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First peek, New Retro 4

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OK, I took some measurements. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I measure stock 4" wide wheel backspace at about 3 1/4". This means that by adding 1.5" to the width and dividing by 2 to get 3/4", the 4" backspace puts the center of the tire at exactly the same place as would a stock rim. This is important because presently my rims miss my spring by a tad over 1" and the tires miss the spring by about 3/8".

Put me down for a set of the black ones.

It's time to replace my present tires too, so what rubber (175/70-13) should I be putting on. All I find in performance tires is the Sumitomo HTR 200. I occasionally drive in the wet, but try not to.
 
Sumitomo are a good tire for the money, the MGB crowd loves them. Tire rack is good place to research tires by size, if you plug in 175/70/13, it produces several good choices, even the tires I have on my MGB, the General Altimax, most are S rated, but I doubt any of you are going to exceed 118 mph in your Spridgets :smile:
 
The tire rack site is where I found the Sumitomos, but everything else is either all season or winter. It seems that no one else is making a performance tire in this size any longer. We used to have a choice of BFG, Goodyear, Pirelli, etc, but now it's down to economy tires for Mom and Pop's gas stretching commuter car.
 
Alot of tire are labeled "all season" I went with the General Alitmax, because I wanted a modern sporty looking tread design, and have loved them, the turn in is much sharper than with my Michliens, I like the Altimaxs so much, I going to put a set on the Wife's Honda. Take a another look at them, they not only look killer on my MGB with my new VTO wheels but that handle the corners quite well, and from me, thats quite the endorsment :driving:
 
So... will we be able to get this wheel in a 14" diameter 5.5" width and 4" back space and 4 x 4" bolt pattern? It shows this on the vto website, but it seems like that information is old.
 
I assume a 175/65-14 would be the tire size? there seems to be quite a few performance tires available, and at 175 tread width they should fit. ???

???
 
No, tire would be bigger. I do not think you could use that on a square arch car without a little work.
 
So would 175/70/13 fit on Std Rostyles on SWA Car without rubbing?
 
Currently 155/80/13 that are now 8 y.o. and even though tread on rear is great time to replace.
 
Well, I looked at the rims. They were six inches wide. With a 4 x 4 bolt pattern. Probably to large for the Bugeye. I passed them on toa Datsun owner. They were in goof shape
Looking forward to Haps' rims.
Paul
 
I run 175/70-13s on stock 4" wheels, .. Sprite MK III SWA. No reason they shouldn't work on any rim wider.

by the way (https://ejelta.com/tiresize/index.html?ws13=1&ws14=1) shows a 17570/13 to be 22.65" in diameter, 4.82" wide, while a 175/65/14 is 22.96" in diameter but only 4.48" wide. It should fit with more side clearance, yet be negligibly taller. This poses a real dilema as to which wheels to obtain. On the on one hand, 13s are the stock size, but 14s are more readily available from more manufacturers, including Pirelli, Goodyear, Michelin, etc...

Based on this, I'll most likely go with the 14s. Thanx Trevor for asking about availability
 
I put 14"rims on my Sprite just for greater tire selection. I'm currently using 185/60-r14. It was a noticeable improvement over the 165/70-r13 that were on there. The car now does significantly better on my unscientific skid pad. And... after a few other changes the handling is now more neutral with a tad of oversteer vs way too much oversteer.
 
Pythias said:
I run 175/70-13s on stock 4" wheels, .. Sprite MK III SWA. No reason they shouldn't work on any rim wider.

This poses a real dilema as to which wheels to obtain. On the on one hand, 13s are the stock size, but 14s are more readily available from more manufacturers, including Pirelli, Goodyear, Michelin, etc...

Based on this, I'll most likely go with the 14s. Thanx Trevor for asking about availability
Click to expand...

I ditched the 14's on my Z cause nobody made a performance tire in my size. I love the fact my car uses the cheapest size in the world. For the price of one 14" Dunlop, I got a whole set os 175/70/13's. I can't see a 185/60/14 clearing on a SWA car. 175/65/14 is an odd ball size. 175/70/13 has been around forever and everyone carrys it. ( at least they used to.) not to mention 14's cost allot more $$$$.
 
Jim_Gruber said:
So would 175/70/13 fit on Std Rostyles on SWA Car without rubbing?
Click to expand...

Jim, mine rub a bit in the front at full lock. Also, if you hit a bump at full lock it'll touch the fender lip, but it has to be a big bump or dip that pitches the car, like comming out of a steep driveway.
 
kellysguy said:
175/65/14 is an odd ball size. 175/70/13 has been around forever and everyone carrys it. ( at least they used to.)
Click to expand...

go to (tirerack.com) and check selection for both sizes. 14 total for the 13s, four of which are winter/snow tires vs 34 for the 14s, six of which are winter. It seems to be an oddball size, but they have a much better selection. Your point about $$$ is well taken. $49 for the Sumitomo 13s, $58 for the 14s. That's about $40 more per set, at the lowest level, and only up from there, $11 per tire for Michelins, difference.... hmmmmmmm,

Still leaning to the 14s just to be able to run Pirellis.
 
I paid $24 each for my 13's. I can get a replacement locally anywhere if I have a problem or blow out (same size, not tire). I'm looking more at real world brick and mortar stores than internet. If you're out on the road and have a problem, tire rack won't be able to help you. Push comes to shove, I can get a 155/80/13 and be on my way. With the 175/65/14's you're locked into that size and better hope someone local can help you. If you just drive close to home this isn't a big deal. I drive my car every day all over the place. Sometimes I'm 60 miles from home. If I have a flat, I want to be able to get a new tire w/o any problem. ( especially if my wife is driving the car.) I don't like Michelins at all, they seem to dry rot quickly.

IIRC, older Ecsorts only used that size but I could be wrong. ( I sold tires at one point)

185/60/14 has been around forever too. I really like that size, but it won't fit on my car. I do understand wanting a bigger selection on the performance end, but my soft little cheapies stick pretty darn good. I can always soften them up some more if I want to.
 
I agree that the 175/70 r13 are very affordable, but I like to really push my car. Sliding about is fun for a while, but it becomes annoying once you realize the tires are the limiting factor. Yes, I know what size the car was designed for... but if I'm not interested in stock performance. I enjoy pushing the limits and seeing how I can make the old car perform (without building a space frame tube chassis and sitting the sprite tub on it ... and I've thought about that).

So... now I'm looking at my garage to see if I have space to store an extra set of rims/tires. One for touring and the other for "sport" driving.

BTW, on my bugeye the 185/60 r14 do not rub anywhere, but the wheels (14x6) do set out a bit too far on the front.
 
I only look at TireRack to see what's available. I'll go talk to my tire guy before I decide.

Thanx for all the input.
 
Trevor Jessie said:
I agree that the 175/70 r13 are very affordable, but I like to really push my car. Sliding about is fun for a while, but it becomes annoying once you realize the tires are the limiting factor. Yes, I know what size the car was designed for... but if I'm not interested in stock performance. I enjoy pushing the limits and seeing how I can make the old car perform (without building a space frame tube chassis and sitting the sprite tub on it ... and I've thought about that).<snip>
Click to expand...

I second those thoughts. I've yet to find the "break loose" point for my 185x55x15s. It corners way better than my skill sets.
I get the sense that when those fat boys let go it's not going to be gradual or graceful.
Tires aren't my limiting factor.....it's my lack of skill.
Well...that and fear of the end around.


:devilgrin:
 
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