Tyres 205/70/14

[stag-phil]

It won’t be long before I have to replace the tyres and have been reading the posts on the subject of tyres with great interest.

I am under the impression that 195/70/14 is a popular choice but having checked various sites such as ‘Car Bible’ it would seem a 205/70/14 is a better match to the original size of 185/80/14.

There does not seem to be many members using the 205 tyre compared to the number who mention they are using 195’s (may be a poll is required), why is this?

I thought it may be because the rim size would not be suitable for the 205 but again having checked with 'Car Bible' it is.

I can only assume the extra width can cause problems with the handling, ride or the potential to rub on lock, or is it lack of choice, price?

Also, am I correct in thinking the 205 tyre might take away some of the lightness in the steering as I would prefer it to be slightly heavier?

Basically can anyone advise me on the best tyre size please?

Phil

[Kevin Garrod]

I'm using 205/70/14 tyres, I have no issues with tyres rubbing. I chose them as they are closest to the supposedly standard 185 (80) 14 size. The handling has been described as "a little wallowy" but that was on a fastish run up Prescott hill climb and I am running standard suspension. My speedo under reads by about 3 or 4 mph at 70.

[flying farmer]

I once used 205 tyres on the back of a Toledo with 5.5 inch rims, with 185 on the front, and it oversteered badly despite the rears being a soft compound. When they were fitted to the specially made 7 inch rims the situation was reversed with the car then understeering badly. The problem was that the wide tyres were rolling off the edge of the narrower rim when cornering hard

[Stag About Town]

2 sizes up on the width is the rule of thumb when changing from standard 80 series to 70 series. If the originals were 175 HR 14 (This is 82% aspect ratio) the 70 series conversion will be 19570HR14. If the originals were 185HR14 then the conversion would be 20570HR14. These conversions normally maintain the rolling radius which is very important. It is always wise to make sure of the clearance on full lock. If the original wheels are used the centre line remains the same. Changing wheels means getting involved with offsets or insets. Hope this helps. John. Ex Pirelli sales manager.

[stag-phil]

Thanks John, I was thinking 195 tyres may have been the safer option but you have confirmed 205's are the way to go.

The only issue now is how to work out if the tyres are likely to rub, my car has been lowered and I don't want to go down the road of trial and error so a bit of accurate measuring is called for.

Thanks all.

Phil

[keeny]

Im running 205 60 15" standard height springs no problems with tyres rubing(compromitive ml alloys)

[indystag]

I'm currently running 195 75 HR 14, (almost identical rolling radius as the original 185 HR 14 Michelin XAS fittede new) these tyres are generally available here in Australia, brands; Kuhmo, Bridgestone, Coker, not sure of course whther these are available at all in the UK

[stag-phil]

Just done a quick on-line search and it would appear that although 195/75/14 are available in the UK they are van tyres therefore no good.

As no one yet has reported any problems with rubbing I think 205/70/14 are going to be the most suitable and hopefully the extra width may take away some of the steering lightness.

Phil

[jbuckl]

205 look a little bit 'bulbous' on a standard wheel.

Other than that, should be no problem (rolling radius is close)

Insurance?

Oh the Stag macpherson strut has a flat on the spring platform....these need to be there for a 205.

Some stags have been seen without the flats ....possible non stag struts?

Its probably more usual to see 195 / 70 / 14 these days

[Speedytriple3503]

I also run a TR7V8 DHC (no sniggering please) fitted with an uprated 4.6 litre Rover V8. I used to run this with 205/60 13 tyres on 5.5" minilites. These looked great but as has been mentioned above the tyre flexes too much on the rim and roadholding really went to pieces - not handy with around 240bhp. Yes, they certanly increased the steering effort (non pas anyway) but the trade off was too much unpredictability. As a result I had to go for larger diameter rims and lower profile tyres to make things more manageable.I appreciate you won't want to do this, but if it were me I would go for the 195s.

[GDPR]

I have the 205s on mine Mike.....

[Speedytriple3503]

I have the 205s on mine Mike.....

I am of course happy to bow to your much greater knowledge when it comes to Stags Russ (and probaly much more besides)

I still run "the beast" with 205 tryes, just on 15" x 6.5J rims to lower the aspect - now on 50s. A shame really as the minilites (genuine ones too!) looked miles better than the current MGF cast offs . Plus had to get the speedo recalibrated too!
It just wouldn't stay on the black stuff running the previous combination and couldn't really go lower than a 60 profile on the 13" rims. The benefit is that I can now stay out of the hedges - lol.

I would certainly take Russ' advice over mine.

Russ - I need to chat to you re my carburettors!



Mike

[stag-phil]

I have the 205s on mine Mike.....

Has your car been lowered Russ?

Phil

[mike@thenook]

Thanks John, I was thinking 195 tyres may have been the safer option but you have confirmed 205's are the way to go.

The only issue now is how to work out if the tyres are likely to rub, my car has been lowered and I don't want to go down the road of trial and error so a bit of accurate measuring is called for.

Thanks all.

Phil

I had 205/70 14's with HRS lowered springs and they do rub on full lock plus they are too balloony - yo don't get any more tread on the road than with a 195 as you cannot fit a wide enough rim to do so - 195 is best by far.

Cheers,

[GDPR]

Has your car been lowered Russ?

Phil

No Phil, it runs at standard height, and to be honest I have never had anything foul even 4 up with a bootful. They aren't that balloony if you are using it as a GT rather than a lowered, more sports stance, and to be frank with the frightful state of the roads I find that extra cushioning rather handy...