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Tire Recommendations

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vping

vping

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After getting all of the other stuff I need to do, done, I'll need tires.
What sizes & brands do people recommend?
I have wires and thes really old tires? I read a positive write up in CR about them and the ratings were very high and they were resonably priced. I just don't know where to get them or if they are actually any good.
 
This'll be a good thread.

<shameless plug> Tire Rack is a supporting vendor of the forum, BTW. </shameless plug>
 
CR sux. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
I like Vredestien Tires. Not saying thier the best, but they seem to have a good reputation, have a soft ride and they come in our sizes. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif PJ
 
Did not know we had a vedor in our midst for tires. Nice to know.
 
I love the HydroEdge tires I put on the Alfa. Very impressive in the wet. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bit too wide (185/70-14) for the steel rims on my '64 B tho /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
steel wheels narrower than Rostyles? I'm running a set of el cheapo 185/65 14s on my Rostyles... I think the brand is something like Winstar, I can't recall exactly right off hand. I do recall the name reminded me of Winstons, though. Any ways, my el cheapo tires are nice and grippy, and quiet. Can't say the same about a soft ride, but then again I like the way my B rides currently /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
I've used Tire Rack and Coker....local places can usually get what I want but not at Tire Rack's price!
 
Would the hydro edge fit on stock 14 wires?
 
"Smallest" (185/70-14) would probably work on a GT. Your wheels are wider by 1/2" if I recall.
 
Gotta check but I believe ya.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif

Be sure: check. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
If your wire wheels are original, they are 4.5" wide. A 185/70 will fit but I would go no wider. At this size you are pushing the limits of a proper fit and may experience slight sidewall flex under hard cornering. I would run the tires at slightly higher pressure than normal if cornering is more important than ride quality. 175 would be a perfect fit and there are tires available in that size as well. Check out British Wire Wheel's web site for some options.

Sumitomo HTR-200 are a very good bargain and offer excellent wet and dry grip. They come in a 185/70R14 and are actually a bit narrow for a 185, making them well suited to a 4.5" rim. I have a set on my GT with 5" rims. While I am happy with the grip, the sidewalls are pretty weak. I run my pressure very high to keep the tires from moving around in hard corners and I've even had a nail go through the tread and out the sidewall! But while I am not happy with the strength and stiffness of the tire, it does offer good all-around performance and is cheaper than most of the competition. My next set will most likely be Michelin since I have never been disappointed with their products.
 
I talked to Coker and went with their recommendation for the new tires on my TR3, Vredestein. Reasonably priced, good tread pattern, and the look I wanted...tall tire...might not work for you. I mounted on wires so also had to do rim bands and heavy tubes, which together cost about as much as the tires. I run Michelins on my Midget.

Ray
 
I have bought several sets of tires from The Tire Rack and been VERY satisfied...great price and selection. Order them online and in two days they are in your driveway...or they will deliver to your installer. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
My next set will most likely be Michelin since I have never been disappointed with their products.

[/ QUOTE ]

The only problem I find with Michelin, besides the high price..and low tire tread life..is they have no H rated tire anymore for a 185/70/14. They have an S and a T. But no H. Never mind a summer performance H rated tire.

The Sumitomo still appears to be the best all around tire for a B, IMO.

I don't find the sidewall too soft..no softer than any other tire in it's size...I have a dunlop spare (s rated) and the sidewall is far wimpier than the Sumi....I have no indication of the tires rolling over on their sidewalls.. They hook up great..have awesome grip wet or dry. They are super quiet, and at $39 a freaking steal.

I run my B at stock pressures (or close to it) 28/32 with good handling and tire life.

If you lower your standards to an S or T tire (which is perfectly acceptable for a B) there are more choices..If you want H (like me) there are only a handful of choices... and only 1 for an all out performance tire. (I do not consider an all season a performance tire, as it is a compromise tire at best)

Just my experience

Paul
 
The Goodyears I had on my GT before the Sumitomos were far, far stiffer laterally. But they were really wide for a 185, quite the opposite of the Sumitomos which are narrow. Unfortunately I couldn't really compare the two fairly because the Goodyear were pretty old and dry, so wet weather grip was not good.

I've never had a problem with tread life on Michelin unless it was a high-performance tire, in which case it is expected. My Pilots have been very good in every respect! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
When I used the Michelin MXV4 (and other Michelin models..) the shoulders would wear wicked fast compared to the center of the tire...wearing them out prematurely (even when rotating them on a very frequent basis). The car/alignment was fine..when I switched to the Sumi, the odd wear pattern went away. Plus the Michelin were horrible when about half worn in rain. Forget about snow (used them on my accord before) when even slightly worn.

It is a moot point because they don't sell them in a 185/70/14 anymore..

I sure wish there was a better selection of tires in this size..but there isn't..at least that I found. Goodyear, Cooper, Humho and Michelin both do not carry an H rated tire in this size..never mind a performance rated tire. Firestone has one (affinity all season).
 
I went to the website and punched in my car but not sure which grade of tire I'm looking for. Most likely not going to drive in winter or rain,(unless I get caught in it). Not going to be much of a speed demon cause of my area.
Looking for a general use everyday kinda tire. I'd rather zip around on some smaller back roads, than doing 100 on the expressway.
Any suggestions on grade and I'll punch it into their site.
 
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