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MG MGB Technical - Tyres again....

I know that this is probably one of the longest debates going, but can anyone confirm my findings so far please?

I am looking to change tyres as the Hancock’s I purchased 300 miles ago just don’t offer what I am looking for, especially in the wet! In fact, they are BLOODY AWEFUL……

I have been recommended Yokohama A539’s or C Drives. Reading a lot of reviews on both of them, it seems that the 539 comes out slightly better in everything apart from wear and very high speed stability. As I only do 3000 miles a year and don’t travel above 100 MPH very often I am not too concerned about that!

Can anyone offer any experience of these or tell me if the C Drive is going to give me more grip in the wet and dry?

Thanks
Ed Braclik

Michelin MX1's. They've got nice big water channels on them
P.N. Sherman

Ed
The standard tyre is a 165/80 R14 and I have Firestone F560s fitted. These are better that my previous Hancooks and Michelins.
I dont have experience of Yokohamas but I take it that the Yokohamas are performance tyres and are not standard sized?
Robert







R J Collier

It really is a strange world. I've got Hankook Optima 91H 195x65x15 on my MGC and I'm extremely happy with them.

Robert
R Lynex

195x65x15 are ok but if you only have 5 1/2 wheel width the best tire for the job is 185x70x14 ,ive got some budget tires fitted and there brilliant .
daren

At this size, 185/70R 14. how about Pirelli P 400's?
Fairly priced and been around forever. I was considering these, anyone?
Mike
MK Mike

I've used the A359s and can recommend them. That said, you may want to play with pressures before changing, and after.
Steve Postins

Thanks guys

I am currently running 185/65/15's, but am having real issues in the wet, and although much better, with the new engine, the dry is not as good as I would like!

What pressures should I be running? I am currently putting 24 at the front and 26 at the rear. Is this right? I have about 130kg missing from the front and 25 from the rear than a standard car due to the engine conversion.
Thanks
Ed Braclik

Falken Azenis 195/60 - 14 on the stock MGB steal wheels are the best dry and wet tires I have ever driven! I have been auto-crossing my 73 B for years, on all different tire brands, and nothing comes close, rain or shine. If you don't drive that many miles, then these should last you a long time. They are pretty cheap too as compared to top brands (Mich. Yok. etc.).

The last picture on my website (basket-case picture) is the tires I am speaking of and how that size will look on the car.

http://homepage.mac.com/racerx69/PhotoAlbum1.html

O yeah, There is no rubbing at all, the size works great.

Gregg Hanks
73 MGB SC
63 MGB
69 MGC GT
70 E-Type 2+2
G Hanks

Ed, there was a tire pressure thread awhile back that talked about modern tire pressures vs. the original manufacturer recommended pressures for the 60's and 70's. It seems tires have changed over the years like everything else. You're probably running low. The three to four pound difference front to back is correct, but you might want to try 26/29 or even 27/30 and see if it makes a difference in handling.
...

I would actually go the other way and run softer tyres for better grip.

The softest compound I have found is the Yoko A drive - I don't know how the C drive compares but the Yokos are reputed to be the grippiest of the tyres available.
Chris at Octarine Services

if you check on the tyer calculater the widesst you can go on a standard wheel which is 5 1/2 inch you can only go up to a 185 tyer because of tyer bulge. so i would not fit a 195 tyer on that rim even if theres no rubbing.remenber fitting a smaaler tyer gives more strain on the breaks and gives you a wrong speedo reading .
daren

check your tyer size next to the standard 165x80x14 ,if your tyer is more than 2.5% smaller in hight the breaks are under alot more strain .http://www.etyres.co.uk/tyre-size-calculator.htm
Changing tyres sizes - tyre size change calculator
daren

195/60-14 will work fine on a stock rostyle wheel, and there is less tha 1% difference in circumference than the standard 165-SR 14. The brakes will work as well as they do with the standard tire, and better, because there is more rubber on the road! I have never had an issue with bulge. Modern tire sidewalls are plenty strong.

Gregg Hanks
http://homepage.mac.com/racerx69/PhotoAlbum1.html
73 MGB SC
63 MGB
69 MGC GT
70 E-Type 2+2
g hanks

hi where did you get the roll bars from ,is there a company who makes them cheers
daren

ive compared 165x80x14 to your tyer size 195x60x14.your tyers are 30mm smaller with a difference of4.84%,dont you think a better size would be 195x65x14.your exceleration will be improved but your top speed is lower .
daren

This thread was discussed between 05/03/2007 and 09/03/2007

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