Tire Size debate

[Randy]

Ok, so I am looking at getting a set of V710s for my MG, The debate I'm having is whether to put a somewhat comfortable 195 sized tire on 5.5'' wheels, or strech it to the maximum allowable size of 205. Ive know the turn in as well as the sidewall dynamics will be better with the 195s but does that provide enough benefit to justify the 1cm less rubber per tire. Also since my car is "camber challeneged" I've heard putting the bigger tire on will actually ease shoulder wear, is this true? I appreciate the help.
Thanks,

Randy Tallon
'72 MGB
72 FSP

[lundgren]

Wider tends to be better, unless you are truely not using the entire tire. The V710 has no problem being run with lower pressures to use more of the tire. Watch out for too much rotational mass on torqueless cars (like mine).

[Proxenus]

You should look up the specs for 'tread width' on both of your prospective tires, and see how that compares to your rim width. I think you'll find that tread width can be quite different than the 'width' of 205 or 195.

Just my uninformed opinion, but you want your tread width to be the same as rim width or a little smaller. Tread width exceeding rim with will severely impact your turn-in and sidewall stiffness.

[jhadler]

Randy,

Shoehorning a 205 onto a 5.5" wheel is totally possible, but far from optimal. But if you're running in FSP, you would get way more out of that same size tire if you went to a wider wheel. Even a custom steel wheel (usually a good deal less than $100/wheel), will work wonders for the handling of the car.

-Josh2

[Randy]

Josh,
Where is a good place to get some custom steel wheels made?

[jhadler]

Well, there are quite afew, but one I like (and many others do to) is http://www.diamondracingwheels.com/.

Not as light custom alloy racing wheels, but you can get pretty much any width, offset, and bolt pattern...

-Josh2

[Van]

Randy, if I'm not mistaken you're car has a 4x4.5 bolt pattern (also referred to as 4x114.3). I used to have a Triumph TR-6 with the same bolt pattern as well as our current Toyota Corolla GT-S. Here's a list of cars with same bolt pattern: http://www.mgbexperience.com/service/wheel-xref.php



Van

[Van]

Now if/when me and Dan decide to run Street Prepared, we're probably gonna run some 13x8 Rota RB's and some nice 215/13 V710's! Yummy! You can get these wheels for new for under $400 if you look around.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/dousbon/100_0557.jpg

Or if you want to run 14's then you could look at some 14x7 Konig Rewinds.
These are pretty light (13.3 lbs) and you can get them for $325 from this site... http://www.technotoytuning.com/t3_site_pages/products/konig_rewind.html

http://www.technotoytuning.com/media/t3/products/konig_rewind2.jpg

Offsets are another concern. I think the MG's may use more positive offsets so check that out first. If you run a 0 or neg offset, then you'll get that cool Street Prepared flared out tire look! (Just make sure to cut your fenders and throw some aftermarket flares on!) :)

PM me if you want more info. I've done crap loads of research on this particular bolt pattern for our autocross car.

Van

[Dylans]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/dousbon/100_0557.jpg


Those wheels are classic Van! Please tell me you guys are going to powdercoat/paint them black.

[jhadler]

I'm just currious how you're going to mount those wheels... I thought centerlock hubs weren't an allowed mod in Street Prepared... :D

-Josh2

[Van]

:p That would be cool wouldn't it!

And that's not a pic of our wheels or our car. Just some wheels that I really like that may be an option for Randy.

Van

[kwenzel]

Well, there are quite afew, but one I like (and many others do to) is http://www.diamondracingwheels.com/.

I must second this recommendation - I'd really recommend 13x9 wheels, and the 215/50-13 710 (although Kumho is rumored to be releasing an even wider 13" tire this year). Diamond wheels are cheap and round.

[Donnie]

my original post here was "those arent center lock" but then i realized what the original post was for.

So i give my self the DUH award for the day

Donnie