Re: Comp T/As etc...

[Andrew Duane USG/PE <duane@zk3.dec.com>]

Hairy green toads from Mars made Jim Griffin say:
> 
> At 04:30 PM 1/23/96 -0500, you wrote:
> >I bent two wheels about 16 months ago, with brand new Comp T/A's on
> >them. The shop that diagnosed it said that the tires may have had
> >damaged sidewalls. They will look OK, but the belts are weakened.
> >They may work for years, but they may blow next week.
> >
> >Not wanting to drive with that over my head, I replaced them.


> Andrew,
> 
> So, would you still recommend the Comp T/As? I know that you have
> recommended them here before, and based upon your input... I am
> thinking of getting them... but if they have the possibility of having
> weak sidewalls.... I am a bit concerned. Your opinion? Also, I'm not
> sure yet if I should get the HR4s or VR4s. Is the VR4 really stiff?
> Will I get a really harsh ride with them? How much of a handling and
> ride difference do you think there would be between the two?  Also, do
> you know if there are any Northeast Chapter QCUSA events held
> locally.... or any chance that some of us New Englanders are going to
> be getting together soon? I will be sending a note to Glenn Powell, but
> was just wondering if you've heard of anything happening in the near
> future.

Yes, I still recommend them highly.

Let me clarify a little. I hit a 6" sharp paving cliff at 75+MPH.
This was not anywhere near "normal" wear for tires. The tire shop
indicated that if I hit hard enough to deform the wheels by more
than an inch, then the tires may well have suffered, too.

Overall, I've been very happy with them. I have about 30-40K on
the new ones, and they are just starting to get worn to the point
where I'm thinking of replacing them. They still handle great in
snow and rain (which we've had a ton of here).

I'm told the HR4 is a completely different tire. The tread design
looks different enough. The rubber compound is also different. So it
isn't just sidewall stiffness. A friend used to run them on his Saab,
and didn't like them at all.  If you want an H rated, look for the
Touring T/A. Angela's 90Q20V has these, and they're pretty impressive
for $60/corner (195/60/14).

-- 

Andrew L. Duane (JOT-7)			duane@zk3.dec.com
Digital Equipment Corporation		(603)-881-1294
110 Spit Brook Road			http://www.zk3.dec.com/~duane
M/S ZKO3-3/U14
Nashua, NH    03062-2698

Only my cat shares my opinions, and she's in some corner somewhere.