[Healeys] Different Feel from Different Tires

[Hap Polk]

Ried, I agree with you. The factory 100M with Dunlop RoadSpeeds were
responsively fun. Be careful if there is water in the corner. There was
plenty of warning before losing traction in the dry but spinouts occurred at
low levels with the rear coming around. Hard to catch once the rear end
started. RoadSpeeds with a good retread--yes we re-treaded in those
days--had higher cornering limits but similar at -limit characteristics.
Great fun at relatively low speeds. Very responsive.

My first Pirelli Cinturatos, 165x70x15, had higher cornering limits, much
better wet performance, and less warning at limit than the RoadSpeeds. But
catching the rear end coming around was better. The lower gearing was an
advantage for teenage goof around fun. Overall, the 100M was less responsive
but more capable and somewhat safer with the Pirellis.
Hap

-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Reid Trummel
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 6:56 PM
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: [Healeys] Different Feel from Different Tires

All of this discussion about Vredesteins and other tires reminds me of how
very different my two BN2s drive with their very different tires.

The 100M has a set of the repro Dunlop RS5 (on 48-spoke wires), and it feels
very light and quick on its feet.  It also breaks loose VERY easily and you
have to remind yourself that you're driving on skinny bias-ply tires or
she'll try to swap ends on you.

The 100 with Le Mans Kit rides on a set of Avon CR6ZZ (on cast wheels that
look like Dunlop pressed-steel wheels of the 1950s), and it feels so very
much heavier and "slow on its feet," but the handling is about as good as it
gets for a street tire, even rivaling many race tires.

A photo on this page shows the difference in the height and width of these
tires: http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/Austin_Healey_Tyres.  Note that
the Dunlop is tall and oh-so-skinny, while the Avon is short and wide with
relatively little tread.

The result is that the Dunlops give you a real 1950s driving experience, but
the Avons give you a much safer ride, including much shorter stopping
distances.

By the way, you can see the Dunlop wheels on this page by clicking on the
red spot on the wheel (not the red spot on the knock-off):
http://www.cape-international.com/100.php

<PSA> If anyone needs an original Shelley jack for their late 3000 (Mark I),
3000 Mark II or Mark III, I'm auctioning one right now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150582998561
I'm jus' sayin'... :) </PSA>

Reid TrummelPortland, Oregon, USA
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