New Falken 13" tires

[Westfield_XI]

New Falken 13" tires

I just read in Octane magazine that Falken has introduced a line of 80% aspect ratio tires for '60's and '70's cars that might be suitable for Spridgets and other sportscars. They are called the Sincera SN807 line and according to the Falken UK website they come in the following sizes:
145/80R10
135/80R13
145/80R13
155/80R13
165/80R13
165/80R14
175/80R14
185/80R14

They seem to be not too expensive as they are advertised from £40 to £60 in the UK, but who knows what they will cost here.

NFI, but thought you might like to know.....

 

[aeronca65t]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

I just bought four 175/70-13 Falken Sincera SN-828 70R13-R13 tires about three weeks ago.
I don't know if the "SN-828" is a lot different than the tires you mentioned.
Found them on eBay for $224 with free shipping from Discount Tire Direct Inc. (the price has gone up since).

They are sort of hard: the UTQG ratings is about 500.
I would have preferred something in the 200-300 range, but as I noted on another post, it's difficult to find the softer, high performance 13" tires (there are plenty of "all season" type tires).

But these are for my little parts-chaser '73 Spridget so not a real bit deal. I've only driven them around the block so no reviews so far, but I'm not expecting them to be too grippy.

 

[billspit]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

I hope the 807 will be sold in the US. If so I will buy two full sets.

 

[Westfield_XI]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

I just checked the UK web site and there is no way to tell how hard a compound they use.
I do think that the high profile tires just look right on classic cars, I also think the the thicker side wall rides better than the new style, especially on cars that were designed for such profiles. That is why I am running 15" Dunlop vintage race tires on my Westfield, also I just plain like to drift and that is what the old tires were best at.

 

[billspit]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

Saw somewhere else Vredenstein is carrying a performance tire (UTQG rating ~ 200), but looks like they are 100+ per tire.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

We are typical spridget owners, we want to be able to buy a tire that fits, performs well, is available locally, AND cost lest than $50.

I'm guilty of it as well. Every once in awhile my "cheapness" amazes even me. However, many years ago I bought a Midget instead of an MGB partly because I was being cheap. I'm very grateful for that decision.

 

[Rut]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

I spoke with the Vredestein US importer last fall and he said they did not stock the smaller tires in the US, but would arrange to get them thru one of their distributers. IIRC he said the time frame was about 4 to 6 weeks.
Rut

 

[RickB]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

I spoke with the Vredestein US importer last fall and he said they did not stock the smaller tires in the US, but would arrange to get them thru one of their distributers. IIRC he said the time frame was about 4 to 6 weeks.
Rut

Like these T-Trac tires for $118 each in the 165/70/13 size?

https://www.tiresbyweb.com/p-9413-vredestein-t-trac-tires.aspx

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

I also like the UTQG Rating of 220. These look to be nice and soft.

 

[Rut]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

Rick,
He mentioned the same company and said that they would be able to get them, but they may not be stocked in the smaller sizes. I'm still trying to decide what to do as far as wheel size goes, stick with 13" or move up to 14". 14" would solve the tie rod nut rubbing problem and give me more choices. What to do...
Rut

 

[Guest]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

Rick,
14" would solve the tie rod nut rubbing problem and give me more choices. What to do...
Rut

use a grinder...

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]14" would solve the tie rod nut rubbing problem and give me more choices.[/QUOTE]
I think I started using 14" rims in 2009, at the time it seemed like there were a bunch of tires to choose from. In 2011 when I put 14" rims on my other spridget I found far fewer choices in 14".
I suspect that in the not too distant future all 13" and 14" tires that will fit our cars will be special order items.

So... yes 13" rims and a grinder for the TRE would now be my advice.

 

[Rut]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

I'm replacing my tie rod ends during my front end rebuild and the old nuts were ground down so far for clearence I only had about 1/4" left to hold it on. With that amount of grinding I think it would be prudent to look for another solution since I still had the occasional rub. From what I've seen a lot of these cars have a little more or less clearence. The completely new front suspension from Peter C may solve this problem since everything will be in spec when I put it together.
Thanks, Rut

 

[aeronca65t]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

One solution is to set the car up with racing-type rod ends. This would require reaming out the tapered hole to an exact, straight diameter and fitting a rod end with the appropriate female thread and hole size.

Not everyone would want to do this, but if you do, use good quality rod ends (not the cheapies!).
You may also want to use a safety washer at the lower end.

Here's a photo of what I'm talking about(I'd bet some of you have already seen this elsewhere). This car has the bigger (Spitfire) rotors and also uses a spacer for the arm.

It might also be possible to keep things stock and simply use a spacer like this to more the arm away from the hub carrier. I'm not sure how much this would affect steering geometry but a thin spacer might be OK.

Just some food for thought......

 

[HealeyRick]

Re: New Falken 13" tires

Just installed a set of 155/80R 13s SN 807s on my wire-wheeled Bugeye. They were $38 plus $7.50 S&H from here: https://www.tires-easy.com/ They replaced my 30 yr old Michelin XASs, (still available for a modest $260 ea from Coker Tire) So far they seem fine, run smooth and quiet. Don't know how they'll be for all out performance, but the price was right.