zoom1a Posted July 24, 2007 Report Share Posted July 24, 2007 Hi. Does anyone know the maximum size of tires that I can put on my 1967 TR-4A? There is an ebay auction for 2 5.5" wide wheels that I would like to use, if possible. I've heard of people using 205 75R 15's. What do you think? Thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Crawley Posted July 24, 2007 Report Share Posted July 24, 2007 Welcome to the forum Zoom1a. 205 section tyres are too wide for 5 1/2j rims (standard are 4 1/2 I think but not sure); correct size is 185 maximum but many fit 195 section as these are a common fitment to modern cars & so are cheap. This topic comes up very regularly (yesterday was the latest), use the search button to read the archive posts in the general & 6 forum also. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisR-4A Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 Hi, I have recently replaced a pair of 185x70 Vredesteins with 165 Firestones prompted by the doubling in cost of the 185s. This is on standard size wires, and surprise surprise, after a 1200 mile trip to Brittany and back I prefer the 165s, for roadholding, control and the way they ride over ridges without being deflected like the 185s were. So maybe Triumph had it right in the first place. One point if you do go for the extra wide option I suggest you check the state of the chassis especially around the front lower wishbone mounts, these have a habit of ripping off under high loads. Best Regards Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Crawley Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 (edited) Hi, I have recently replaced a pair of 185x70 Vredesteins with 165 Firestones prompted by the doubling in cost of the 185s.This is on standard size wires, and surprise surprise, after a 1200 mile trip to Brittany and back I prefer the 165s, for roadholding, control and the way they ride over ridges without being deflected like the 185s were. So maybe Triumph had it right in the first place. One point if you do go for the extra wide option I suggest you check the state of the chassis especially around the front lower wishbone mounts, these have a habit of ripping off under high loads. Best Regards Chris Everyone likes big fat tyres these days but fitting tyres with too wide a section for the rims will not give better ride or handling & is something I constantly seem to be rambling on about on the forum so it’s nice to get a post from someone who’s actually proved it to themselves! Edited July 28, 2007 by Richard Crawley Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ade-TR4 Posted July 28, 2007 Report Share Posted July 28, 2007 Hi I too run standard 165/80s and find them much better than 185s. Better braking and they are much more predictable too in the way they drift etc. They keep the handling light aswell. cheers Adey Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 28, 2007 Report Share Posted July 28, 2007 I run 165 Michelin XAS and find that they are very good for roadholding, the only thing I have found is careful setting up of tyre pressures is required as too low gives tyre squeal and a slightly mushy ride and too high makes the car skittish on pronounced bumps.Although I do have quite hard shock settings and a live axle. Stuart Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ade-TR4 Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Stuart... pray tell these magical tyre pressures... your eager student Ade Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 (edited) Stuart... pray tell these magical tyre pressures... your eager student Ade Ade I currently run 24 front and 26 rear on the Michelins after much experimentation, however I believe that that only works on the suspension setup on this car which is standard front springs with poly bushes and the spax at 8 clicks and the rear as its a live axle, has standard deep dish springs and ally spacer blocks with 4 extra spring clamps each side and uprated lever arms. Works for me but I am thinking of lowering the rear by 6mm as the standard repro springs dont have the extra distance piece that the originals had. Stuart Edited July 30, 2007 by stuart Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ade-TR4 Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Cheers Stuart, not far off those myself (25 front, 28 rear). Sport springs and Spax on the front (approx 6-clicks on) and standard rear springs with twin-valve lever arms I can still convince myself that there is more tweaking possible though! thanks again ade Quote Link to post Share on other sites
North London Mike Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Ade I currently run 24 front and 26 rear on the Michelins after much experimentation, however I believe that that only works on the suspension setup on this car which is standard front springs with poly bushes and the spax at 8 clicks and the rear as its a live axle, has standard deep dish springs and ally spacer blocks with 4 extra spring clamps each side and uprated lever arms. Works for me but I am thinking of lowering the rear by 6mm as the standard repro springs dont have the extra distance piece that the originals had.Stuart Stuart Me too, spot on pressure wise, I'm on Colway Road Sport 185's, after some trial & error now run 24psi front and 26 rear. Front has sports springs with standard ride height and uprated rear springs and Polly bushes all round. Manvers had the car on 185 when I got it and I've always been happy with the ride Interesting comment on the 165's though, dozens of members can't be wrong, maybe worth a try. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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