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Date:         Wed, 15 Oct 2003 23:36:37 -0500
Reply-To:     Conrad Klahn <conradk@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Conrad Klahn <conradk@MAC.COM>
Subject:      LTX M/S impressions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Hi,

For anyone considering the 195/75R14 Michelin LTX M/S tires, here are my impressions.

Pro:

The LTX M/S are quiet and do well in the rain (no puddle-steer). I lost some acceleration up to 30mph, but my RPMs are much more reasonable at 65. If I don't pay attention, I can hit 75 easily ('85 1.9). They are a fairly comfortable tire - still some wind-steer, but that was in 25mph side gusts.

Cons:

These tires give me a lot of oversteer - the front bites in very quick, and the rear wants to wag out. I'm still not completely comfortable with it and am going to buy a rear Addco rear sway bar here soon to see if I can counter the behavior a bit. My previous tires had some oversteer which was easier to deal with. I have new(er) rear springs and Bilsteins front and rear, so I'm sure this helps the handling a bit - but wish it was much better.

The sidewall rubber on this tire is "soft" - more of it and prone to damage on curbs. I was expecting Kevlar from a load range c tire, so am a bit disappointed.

Dorky looking. Especially now that I lost my "aero" hubcaps and am stylin' base chromies on my dirty black rims.

These tires don't fit in the stock carrier unless significantly deflated. Time to get that portable pump I've been wanting.

Lots of tread to get rocks stuck into. You can hear me go Clickety Clickety Click down the street.

Conrad


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