--===============4790203446514025966==
--000000000000f5ea800649de5888
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Hi Ron,
Yes, you do gain ground clearance with a tire that has higher sidewalls.
Using the original 5.90-15 as the baseline, here is the approximate
deviation in clearance for other sizes:
- 185/70R15: -0.4"
- 165/80R15: -0.3"
- 180/80R15: +0.15"
Please note that for an 80-series tire, widths greater than 180 may result
in fitment issues.
Best regards,
Harold
On Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at 11:22=E2=80=AFAM Robert Markovich <rmarkovich@aol.co=
m> wrote:
> As I=E2=80=99ve noted, 165/80 tires have always fitted the bill for heigh=
t and
> clearance. I=E2=80=99d tried 185/70s, which looked good and are the corre=
ct plus
> size moving up from 165/80, but they fouled the inner air deflectors for
> the radiator. Nothing serious, but annoying.
>
>
> Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
> <https://aolapp.onelink.me/eG2g?pid=3DNativePlacement&c=3DUS_Acquisition_=
YMktg_320_EmailSignature_AttributionDL&af_sub1=3DAcquisition&af_sub2=3DUS_Y=
Mktg&af_sub3=3D&af_sub4=3D100002473&af_sub5=3DSentFromNewAOLApp__Interstiti=
al_&af_ios_store_cpp=3Dce85ce34-ad0f-4811-a92b-a172743b064e&af_android_url=
=3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.aol.mo=
bile.aolapp%26listing%3Demail_signature_attribution>
>
> On Monday, February 2, 2026, 2:05 PM, Hank Leach via Healeys <
> healeys@autox.team.net> wrote:
>
> Here are a set of original 5.90-15 bias Dunlop Road Speed tires on my
> early 100 (with small fender opening)-a tight fit but no interference. Al=
so
> attached is the Michelin X Radial 165-15 on the BJ8 which originally used
> Dunlop 590-15 Bias when new. As you mention, Harold, the look and ride
> height is important. I always wonder how 16" bias tires were fitted to th=
e
> 100 as an option? Tires larger than 185 seem to raise havoc with the
> sidelight wiring and speedo readings and this early 100 has a wider rear
> bump stop that caused issues with tire rub on curves thus they narrowed t=
he
> part soon after my car was produced. Hank
> --------------------
>
> From: "Harold Manifold" <manifold@telus.net>
> To: "Richard Collins" <gonnagitcha90@hotmail.com>
> Cc: "Healeys" <healeys@autox.team.net>
> Sent: February 2, 2026 at 9:05 AM PST
> Subject: Re: [Healeys] Tires
> Hi,
>
> I should have been clearer in my previous email. If a 5.90-15 tire were
> converted to modern radial measurements, it would be a 163/86 R15. While =
a
> 163/86 R15 tire does not actually exist, Coker does offer a few options f=
or
> the original 5.90-15 size.
>
> One of the key features of the 5.90-15 is the outside diameter and the
> sidewall height. In my opinion, a Healey looks better with tires that hav=
e
> a tall sidewall rather than a lower-profile tire.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Harold
>
> On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 2:53=E2=80=AFPM Richard Collins <gonnagitcha90@hot=
mail.com>
> wrote:
>
> When I bought my BN7 back in 2004=E2=80=99ish in Los Altos riding with Ga=
ry
> Anderson (RIP) in his BN7, it was basically a barnfind whose owner had di=
ed
> several years previously. It had mismatched wires and Pirelli 165 x 15
> Centurions with tubes in them. The tires were beyond shot so in the proce=
ss
> of replacing them, only Vreds were readily available, plus I wanted to go
> to 185 from 165. I debated about tubes but looking at the inside of the
> spoked rims it made sense to keep tubes if they were available. Living he=
re
> in Kentucky I found a local farm equipment repair shop who had a large
> quantity of 15=E2=80=9D tubes for tractor tires so I bought four for $5 e=
ach. I=E2=80=99ve
> thought about going to splined Minilights but haven=E2=80=99t made the mo=
ve. I find
> keeping them at 32psi, keeps scuttleshake to a minimum as I=E2=80=99ve ne=
ver had
> them professionally balanced.
> Regards,
> Richard C
>
>
> On Feb 1, 2026, at 14:28, Harold Manifold <manifold@telus.net> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> To add to the controversy regarding tires, I believe selection should be
> based on size and wheel compatibility rather than brand.
>
> If we look at the original 5.90-15 Road Speed RS5 tires found on most
> Austin-Healeys, the modern equivalent would be a 163/86 R15=E2=80=94essen=
tially a
> narrow tire with tall sidewalls. These original tires filled the wheel
> arches and defined the car's stance. While a 70-series tire offers more
> width, it comes at the expense of sidewall height. In my view, the modern
> tire that closest matches the original 5.90-15 specifications is the
> Michelin XAS 180/80R15.
>
> During COVID, I put together a presentation on tire and wheel options for
> Healeys. I have attached a page that compares the various sizes. When
> comparing two Healeys side by side, I find that the one fitted with
> Michelin XAS 180/80R15s has a much more pleasing stance.
>
> Let the controversy begin.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Harold
>
> On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 10:05=E2=80=AFAM Richard Collins via Healeys <
> healeys@autox.team.net> wrote:
>
> I have Vreds on my BN7, running with tubes; Never an issue; Falken 660 o=
n
> one PCar, Kuhmos on another, Generals on wife=E2=80=99s car, Goodyear on =
another,
> etc.
> I have run Toyo, Nitto, Pirelli, Yokos, Michelin, etc over the years on
> track, street, snow/ice (this week. :-) ) and find pro/con with all of
> them. But as I think Simon on this board has said: there are horses for
> courses. I tend to be particular on my track car, running 200 compound
> rubber for grip rather than slicks while
> Minimal road noise and price are the basis for selection on my road cars.
> I have Track X=E2=80=99d the Healey with the Vreds and they performed wel=
l but it
> is a back country road car and they are aging (not wearing) out.
> Regards,
> Richard C
>
>
> On Feb 1, 2026, at 10:43, Bob Spidell via Healeys <healeys@autox.team.net=
>
> wrote:
>
> List has been a bit moribund lately so I thought maybe I'd try to start
> some controversy.
>
> I run Vredestein tires on both my Healeys; the BN2 from relatively
> recently to having gone through several sets for my BJ8 over the decades.=
I
> was somewhat surprised to see Vredestein mentioned favorably with some of
> the 'biggees,' as I'd always thought of them as a 'niche' supplier (but I
> had heard the GM for Vred in the US was a Healey fan and one of their
> brochures featured a BJ8 on the cover). I've always been happy with their
> performance and longevity, and they supplied tires in some of the less
> common sizes (185/70R-15 for the BJ8; 165s for the BN2).
>
> The CR article cited is behind a paywall:
>
> *"The very top of the winter-snow table has Bridgestone, Michelin, Nokian=
,
> and Vredestein as the most satisfying brands to own, and those latter thr=
ee
> brands dominate the summer tires category, too."*
>
>
> https://www.jalopnik.com/2085748/tire-brand-with-worst-owner-satisfaction=
-consumer-reports/
> _______________________________________________
> Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Suggested annual donation $12.75
>
> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys
> http://autox.team.net/archive/healeys
>
> Healeys@autox.team.net
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/healeys
>
> Unsubscribe/Manage:
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/healeys/gonnagitcha90@hotmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Suggested annual donation $12.75
>
> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys
> http://autox.team.net/archive/healeys
>
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> http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/healeys
>
> Unsubscribe/Manage:
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>
> <AH Wheels and Tires.pdf>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Suggested annual donation $12.75
>
> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys
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>
--000000000000f5ea800649de5888
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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div>Hi Ron,</div><div><br></div><div>Yes, you do gain gro=
und clearance with a tire that has higher sidewalls. Using the original 5.9=
0-15 as the baseline, here is the approximate deviation in clearance for ot=
her sizes:</div><div><br></div><div> - 185/70R15: -0.4"</div><div> -=
165/80R15: -0.3"</div><div> - 180/80R15: +0.15"</div><div><br><=
/div><div>Please note that for an 80-series tire, widths greater than 180 m=
ay result in fitment issues.</div><div><br></div><div>Best regards,</div><d=
iv><br></div><div>Harold</div></div><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quo=
te_container"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at =
11:22=E2=80=AFAM Robert Markovich <<a href=3D"mailto:rmarkovich@aol.com"=
>rmarkovich@aol.com</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quot=
e" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204)=
;padding-left:1ex"><div>
As I=E2=80=99ve noted, 165/80 tires have always fitted the bill for height =
and clearance. I=E2=80=99d tried 185/70s, which looked good and are the cor=
rect plus size moving up from 165/80, but they=C2=A0fouled the inner air de=
flectors for the radiator. Nothing serious, but annoying.=C2=A0<br><br><br>=
<div><a style=3D"font-size:12px" href=3D"https://aolapp.onelink.me/eG2g?pid=
=3DNativePlacement&c=3DUS_Acquisition_YMktg_320_EmailSignature_Attribut=
ionDL&af_sub1=3DAcquisition&af_sub2=3DUS_YMktg&af_sub3=3D&a=
f_sub4=3D100002473&af_sub5=3DSentFromNewAOLApp__Interstitial_&af_io=
s_store_cpp=3Dce85ce34-ad0f-4811-a92b-a172743b064e&af_android_url=3Dhtt=
ps%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.aol.mobile.a=
olapp%26listing%3Demail_signature_attribution" target=3D"_blank">Sent from =
the all new AOL app for iOS</a><br></div><br><p style=3D"font-size:15px;col=
or:rgb(132,115,255);padding-top:15px;margin-top:0px">On Monday, February 2,=
2026, 2:05 PM, Hank Leach via Healeys <<a href=3D"mailto:healeys@autox.=
team.net" target=3D"_blank">healeys@autox.team.net</a>> wrote:</p><block=
quote><div id=3D"m_-4116671367286917877yiv1478875542"><div>Here are a set o=
f original 5.90-15 bias Dunlop Road Speed tires on my early 100 (with small=
fender opening)-a tight fit but no interference. Also attached is the Mich=
elin X Radial 165-15 on the BJ8 which originally used Dunlop 590-15 Bias wh=
en new. As you mention, Harold, the look and ride height is important. I al=
ways wonder how 16" bias tires were fitted to the 100 as an option? Ti=
res larger than 185 seem to raise havoc with the sidelight wiring and speed=
o readings and this early 100 has a wider rear bump stop that caused issues=
with tire rub on curves thus they narrowed the part soon after my car was =
produced. Hank<br>-------------------- <br><br>From: "Harold Manifold&=
quot; <<a href=3D"mailto:manifold@telus.net"; target=3D"_blank">manifold@=
telus.net</a>> <br>To: "Richard Collins" <<a href=3D"mailto=
:gonnagitcha90@hotmail.com" target=3D"_blank">gonnagitcha90@hotmail.com</a>=
> <br>Cc: "Healeys" <<a href=3D"mailto:healeys@autox.team.n=
et" target=3D"_blank">healeys@autox.team.net</a>> <br>Sent: February 2, =
2026 at 9:05 AM PST <br>Subject: Re: [Healeys] Tires </div>
<div>
<div>Hi,</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>I should have been clearer in my previous email. If a 5.90-15 tire wer=
e converted to modern radial measurements, it would be a 163/86 R15. While =
a 163/86 R15 tire does not actually exist, Coker does offer a few options f=
or the original 5.90-15 size.</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>One of the key features of the 5.90-15 is the outside diameter and the=
sidewall height. In my opinion, a Healey looks better with tires that have=
a tall sidewall rather than a lower-profile tire.</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>Best regards,</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>Harold</div>
</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>
<div>On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 2:53=E2=80=AFPM Richard Collins <<a rel=3D"n=
ofollow noopener noreferrer" href=3D"mailto:gonnagitcha90@hotmail.com"; targ=
et=3D"_blank">gonnagitcha90@hotmail.com</a>> wrote:</div>
<blockquote style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204=
,204,204);padding-left:1ex">
<div>When I bought my BN7 back in 2004=E2=80=99ish in Los Altos riding with=
Gary Anderson (RIP) in his BN7, it was basically a barnfind whose owner ha=
d died several years previously. It had mismatched wires and Pirelli 165 x =
15 Centurions with tubes in them. The tires were beyond shot so in the proc=
ess of replacing them, only Vreds were readily available, plus I wanted to =
go to 185 from 165. I debated about tubes but looking at the inside of the =
spoked rims it made sense to keep tubes if they were available. Living here=
in Kentucky I found a local farm equipment repair shop who had a large qua=
ntity of 15=E2=80=9D tubes for tractor tires so I bought four for $5 each. =
I=E2=80=99ve thought about going to splined Minilights but haven=E2=80=99t =
made the move. I find keeping them at 32psi, keeps scuttleshake to a minimu=
m as I=E2=80=99ve never had them professionally balanced.=C2=A0
<div>
<div>Regards,
<div>Richard C</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
</div>
<div><br>
<blockquote>On Feb 1, 2026, at 14:28, Harold Manifold <<a rel=3D"nofollo=
w noopener noreferrer" href=3D"mailto:manifold@telus.net"; target=3D"_blank"=
>manifold@telus.net</a>> wrote:<br><br></blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<div>
<div>Hi,</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>To add to the controversy regarding tires, I believe selection should =
be based on size and wheel compatibility rather than brand.</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>If we look at the original 5.90-15 Road Speed RS5 tires found on most =
Austin-Healeys, the modern equivalent would be a 163/86 R15=E2=80=94essenti=
ally a narrow tire with tall sidewalls. These original tires filled the whe=
el arches and defined the car's stance. While a 70-series tire offers m=
ore width, it comes at the expense of sidewall height. In my view, the mode=
rn tire that closest matches the original 5.90-15 specifications is the Mic=
helin XAS 180/80R15.</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>During COVID, I put together a presentation on tire and wheel options =
for Healeys. I have attached a page that compares the various sizes. When c=
omparing two Healeys side by side, I find that the one fitted with Michelin=
XAS 180/80R15s has a much more pleasing stance.</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>Let the controversy begin.</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>Best regards,</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
<div>Harold</div>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<div>On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 10:05=E2=80=AFAM Richard Collins via Healeys &l=
t;<a rel=3D"nofollow noopener noreferrer" href=3D"mailto:healeys@autox.team=
.net" target=3D"_blank">healeys@autox.team.net</a>> wrote:</div>
<blockquote style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204=
,204,204);padding-left:1ex">
<div>I have =C2=A0Vreds on my BN7, running with tubes; Never an issue; Falk=
en 660 on one PCar, Kuhmos on another, Generals on wife=E2=80=99s car, Good=
year on another, etc.
<div>I have run Toyo, Nitto, Pirelli, Yokos, Michelin, etc over the years o=
n track, street, snow/ice (this week. :-) ) and find pro/con with all of th=
em. But as I think Simon on this board has said: there are horses for cours=
es. I tend to be particular on my track car, running 200 compound rubber fo=
r grip rather than slicks while=C2=A0</div>
<div>Minimal road noise and price are the basis for selection on my road ca=
rs. I have Track X=E2=80=99d the Healey with the Vreds and they performed w=
ell but it is a back country road car and they are aging (not wearing) out.=
<br id=3D"m_-4116671367286917877yiv1478875542m_-5907421954800235242m_165251=
4425094531187lineBreakAtBeginningOfSignature">
<div>Regards,
<div>Richard C</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div>
</div>
<div><br>
<blockquote>On Feb 1, 2026, at 10:43, Bob Spidell via Healeys <<a rel=3D=
"nofollow noopener noreferrer" href=3D"mailto:healeys@autox.team.net"; targe=
t=3D"_blank">healeys@autox.team.net</a>> wrote:<br><br></blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div>List has been a bit moribund lately so I thought maybe I'd try to =
start some controversy.<br><br>I run Vredestein tires on both my Healeys; t=
he BN2 from relatively recently to having gone through several sets for my =
BJ8 over the decades. I was somewhat surprised to see Vredestein mentioned =
favorably with some of the 'biggees,' as I'd always thought of =
them as a 'niche' supplier (but I had heard the GM for Vred in the =
US was a Healey fan and one of their brochures featured a BJ8 on the cover)=
. I've always been happy with their performance and longevity, and they=
supplied tires in some of the less common sizes (185/70R-15 for the BJ8; 1=
65s for the BN2).<br><br>The CR article cited is behind a paywall:<br><br><=
em>"The very top of the winter-snow table has Bridgestone, Michelin, N=
okian, and Vredestein as the most satisfying brands to own, and those latte=
r three brands dominate the summer tires category, too."</em><br><br><=
a rel=3D"nofollow noopener noreferrer" href=3D"https://www.jalopnik.com/208=
5748/tire-brand-with-worst-owner-satisfaction-consumer-reports/" target=3D"=
_blank">https://www.jalopnik.com/2085748/tire-brand-with-worst-owner-satisf=
action-consumer-reports/</a> ______________________________________________=
_<br>Support Team.Net <a rel=3D"nofollow noopener noreferrer" href=3D"http:=
//www.team.net/donate.html" target=3D"_blank"> http://www.team.net/donate.h=
tml</a><br>Suggested annual donation =C2=A0$12.75<br><br>Archive: <a rel=3D=
"nofollow noopener noreferrer" href=3D"http://www.team.net/pipermail/healey=
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follow noopener noreferrer" href=3D"http://autox.team.net/archive/healeys"; =
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m</a><br><br></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
_______________________________________________<br>Support Team.Net <a rel=
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tions/healeys/manifold@telus.net</a><br><br></blockquote>
</div>
<div><AH Wheels and Tires.pdf></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>=C2=A0</div></div>_______________________________________________<br>S=
upport Team.Net <a href=3D"http://www.team.net/donate.html"; target=3D"_blan=
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</div></blockquote></div>
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Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys
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Healeys@autox.team.net
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