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Wheel dimensions

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B

Bull

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Gents,
I was hoping that someone could enlighten me.. whats the wheel dimensions or the tyre size on a big Healey (3000)? Original and max what can be fitted without anything shaving..?

Thanks/ Jonas
 
Check first to make sure you have the stock suspension arrangement. Plenty of these cars have had spacer blocks added below the front springs to lower the front end. An expert will be along shortly to assist you.
 
Hi Jonas,

Elrey has a point in that you first must determine your wheel and suspension arrangement. I would first determine the number of spokes in your wheels (48, 60, 72) and the width of the rim. With this information, I would go to https://www.pmcweb.fr/healey/atelier/doc/tirecharts.pdf that has a list of tire sizes.

There are also two other situations to consider. First, ground clearance is important to consider, especially if you have a BJ8P1 with the resonator crossover configuration. Second, although tire rub can happen when using the largest of tires, it will usually happen only on full-lock turns.

The original tire on most big Healeys was a 5.90x15 bias tire. The most common replacement radial is a 165/80. I recently searched and replace my tires with this size and found that they are, presently, very difficult to find. You will find tire more plentiful if you increase the width and lower the aspect ratio. A search of Forum responses will yield the pros and cons of each of these choices.

Good luck
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
Ray is correct on the original size. I have 195/65-15's on mine with 5" wide rims, and the front end lowered about 3/4". These have a very slightly smaller diameter than original and don't seem to be rubbing.
 
165-15s are probably the most common replacement for the original 5.90-15s. They are actually a little smaller in overall diameter than the originals, so a lot of folks go with 185-15s. I would regard this as the largest practical size.

I can't agree that 165s are hard to find. There seem to be several including Vredesein and Kumho. I have 185-15 Vreds on my Jag, and they are GREAT!

Wanting the extra diameter, but not the extra width, I have gone with 165-400 tires on Dayton 16 x 6 rims (VERY tight fit!). I doubt that 165-400s or 165-16s are even available these days, certainly not at a reasonable price.
 
Ok, thanks guys! I have a kitcar rip-off so I guess the exact dimensions is not that important. What is important is to get the right classical feel. I havent fully decided yet but I'm leaning towards a set of Chrome Reverse or maybe a set of American Salt Flats. I cant get a decent set of laced wheels with the bolt pattern I have.

I guess I'm leaning towards a Panamericana vintage racing feel w r t wheels and stance... Car will be sorta like a restomod project. Let's see if I get there :smile:

Thanks again/ Jonas
 
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