Gerry:
The original tires on my '74 TR6 were 185-15 Michelin red lines.
The equivalent size today would be 185/80-15 (At that time, an aspect
ratio of 80 was assumed unless otherwise specified - says so right
on the Tire Rack Web page)
You should try to keep the overall diameter close to stock for
handling and speedometer accuracy. For the tires discussed here:
Size Tire + Wheel
Diameter
-----------------------------------------------
185-15 26.6" 74 TR6 Original Equip
205/70-15 26.3"
205/60-15 24.7"
205/60-16 25.7"
165-15 25.4"
If someone wants a 60 series tire, then going to a 16"
wheel would be a good idea to keep the rolling size closer to
stock. One could argue that going to a 17" wheel would be
even better, although I don't know how the aesthetics would
compare.
Cheers,
Vance
------------------------------
1974 Mimosa Yellow Triumph TR6
Cogito Ergo Zoom
(I think, therefore I go fast)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Gerald M Van Vlack
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 5:19 PM
To: R. Ashford Little II; Triumphs@autox. Net; 6-Pack
Subject: Re: Tire poll
Ashford, I guess I'm curious why you want 16" vs. 15". On my 4A I went
with
the 6" wide x 15" Panasports and 205/60 R15 Bridgestone RE71 Potenza's
and
could not be happier. Of course I replaced some old 165 - 15 Michelins
on
wire wheels so it didn't take much to improve things.
The tires are very close to original rolling circumference. With your
original tires being 185's you'd need to consult with the Tire Rack and
see
what they say about a comparable size in a 60 series tire. For what it's
worth the Tire Rack was excellent to deal with. Using the 60 series
tires
allows you more performance choices too. Bridgestone doesn't make my
particular tire anymore so I've been told, haven't checked myself. I
believe
the ride is improved and certainly the vibrations are pretty much all
gone
too. I love the improvement in cornering too. It's funny how you get
used to
something and don't realize it till it's gone. True of many things in
life I
suppose.
JVV
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