Mark1965TR4aBRG Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 What is the largest sensible tyre size I can get in my 4a arches? I have Minilites fitted with 185/65 R15 and want to fit Yokohama A048's, unless there's a better alternative? I figure 195/60's should be OK?? Any thoughts? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John390 Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 And then you have got to be able to park it! . 165's all the time! Just my opinion. Cheers John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mark1965TR4aBRG Posted June 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 Ooh - Too skinny for me.. Looking for more rubber/tarmac contact and not too fussed about multiple attemps to park!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 165 is just right for 4a but if you insist then you had better make sure that you have beefed up all your suspension mounts and your drive shafts. Yokies are good but a bit too sticky, they will hang on far too long and when they do let go its waaaay too late. 65 section is better.(oh and you have got to remember more rolling resistance) Stuart Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 Hi Mark, i'm with the 165 brigade. I have been using Firestone F560 which work well. They have never cause a probem and stick to the road very well. Alas they have stoppped making them about 2 years ago for the UK. I Now have a pair of Continental Contacts on the back which appear to work well. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ade-TR4 Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 (edited) I'm in the 165 club too! Using ARE Silverstone mags - great feel and good grip. The contact patch is no smaller; just a different shape. Currently using the Continentals too (CT22's I think) and they've been very very good. http://www.tr-4.com/My_Albums/Pages/Photos_3.html#3 Tempted to try The Vredestein's when they need replacing though. Cheers Ade Edited June 3, 2011 by Ade-TR4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mark1965TR4aBRG Posted June 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 Thanks Gents. Will proceed with caution then.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisR-4A Posted June 4, 2011 Report Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hi, firstly I must say my tyre size is limited as I have 4.5 ins wire wheels. After using 185-15 for a couple of years I went onto Firestones F560 165/80/15 about 18000 miles ago( the original size fitted by Triumph) and liked the easy handling and ride. The Firestones are however an old design with no advantages over tyres produced 30 years ago unlike the latest offerings from Toyo, Hankook and Vredestein which use modern materials and design criteria. I have therefore just fitted a pair of Hankook OPTIMO K715 165/80 R15 to the front (£86 for a pair delivered from "MyTyres.co.uk") and so far I am pleased with the result. They look right on the car and have a similar tread pattern to the Firestones but with what appears to be a slightly softer and flexible sidewall. I do about 4500 miles a year so won't take long to find out if it's been a good choice. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tony-qld Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 I am running Pirelli P7's with 205/65 on the back and 195/65 on the front. The back tyres are the same circumferance as the originals so your speedo wont be out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mark1965TR4aBRG Posted June 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 I am running Pirelli P7's with 205/65 on the back and 195/65 on the front. The back tyres are the same circumferance as the originals so your speedo wont be out. Clearance obviously OK then.. Sounds a bit more like it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
67_gt6 Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Clearance obviously OK then.. Sounds a bit more like it! if you go with a wider tyre you will end up with a car that is worse to drive, IMHO. I had 195/65 on my 4A and the feel was awful. Andy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrianC Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I think the fifth word in the original question got in by mistake. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mark1965TR4aBRG Posted June 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I think the fifth word in the original question got in by mistake. Well other than the odd 100 yds down the road, I've not driven my 4a or any other 4/4a to that matter. The nearest was a 3a, so I really have nothing to compare it to when I hopefully soon get MOT'd and off.. I've already lowered the car with stiffer springs and adjustable schocks, PU bushes fitted and an anti roll bar is ready to go on the front when the front valence/pan is back from the powder coaters. We'll see, as quite clearly the preference is for 165's.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrianC Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 It always pays to drive a car in its standard state or as found/bought/inherited before making improvements and upgrades. It can save you money and also avoid spoiling the characteristics of the car. I would strongly recommend you borrow a set of standard wheels and tyres if possible, before fitting the ARB and buying new tyres. I'm sure your local group would be able to help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mark1965TR4aBRG Posted June 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 Thanks Brian. Would have been rather thricky to drive ny 4a at time of purchase as it wasn't a goer.. I'll pop along to TRGB and no doubt can try something suitable there.. Appreciate the thoughts - Cheers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
4Mal Posted June 8, 2011 Report Share Posted June 8, 2011 I had 195's on my car when I bought and drove it like that for years - little feel ( other than parking ) and when it let go....it did. especially in the rain. I would go for 165's or 185's ( as I have ) depending on what else you have had done to the suspension etc. It's a shame I didn't know about this in 2008....I could have sold you mine and then you could have sold them on shortly after Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mark1965TR4aBRG Posted June 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2011 I had 195's on my car when I bought and drove it like that for years - little feel ( other than parking ) and when it let go....it did. especially in the rain. I would go for 165's or 185's ( as I have ) depending on what else you have had done to the suspension etc. It's a shame I didn't know about this in 2008....I could have sold you mine and then you could have sold them on shortly after Thanks - I had no idea in 2008 that I's own a 4a, so that would have been one good crystal ball.. I'll try the new 185's for a while and see how it feels. Not sure about the tyre quality either.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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