TR3A - Minilite Replicas - Tyre Choice

[MilesA]

I hesitate to raise this topic given all that has previously been written on the forum about tyre choice, (all (or most) of which I have read and learned a huge amount about tyres in general and those for use on a sidescreen car in particular).

 

However, despite my researches I am still left with a quite a range of commercially available tyres at present to choose from, so was hoping for some guidance / experiences from those with the same set up to help me narrow down that choice.

 

My 3A is presently shod with 5.5 x 15 minilite replicas with Michelin Classic tyres, 185 x 65 x 15. They seem fine (I suspect they have been on the car since it was restored more than a decade ago) There is no rubbing at any point (even when driving the car in anger around Le Mans). Not sure how relevant this is but the car was rebuilt to achieve improved performance (Webers, high lift cam, 4.1 -1 rear axle, etc.).

 

Were these tyres still available I would simply replace them as I have no experience of driving on anything else, but they are not. Hence, my search for replacements and the experiences / preferences of others running the same wheels on a TR3A.

 

Incidentally, the wear seems to be most pronounced on the inside half of the front tyres in particular. Obviously a tracking issue but any thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

 

Thanks - Miles

[Rodbr]

Hi There,

I suggest that you talk to Longstones for replacement Michelin tyres. I have XAS on mine.

Very knowledgable and friendly service no connection just satisfied customer.

Rgds

Rod

[Tom Boyd]

I agree, Longstone supply XAS Michelin's. Very good choice, i have heard they are made with the modern compounds etc...

 

[Tr4Tony]

But £180 each I recall !

 

I've tried Firestone and Maxxus tyres on both a TR4 and a TR2 recently and they are very good all round tyres. The Firestones F355's took 3VC round the Nordschliefe as fast as I dared go quite happily, so for narrow road tyres I think they are pretty good.

[Deggers]

Speaking of Longstone Tyres, I just happened to be looking through the media section on the TR Register's home page, and I noticed a video clip of Dougal (the owner of Longstone) talking about tyre choices for the TR2:

 

 

 

Cheers,

 

Deggers.

[Ashley James]

He's absolutely right! And with an ultra low rear axle ratio you don't need a lower aspect ratio tyre than 80%

 

Toyos can be be bought for £43 in 165/80 x 15 and in a couple of weeks 155/80 x 15 will be available from Camskill.

 

Vredesteins are slightly more expensive and very good too.

 

I expect XAS are a tad better, but a hell of a price.

 

My car has overdrive and a 3.5 to 1 axle, so 28 mph per 1000 revs. 3000 is 84mph and its lovely.

 

 

[Cleo's Dad]

I would recommend the Vredestein Classics in 165/80 x 15 which I have on 5.5 rim TR6 wheels and they are great and not an outrageous price.

Clive

[Ashley James]

I've got Vredesteins on my AH3000 and they are very good too.

 

I fitted the Toyos with the blue circles by the valves on the TR3A and made a mental note to have them balanced when the car was finished. They are in perfect balance without, which is incredible considering how many weights end up on most old cars.

[MilesA]

_{Thanks everyone for the prompt and useful responses.}

 

_{I am sure Michelin XAS are terrific but they are pretty expensive when one adds delivery, fitting, balancing.}

 

_{Deggers - thanks for pointing out the video. I have not been able to see it yet; internet down at home and cannot access it work (car porn?).}

 

_{Ashley - thanks for your expereinces and I note what you say about an aspect ration of less than 80%. By moving to say 165 x 80, the height of the sidewall height increases by just over a cm I think (if I have undrstood this all correctly) which makes things a bit tighter under the arches - but it seems that Clive and others with wheels like mine can accomodate the change on a TR3A. Incidentally Clive you may see me and my 3A in the Surrey hills occasionally as the car lives in Great Bookham altthough I live in North London.}

 

_{A couple of calls to Longstone and Camskill I think.}

 

_{Thanks again everyone. Miles}

Edited February 23, 2012 by MilesA

[Cleo's Dad]

I attach a link below to an interactive tyre size calculator which is very useful and quite interesting.

You can instantly compare different sizes and it will give you a graph showing the percentage change in circumferance.

http://www.ajdesigner.com/fl_tire/tire.php

 

All the best

Clive