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MG MGA - Simple question: Tyre Pressures?

My MGA, which I've only owned a year or so, seems a lot more sensitive to variances in tyre pressures than my MGB in the way the car handles and feels.
Running standard 15" wire wheels, with 165x15x(presumably)80 tyres, the car seems to feel better with 2 or 3 lbs/sq inch higher pressures in the rear than the front. Currently I'm running 29 front, 32 rear and it's a little "skittish" and unsettled, yet the steering feels heavier and simply more "dead" than my MGB.
What pressures do you guys find gives a reasonable all-round balance for road use? (The tyres by the way are Hankook that seem in good condition, while I'm running my MGB on Michelins. Perhaps the MGA just needs better quality tyres?)
Thanks, Tom Aczel
T Aczel

Tom

In my opinion you are running too high. I run 27 all round. Tracking can also be quite sensitive on the MGA. Start with parallel and see how it feels.

I did use Hankooks with my settings above. Felt good. Now running Firestones with same handling qualities experienced.

Steve

Steve
Steve Gyles

Radial tires do need higher pressure than the old bias ply tires, but not that high, maybe 5-8 psi more than original spec. Radial tires do give heavy steering feel at low speed (get used to it with manual steering). Too much tire pressure will give a light feel and maybe dance around too much on bumps at road speed.

With no sway bar you may need a couple more psi in the rear (as noted in original literature) to prevent tail end from wagging (result of too-stiff leaf springs).

With a front sway bar you can likely use a couple psi more pressure in front than in rear. 5/8" bar (as original late production option) is adequate for bias ply tires (but 3/4" can be better). 3/4" sway bar is just the berries for modern radial tires. For the serious competition types wanting to run sticky race tires, use a 7/8" sway bar to keep the inside rear tire on the ground in fast turns.

I run 165-80-15 radial tires (traction rating "A") and a front sway bar. For casual touring I like 25 psi all around, or 28F/26R if feeling a little frisky. Never use less than 25 psi for radial tires (to avoid scrub marks on the sidewalls). For a heavy load in the boot or on a luggage rack, add 2-psi rear. For trailer towing add 2 psi rear. For harsh abuse during autocross I may use 28-32 front (depending on pavement grip), 4-7 psi less in the rear (but never less than 25).
Barney Gaylord

I have mine at 28 all round on Continental 165 x15
Cam Cunningham

I find that 30 pounds is about right in both of my 1600's (with radial tyres). Below that the cars feel heavy and unresponsive.
Barry Bahnisch

Thanks for everyone's input.
I've just come back from a 60 minute drive.
I dropped the pressures to 28lb/sq in all round for starters, and it feels a lot better. It doesn't feel as though I'm "on tippy-toes" any more, handles more securely, and the steering feels no heavier or less responsive. I might later experiment with a tiny bit less pressure still, but I'm pretty happy with how it all feels now, compared to what it was like at the higher pressures.
Tom Aczel
T Aczel

My tires (Goodrich Silvertown Radials made by Michelin) came with a stern warning to run them at 35 psi. I have been doing so for several years and they respond as I would expect tires to in such an application.

David Breneman

David are you sure that is a minimum of 35 lbs?
My Michelins only quote on the sidewall a maximum allowable pressure.


Mick
M F Anderson

This thread was discussed between 30/10/2010 and 31/10/2010

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