13" Tire Source/Vendors?

[Seabrook]

13" Tire Source/Vendors?

I'm about ready to buy a set of tires for my MkI GT6. Trying to keep everything as original as possible, hope to end up with that "authentic" driving experience.

So I'm looking for 155/80-13 tires (or tyres if you like). Tire Rack only seems to list two kumho's and a Firestone winter tire. Looking at other places I don't see anything like the original Dunlops. Anyone have a suggestion?
Thanks, Dave

 

[Andrew Mace]

Re: 13" Tire Source/Vendors?

Not that expanding your search will yield fantastic results, but I would strongly recommend going with a 175/70R13 size. As long as you have at least the original 4.5" width wheels, you'll be fine, and the car WILL be better! Frankly, there's little point in trying to maintain "OEM-spec." with tires since a: technology has improved greatly in the last 40+ years; and b: no matter how much or little you drive, you'll want to replace them within 6-8 years for safety sake!

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Re: 13" Tire Source/Vendors?

And.....on one of my "other" cars, 6.70X15 bias ply is "original".....and I cannot drive bias ply on the currently maintained freeways with the double grooves.

You get what is available, works, and is safe, not necessarily in that order.

 

[swift6]

Re: 13" Tire Source/Vendors?

Tire rack is not the end all of tire suppliers either. Check with a local discount tire place. You might be amazed at what they can get for you.

 

[Seabrook]

Re: 13" Tire Source/Vendors?

Okay, thanks Andrew et al:
The recommendation to size up to 175/70-13's is a good one. Especially because, as you suggested, there are quite a few more options.
Dave

 

[JodyFKerr]

Re: 13" Tire Source/Vendors?

I just put a set of 165s on my mum's Spitfire. They're Sumimoto brand. We didn't find them online, but rather through calling local shops looking for the original size (155) and then going up to the 175 size. The ride is brilliant now, the previous tires (put on by the PO) were totally the wrong size and while he may have thought they looked cool, they rode like crap.

Also, whatever tires you find, don't forget to check the date stamps on them before they mount them. If the tire's more than a year or so old, ask for a newer tire. In these smaller/odd sizes the tires tend to sit for extended periods before they are sold.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Re: 13" Tire Source/Vendors?

I recently purchased a set of tires from Tire-Easy:

https://www.tires-easy.com/start.html

Looks like they have 28 choices in 155/80 15. 76 choices if you go with the suggested 175/70 13.

They had the best price & selection for what I needed and shipped quick -- on my doorstep in less than 72 hours.

 

[Seabrook]

Re: 13" Tire Source/Vendors?

Again, thanks for the advice. The Tires Easy site is pretty good.

I ended up going to a local Discount Tire outlet here and telling them about a smoking deal Costco was offering on a set of Michelin "X" radials They cross-referenced that to their version of the same tire, the Michelin Harmony. From there I could see that the price of $66 per tire was about the same as another tire I preferred, the Pirelli P5 Cinturato. So, basically they had to meet the Costco price of about $38 per tire. Out the door, after tax and everything: $239.

I'm happy although I'm not sure if the extra long treadwear rating of the Cinturatos means it will be less grippy. But in the end I figure the GT6 is more of a touring car than a G-forces 'til you black out kind of ride.