275/45R21 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season on my FX50

[neva4self]

I just bought some new tires and since I didn't go with the factory 265/45R21 size, which only gives us one summer tire option, one winter tire option and one all season tire option (at least on Tire Rack it's only these three). I figured I'd share my experience and pics so far with my new Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season in the size 275/45R21. I read another thread where people were asking about tire size options given the limited choices we have for our 2nd gens if we are rocking the stock 21's and someone mentioned these Pirelli's in this size. Firstly let me just say that going with this size 275/45-21 opens up much more options and many more brands (again at least on Tire Rack it does). I went with the Pirelli's, one because they got such good reviews as an all season tire and two because they were reasonably priced compared to the other brand names I would have chosen. My initial first impression of the tire is that it looks a touch more beefy than the stock Bridgestone tires that I had on the FX. I like the fact that it looks more beefy, though being more beefy it takes a couple of points away from the performance look and adds a couple of points to the SUV look. The same goes for the ride comfort, I have always had the stock Bridgestone's, which I absolutely hated, I didn't like their wet or snow traction performance and the ride was a bit rough for the poorly maintained streets of NY. These Pirelli's definitely take the ride comfort in a different direction and it can be a good or bad thing depending on what you like. I immediately noticed the feel of the extra sidewall on the 275/45 because the ride felt just a touch more spongy than the 265/45 and for the first couple of days I wasn't sure if I liked that feel or not. If you like the stiffer performance style ride that the stock 265/45 gives, you will definitely notice a difference going with 275/45. After the first couple of days I got used to the less stiff ride and I actually love the fact that I don't cringe as much riding on our rough NY roads because if feels like I have a bit more cushion underneath me. The wet traction is excellent, trust me, I've put them to the test in an empty mall parking lot with plenty of wet ground and puddles, and they stick as much as can be expected tossing my heavy ass FX50 around. Snow traction is yet to be seen but I will update in a month or so, I'm pretty sure by this time next month we will have had our first snow fall. Overall my opinion is that if you are super big on the look and performance feel that the 265/45 gives you, than this tire size may not be a viable option for you but if you don't mind a touch more SUV look and road comfort on your FX than you won't be dissapointed with a 275/45.

I was also wondering if anyone knows whether I should be running more tire pressure now that I'm running a bigger tire? The recommended stock tire PSI is 33 I am currently running 35 PSI in the 275/45, any suggestions on what tire pressure I should be running with the new tires?

Here are some pics of the new tires on my FX. Keep in mind I am running spacers to compensate for the extended lugs I had installed when I was running my 24's. I forget how thick the spacers are but the are pretty thick, I will add a pic later of the spacer thickness:

 

[GEE50FX]

Good looking tire and thanks for the write up. Nice to hear of other options for our 21's.

 

[jdTrader]

Nice! Thank you for the write up.

I just bought new Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season PLUS tires for my wife's car as they were rated highest in that particular size of any brand including Michelins. Plus Pirelli was offering a $60 rebate recently.

Are these PLUS or not the PLUS version and if not the PLUS, why did you pass on the PLUS version?

 

[teddis]

I think that they look great !! Fills the wheel well nicely. Nice to see another option.....even if it is not spec

Question, will this effect the odom, RPM's displayed, or AWD in any way on the Tech package ?
thx

 

[mluters]

I just upgraded to OEM 21" turbine wheels and went with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV-4X4 in size 275/45/21. Only had them on a couple of days...so far so good.

http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/mluters/media/IMG_1006_zps3z5tb8oo.jpg.html

 

[jdTrader]

Just found that the plus is not offered in this size.

Here are the ratings for 275/45R21 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season on your FX:


Here are the ratings for the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 All-Season Tires 265/45/R21 with recommendations not to buy because they also wear out much faster

 

[neva4self]

Nice! Thank you for the write up.

I just bought new Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season PLUS tires for my wife's car as they were rated highest in that particular size of any brand including Michelins. Plus Pirelli was offering a $60 rebate recently.

Are these PLUS or not the PLUS version and if not the PLUS, why did you pass on the PLUS version?

Jd I believe they do offer the plus in this size, there are two results for this tire on Tire Rack, I'm assuming the more expensive tire is the Plus:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...h=255/&rearRatio=40&rearDiameter=17&zip-code=

I didn't go with the more expensive tire because from what I can see the only two differences was the tread wear rating (500 AA vs 520 AA) and the speed rating (W 168 mph vs Y 186 mph). In my opinion the tread wear rating wasn't so much of a drastic difference to go with the more expensive tire and as far as the speed rating, W is more than enough for me, when will I ever be traveling 168 mph for a 10 minute stretch much less when will I ever be traveling 186 mph ever? Lol I bought the tires during the $60 rebate offer also, I always wait until they are running that special, the way I see it, I buy tires from them and they buy me dinner for it lol.

---------- Post added at 01:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:40 AM ----------

Thanks teddis. I'm pretty sure it does affect the odom because however slight, I'm still pulling more mass now. The difference can't be anything worth talking about though because the size difference isn't drastic. As far as affecting the AWD, I doubt it will affect the AWD since all the tires and wheels are the same size. I also don't see how this could affect the Tech package but maybe someone more knowledgeable could chime in. I have the FX50 because I couldn't find the FX50S in Copper so I don't have the Tech Package which I'm assuming your refering to (intelligent cruise control, lane-departure warning and prevention, distance control assist and intelligent brake assist.)

 

[jdTrader]

NEVA, your link is not working, but I did see the other tires. No they are not plus, they are just the new model replacing the ones you got. Yeah W is more than enough heck the crap Bridgestone OEM ones are rated only to V which is 149. Plus the wear on that is in the 200s.

What made you try it out without worrying about the stuff teddy mentioned? Did the shop tell you it would be ok? I'm in the market for new tires and am considering.

 

[teddis]

So the tire height is slightly taller correct? I would think the ODOM, maybe RPM's would be of slightly off due to this, anything else ? The softer ride would actually be a plus for me.

 

[jdTrader]

Found this:


Most drivers will not need to change their vehicle's tire size. Stock tire size is what your vehicle was designed to use. These are some vehicle components affected by changing a tire size:


Both the speedometer and odometer are calibrated based on the height of your tires. Taller tires would make the speedometer read slower than actual speed. Shorter tires would show a higher speedometer reading.
Newer vehicles have internal computers that base calculations on the tire's height. Components, such as Anti-lock Braking Systems, could fail with a different tire size.
Stock suspension could have additional stress with a taller tire, resulting in faster wear and/or failure. For substantial increases in tire height, you should upgrade from stock suspension.


Despite these concerns, some circumstances do require a tire size change. For someone looking to modify their vehicle, the wheels are often the first place to start. Stock wheels are often plain and don't attract much attention. When people switch their vehicle's wheels, they upgrade to a larger diameter stock wheel. These people get a lower profile tire that is close to stock tire height. Most tire industry professionals recommend no more than a 3% height difference from stock. Of course closer is better.

http://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-Size-Calculator/265-45R21/275-45R21/265-60R18
First is stock, Second is this set, and third is the blizzaks. I do notice quite a bit of a difference with my snow blizzaks in terms of odometer and speedometer. The change of this tire has a bigger variance.
What I don't know is what is the tolerance per industry standard?

 

[RAGTPZ]

You will be happy with the change, I have had those tires for about two years now. Snow traction is very adequate, not to the level of a snow tire mind you but very good for an all season tire. Wear has also been very good.

The difference in odometer is so minimal for that change in size is pretty much negligible.

 

[jdTrader]

^ Rag, 2 years in the FX50S with the Pirelli 275/45/R21 tires? What made you change and try out 275?

 

[6T9CHGR]

I just upgraded to OEM 21" turbine wheels and went with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV-4X4 in size 275/45/21. Only had them on a couple of days...so far so good.

http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/mluters/media/IMG_1006_zps3z5tb8oo.jpg.html

Nice looking FX!:good:

I have the turbines on my 12 LE and I agree with the OP NYC streets suck! Dont need new tires now but when I do the 275's will be a nice upgrade.

 

[RAGTPZ]

^ Rag, 2 years in the FX50S with the Pirelli 275/45/R21 tires? What made you change and try out 275?

Same as the OP really, just was not happy with the choices in the OEM sizes. The FX50's wheels are 9.5' wide which is more than enough to support a 275 series tire. At that point it is just getting the setup as close to the OEM height as possible, the 275/45 fits the bill on that. I was bummed though after about two months on these tires Michelin came out with a really nice looking all-season tire as well in that size. I may try that next when these wear out, which will be a while it seems.

Very happy with them though.

 

[neva4self]

NEVA, your link is not working, but I did see the other tires. No they are not plus, they are just the new model replacing the ones you got. Yeah W is more than enough heck the crap Bridgestone OEM ones are rated only to V which is 149. Plus the wear on that is in the 200s.

What made you try it out without worrying about the stuff teddy mentioned? Did the shop tell you it would be ok? I'm in the market for new tires and am considering.

Really? The link works for me but maybe it because I created it and my browser remembers the page. All you have to do is put the 275 / 45-21 tire size option in on Tire Rack to see the other options I was speaking of (I know you said you saw them already, that's more directed for those who haven't.) Quite simply I just wanted a new all season tire and when I tell you that I think the Bridgestone's sucked, I mean I REALLY think they sucked, I still had decent tread on them last winter and I was ice skating every time it snowed slush. I was driving around doing 20 in an AWD drive vehicle and sliding around as if I was in a rear wheel drive with slicks on. By time time they plow our side streets sometimes we are looking at two days later, I need a reliable all season or dedicated winter tires. I chose the all seasons.

I didn't really give the odom and all that other non-sense that the article speaks about a second thought. Remember, I ran 24's with the thickest tire that would fit on them on my car for two years including all last winter with no anti-lock brake brake issues, no internal computer issue, no issues whatsoever outside of the obvious odometer being thrown off. Not only did I NOT have any issues with them affecting the cars systems but if I didn't bend them on the pothole from hell, I'd still probably be rocking them.

Just my opinion but the 275 size looks great and the ride comfort feels great. With all the available brand options, 275 will be my new tire size from now on.

Again it's just my opinion but after the first day or so of getting adjusted to a softer ride, you won't be disappointed.

---------- Post added at 01:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 AM ----------

Also the article starts out by saying "Most drivers will not need to change their tire size." Well I think this author needs to try driving his family around in the snow on our stock Bridgestone's. He might have started that sentence off by saying "With the exception of FX50 owners........." LOL.

Jd it's not so much the size I was concerned with, the 265 size was fine as far as looks and performance. I just think it's absolutely ridiculous though that for the most part there is only ONE all season, ONE summer and ONE winter tire to choose from in our stock size of 265.

 

[wyatth]

What PSI do you guys run/like with these tires?

 

[ScottFX50S]

I just put new 295/40-21s on the factory 9.5" rims. They fit fine and look great, and the height is almost identical to the factory 265/45s.

 

[jneutron]

I just ordered 4 275/45r21 for ridiculously cheap 133/each at tire rack- the tires are 2012 productions...set of 4 for ~600 shipped is half of what I was expecting to pay..If you're needing tires soon, hard to pass up a deal like this.


Now with new tires, I'm also wondering what pressures are being run, I did some quick math-

with a curb weight ~4600 and a weight dist of 53/47 would make

~1219lb on each front tire
~1081lb on each rear tire

The Scorpion Verde load capacity is 2337lb @ 50psi. Knowing pressure vs load is not linear, running 26psi front/24psi rear is not a good idea (46.74 lb/psi), not to mention the TPMS goes nuts at 26psi. With the Bridgestones I was running a 1psi differential, in the spring I'll run the same with the Pirellis, I'll start with 30 front and 29 rear and adjust based on preference and tread wear.

 

[huntpsu1]

It would seem to me that you could get away with small variance in sidewall height as with treadwear the diameter of the tire changes anyway, correct? So the question is by how much--per the article that seems to be +/- 3%. 275 is closely within the change.

I just googled 265/45/21 tires and was surprised to see two new names I had not seen before. Goldway R828 (M626) 265/45R21 104V BSW and Nokian ZLINE SUV 265/45R21 104Y BSW. Anyone know of these manufactures or had experience with the tires?

 

[GEE50FX]

It would seem to me that you could get away with small variance in sidewall height as with treadwear the diameter of the tire changes anyway, correct? So the question is by how much--per the article that seems to be +/- 3%. 275 is closely within the change.

I just googled 265/45/21 tires and was surprised to see two new names I had not seen before. Goldway R828 (M626) 265/45R21 104V BSW and Nokian ZLINE SUV 265/45R21 104Y BSW. Anyone know of these manufactures or had experience with the tires?

Awesome, thanks for posting this. Nokian tires are a fantastic tire, they are a Swedish firm. I have run their winter tires before. I will definitely be getting these for my next replacements.