Michelin Pilot XGT H4

driller

driller

El Presidente
Staff member
Doing some online research, I ran across some interesting test info on tires I just so happen to have on my '93.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testResultsModel.jsp?tireModel=Pilot+XGT+H4&perfType=HPAS

I have loved these tires on my Mark since I've had them, recommended them despite their above average pricing, and just thought I would share.

"Michelin Pilot XGT H4

The Pilot XGT H4 was developed to provide balanced dry traction road control with weather-tuned performance. Large shoulder blocks help provide stability and grip under hard cornering, while more heavily-siped inner rows of tread blocks work to move water from under the contact patch and provide some traction during winter months.

On the road, the Pilot XGT H4 displayed the least amount of road noise, but the tire’s sporting nature showed itself in a slightly firmer ride than the other tires in the test. Handling and braking both proved to be very predictable and appropriate for the category.

On the track ,the Michelin exhibited the best steering response of the group and had very crisp handling. But the tire’s ultimate grip level could not quite match its responsiveness, allowing the driver to ask more of the tire than it could always deliver. Lap times fell just behind the Potenza RE950."

TireRack's current price of $113 each is well below what I paid. At a local Sears Auto Center, a set of four tires, mounted, balanced and lifetime road hazard was right at $600.
 
RE: Michelin Pilot XGT H4

Thats pretty coo, but I am kinda amazed you got anyone to mount them. Everyone I have talked to will not mount H rated tires on my car since it came with V... They tell me its not safe..

But, John (Johnaec) managed to get some on his new 17s at a local place, so I might try them.

Scott
 
RE: Michelin Pilot XGT H4

same here they would not mount H rated on my car. Only V and above. But 600$ that's a lot! i got some Z rated Potenza Re 730 for 430$ installed. They are awsome tires!
 
RE: Michelin Pilot XGT H4

I got the H rated BFG Comp T/A HR4s installed at a place in San Rafael - they never even questioned it, and I didn't even think about it. H is good for 130mph, and only once have I had it even up to 100, (and probably won't again - I was just curious - but no problems at all...).

John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
 
RE: Michelin Pilot XGT H4

The last 3 sets of tires on my car have been 'H' rated. Anybody that tells you that you can't put a 130MPH tire on a car that only goes 130MPH (without a chip) is BS'ing you.

I just put a new set of Goodyear GT HR's in stock size on my car. This is my 3rd set of them. A very good tire for a relatively inexpensive tire ($85-$90/tire).

Ken
 
RE: Michelin Pilot XGT H4

I've also noticed, you pay a premium for V rated over H rated in the same class of tire. Sort of like the price premium for a 50 series vs a 60 series, its all about what is most important to you. From www.tirerack.com :

In Europe, where selected highways do not have speed limits and high speed driving is permitted, speed ratings were established to match the speed capability of tires with the top speed capabilities of the vehicles to which they are applied. Speed ratings are established in kilometers per hour and subsequently converted to miles per hour (which explains why speed ratings appear established at “odd” mile per hour increments). Despite the tire manufacturer’s ability to manufacturer tires capable of high speeds, none of them recommend the use of their products in excess of legal speed limits.

Now if I were in Europe and drove a Mark VIII with mods and a chip, I may want a V rated tire over an H rated sibling. I personally do not place such an importance on H vs V speed ratings when looking at tires. There is a vast selection of tire choices are out there categorized with an H speed rating.
 
RE: Michelin Pilot XGT H4

But I thought someone said a while back that the ratings also had to do with more than just top speed?
 
RE: Michelin Pilot XGT H4

From http://www.tiresafety.com :

Speed Rating Characteristics
Tires have always had the ability to change an automobile's driving characteristics. Technology has given the tire an important role as a component of the automobile suspension.

The speed rating of the tire is an indicator of the tire's performance capability. Improving the tire's performance capability will normally benefit an automobile's performance. Conversely, decreasing the tire's speed rating generally lowers the tire's ability to contribute to the automobile's performance.

Changing from the O.E. tire speed rating to another performance level tire will probably change handling in areas such as:

1. Steering Response
2. Braking
3. Traction
4. Cornering
5. Evasion/Recovery

Alot of distributors post this disclaimer or something similar:

Generally, the higher the speed rating, the better cornering and braking ability of the tire.
When purchasing replacement tires, you chould buy the same or higher speed rating as the tires that the vehicle came equiped with from the factory, otherwise the handling of the vehicle will be compromised.

From http://www.yokohamatire.com

Warning:
Speed ratings apply only to the tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a speed rated tire on any car does not mean the car can be operated at the tire's rated speed. ;) How's that for a disclaimer!
 
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