Anyone have an opinion on Vredestein tires?

I'm shopping for some super wide 190+ treadwear tires, ran across these: http://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-bin/tiresearch.cgi?stock=10607&f=sessanta_t.cst

Kinda hard, but berk are they wide. Thinking I could get a whole 24-hours out of a set of those steam rollers.

Anyone even heard of them?

They were popular on sports cars right up to the late 80's.

They were once well-known for their fantastic snow tires. Not that this info helps...

They make a line of tires that is very popular with the classic car guys. I haven't used them myself, but everyone I know that has is very pleased with them. Of course, none of those purchase decisions were based on width.

In reply to sporqster: I autocrossed on Vredestein Sprint ST70 tires back in the Eighties. Great performance and value. But I have no experience with the new Vredesteins. Dan

since posting this I have discovered the Nitto NT-05:
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/readReviewsTire.do?ra=findTireDetail.do&rcz=47713&pc=40524&ar=35&rd=17&rc=INEINT&cs=315
Given that they are nearly the same price, I assume the Nitto would be the preferred redonkulous wide 17 versus the Vredestein? Target is to take 24hrs of Chumpcar on a 2700lb car without a change, maybe a rotation.

Any other suggestions for a 'sticky' tire over 190 UTQG, fits on a 12" wide 17" rim, and doesn't require selling kidneys to buy a couple sets?

It's too bad you're so far away. I have a set of 17" Michelin Pilot Sports with a ton of tread on them from my Cayman S. I only replaced them because they're six years old. They'd be perfect for Chumpcar.

I had NT-05s on my 350Z for a while. I replaced them with Dunlop Star Specs.

Nittos were a little scary in rain, it didn't like water at all. They were decent in the dry. I got about 1.5 seasons of autocrossing plus about 1/2 as DD during non-winter months. Good value. On the 3300 lb car, it didn't have much issues with overheating.

Dunlops were faster in autocross and much better in wet conditions. They do overheat a little easier, though. I can't speak of wear, because the Z was totaled before the tires were significantly done.

I love me some Star Spec's, but they don't make them redonkulously wide.

running the vreds on my Ferrari 330 GTC. They still produce an excellent tire. I much prefer them(although the size isn't 100% correct) to the pricier Michelins.

Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta? Are they even trying any more with the names? I'm waiting for the Qwertyuiop Asdfghjkl to hit the market next.

In reply to dculberson:

I'd hold out for the Qwertyuiop Asdfghjkl -zxcvbnm. They take better to heat cycling.

dculberson wrote: Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta? Are they even trying any more with the names? I'm waiting for the Qwertyuiop Asdfghjkl to hit the market next.

The name is stupid but I have a set on my Z06 and have been really happy with them so far. They are much better than the F1 Goodyears that were on it. Treadwear has been good and they seem to grip well. not bad price wise either.

forzav12 wrote: running the vreds on my Ferrari 330 GTC. They still produce an excellent tire. I much prefer them(although the size isn't 100% correct) to the pricier Michelins.

What a second, these work as a replacement for Ferrari Michelins?

Generally any tire that is reasonably close to the same size will work as a replacement for any other tire, even on a Ferrari....

Vigo wrote: Generally any tire that is reasonably close to the same size will work as a replacement for any other tire, even on a Ferrari....

I was thinking that the 330 had TRX tire sizes for some reason.

Vigo wrote: Generally any tire that is reasonably close to the same size will work as a replacement for any other tire, even on a Ferrari....

well, except for the speed rating. Vintage Ferraris have a need for a proper speed rating. Getting tough to find in the 14 and 15 sizes. There are the Michelins-generally a perfect aesthetic fit, I've never been impressed with their performance. The Vreds are slightly shorter/narrower, but I prefer them.

dculberson wrote: Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta? Are they even trying any more with the names? I'm waiting for the Qwertyuiop Asdfghjkl to hit the market next.

Sounds like something from the condom aisle.

well, except for the speed rating. Vintage Ferraris have a need for a proper speed rating. Getting tough to find in the 14 and 15 sizes. There are the Michelins-generally a perfect aesthetic fit, I've never been impressed with their performance. The Vreds are slightly shorter/narrower, but I prefer them.

Well, an old ferrari probably couldnt actually blow up an H-rated tire, but i guess in a 14 even that might be hard to find.

Sounds like something from the condom aisle.

And THAT sounds like pretty good steering feel..

Vigo wrote:

well, except for the speed rating. Vintage Ferraris have a need for a proper speed rating. Getting tough to find in the 14 and 15 sizes. There are the Michelins-generally a perfect aesthetic fit, I've never been impressed with their performance. The Vreds are slightly shorter/narrower, but I prefer them.

Well, an old ferrari probably couldnt actually blow up an H-rated tire, but i guess in a 14 even that might be hard to find.

maybe not, but my 330 will still do 150 without issue and my Daytona would crest 170-I'll take the time to find a tire with a proper speed rating. Those old Italians like to run

I do know they are one of the few manufacturers these days that still produces a decent tire in 205/60-15, the stock size for my S12. For some reason, that size is getting stupid hard to find.

rallymodeller wrote: For some reason, that size is getting stupid hard to find.

Because so few cars come with 15s nowadays.

And what cars DO come with 15s dont come with goofy large 60 series sidewalls.

Vigo wrote:

Sounds like something from the condom aisle.

And THAT sounds like pretty good steering feel..

I'd be more concerned with puncture resistance.