an option on the LR site. As for the wheel dimensions - thats what Cooper tyres have available. The rolling diameter is the same as the 255/50. The extra width is not noticeable - I have tried to show with the front on view.

The supplier was Silverline in Leamington Spa - call for a price . They have been supplying me for a few years (Caterhams & my last Defender)

MICK wrote:

275 x 45 have fun in the packed ice with those ,

there isnt much that will deflect a FFRR, momentum and a driver who doesnt know when to quit

Ive run these tyres for 2 years and highly recommend them. The only down side I find is grip in the wet on tight corners (slight understeer sometimes) I would check with your insurance as I dont think they are speed rated for a supercharged. They could throw out a claim if you had a bump with them fitted.

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jammyk wrote:

Yes, its a 4.4 V8 supercharged.

ogy wrote:

Ive run these tyres for 2 years and highly recommend them. The only down side I find is grip in the wet on tight corners (slight understeer sometimes) I would check with your insurance as I dont think they are speed rated for a supercharged. They could throw out a claim if you had a bump with them fitted.

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Try over inflating at the front to kill understeer - its a trick i used to use on a number of cars, particually the wifes old SLK that was setup from stock like a pig.

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2015 FFRR SDV8
2011 FFRR TDV8 4.4 - Gone
2005 FFRR TDV6 - Gone

jammyk wrote:

The rolling diameter is the same as the 255/50. The extra width is not noticeable - I have tried to show with the front on view.

he's right you know, bar 7mm difference...

[quote="ogy"]Ive run these tyres for 2 years and highly recommend them. The only down side I find is grip in the wet on tight corners (slight understeer sometimes) I would check with your insurance as I dont think they are speed rated for a supercharged. They could throw out a claim if you had a bump with them fitted.quote]

Just checked with Admiral (multicar) 'winter tyres' are not counted as a modification, although they very helpfully updated my policy with a 'note'. All seems fine

allycraven wrote:

jammyk wrote:

Yes, its a 4.4 V8 supercharged.

Sure you don't mean a 4.2 S/C?

If not, who supplied the aftermarket S/C kit for the 4.4 and how long have you been running it? I know Arden offer it, but the price is eyewatering to say the least. There was also a company in the states who offered an aftermarket conversion but they've been shutdown for a while now.

If it is really a 4.4, i know there are a few on this forum that would be VERY interested in hearing your experience of how the 4.4 handles a S/C and what sort of power/torque it puts out - me included!

You're right you know! 4.2 it is, although the blurb from the Solihull slaes team states a 4.4 SC ;o) sig updated!!

4.2 V8 SC is very good

Gazellio wrote:

4.2 V8 SC is very good

frustrated droooool....