Time for an update on the tire experiment: We got back home yesterday from
GMCMI Mansfield, 1798 miles after I put the Westlake SL-309 tires on the
GMC.
The tires ran as smoothly and quietly as any I've had. However, above 65
mph, they begin to "tramp". As reported, I put exactly 4 oz of Walmart
airsoft beads in each tire. I think I should have used at least 5 oz,
probably 6 oz. These are heavy tires, with stiff sidewalls. It's
probable, IMHO, that above 65 the slight residual unbalance above 4 oz
begins to assert itself; more beads might prevent that effect.
Also, these tires don't have quite the directional stability of the
Firestones they replaced -- I get a little more steering wander now. I
suspect the aforementioned sidewall stiffness is partially to blame. Also,
to my surprise, reading the tires' sidewalls I learned that they not only
have the advertised 2 polyester and 2 steel belt, they also have a nylon
belt. I wouldn't think that would have much impact, but when caster is as
critical as ours is, it may matter.
The only alignment check I've done is to rub my hand across the front tires
treads -- I feel no feathering from incorrect toe.
Overall, I'm still happy with my cheeep tires.
Now don't get me started on my Remflex gasket and other exhaust experiences!
Ken H.
On Sat, Aug 24, 2019 at 7:17 PM Ken Henderson
wrote:
> I sure hope Y'All appreciate the risky equipment experiment I've just
> started for Y'All!
> ...
>
GMCMI Mansfield, 1798 miles after I put the Westlake SL-309 tires on the
GMC.
The tires ran as smoothly and quietly as any I've had. However, above 65
mph, they begin to "tramp". As reported, I put exactly 4 oz of Walmart
airsoft beads in each tire. I think I should have used at least 5 oz,
probably 6 oz. These are heavy tires, with stiff sidewalls. It's
probable, IMHO, that above 65 the slight residual unbalance above 4 oz
begins to assert itself; more beads might prevent that effect.
Also, these tires don't have quite the directional stability of the
Firestones they replaced -- I get a little more steering wander now. I
suspect the aforementioned sidewall stiffness is partially to blame. Also,
to my surprise, reading the tires' sidewalls I learned that they not only
have the advertised 2 polyester and 2 steel belt, they also have a nylon
belt. I wouldn't think that would have much impact, but when caster is as
critical as ours is, it may matter.
The only alignment check I've done is to rub my hand across the front tires
treads -- I feel no feathering from incorrect toe.
Overall, I'm still happy with my cheeep tires.
Now don't get me started on my Remflex gasket and other exhaust experiences!
Ken H.
On Sat, Aug 24, 2019 at 7:17 PM Ken Henderson
wrote:
> I sure hope Y'All appreciate the risky equipment experiment I've just
> started for Y'All!
> ...
>
