TR2/3/3A Tire size for 5.5x15 alloy racing wheels? TR3

[karls59tr]

I have 650x15" tires on stock rims now. Can I put these tires on 5.5 X15" rims or will they rub the inner fender at full lock? Would I be further ahead with 180 or 195 X 15" tires Are they a lower profile? Wonder what would be ideal for the alloys on a "3" ?

 

[TR3driver]

There is more involved than just wheel width; the offset is important too. But since I can squeak by with 205/55 tires on 5.5" TR6 rims under my stock TR3 body, I don't think you're likely to have a problem with the width of 6.50's. I do question how old they are, though, unless you bought reproductions from Coker or similar.

Practically all modern tires are lower profile than the old bias-ply tires were. The profile is identified by the second number, which is (roughly) the sidewall height expressed as a percentage of the tread width. So, for example, a 185/65 tire will have a side height of 185 * .65 = 120mm.

185/65-15 tires are very slightly shorter than the stock bias ply tires, but the speedo error is only about 4%, or 2.5 mph @ 70 mph. A good choice, IMO, and a perfect fit for 5.5" rims. I actually tried some once, mounted on the original 4.5" rims, and they worked out well for me.

 

[karls59tr]

Thanks Randall. I shoudn't have any probem finding 185/65X 15 tires I dont think but I havent checked yet. Do they fill the wheel well enough so there is not a lot of gap showing?

 

[TR3driver]

They should, although honestly I didn't pay much attention at the time. I mostly remember what seemed like a big improvement in cornering ability!

My 205/55s are deliberately much shorter than stock, and the look still doesn't bother me, although some probably don't like it:

If I recall correctly, this shot was taken with 195/50 on the front and 195/60 on the rear.

 

[60TR3A]

I have 195/65/15 tires on 5.5"-width alloys on my '61 TR3A and at full lock they do rub the inside of the wheel well. I've just ordered a set of 5.5" chrome 72-spoke wire wheels from a UK vendor and also ordered 1/4" spacers from Moss Motors which I hope will push the wheels just enough outboard that they won't rub the outer side of the wells and will stop the inside well-rubbing at full lock. If it only rubs at full lock - which is at very slow speeds, anyway - I can live with that.

 

[TR3driver]

I have 195/65/15 tires on 5.5"-width alloys on my '61 TR3A and at full lock they do rub the inside of the wheel well.

Are your steering stops adjusted correctly?

 

[60TR3A]

I have 195/65/15 tires on 5.5"-width alloys on my '61 TR3A and at full lock they do rub the inside of the wheel well.

Are your steering stops adjusted correctly?

I haven't a clue. I've had the car all of 3 weeks and my mechanic will be getting it all of next week to go over all the systems and correct what needs correcting and install some goodies I bought. I suspect my steering needs some attention as it is very stiff and may need new lube &/or the rack rebuilt. I'll mention the rubbing to him when I drop her off on Monday.

I've learned over the years that I am very handy - at writing checks and signing credit card slips - but not at things mechanical. The list of my foolish mistakes is endless. Even today I screwed up a simple thing as a badge: Had a lovely RAC replica badge I was going to install on the badge bar and overtightened the screw and popped off the little nut that's brazed onto the back of the badge. I'll see if I can buy some "liquid solder" as someone I know suggested; otherwise, it's toast.

 

[karls59tr]

I like the look of the 195/60's on the green car.Any idea why the driver had to go with the 195/50's on the front?

 

[karls59tr]

Forgot to mention that the alloy rims are 6" wide but they do clear the calipers and will fit a TR3.