maximum tyre size MK1

[youngy72]

Hi all
I will be buying tyres very soon as the car gets ever closer 😊
I will be using the original Mk1 steel wheel and trim combination. I would like to go a bit wider on the tyre as they do look a bit skinny. What is the max I could use I am thinking 205 ? Of course I need to keep it tall enough so doesn’t look lost in the arch.
Regards
Andy

[sujitroy]

people in the U.S. use 190 x 70 x 14 for as close to the stock size

[trunt]

195-70-14.

just bought 5 the other day.. not sure on the 205 ones

terry

[garyf]

I do like to see a mk1 with mk1 steel wheels and trims

[bullstarz]

If standard size 185 70 14

Alternatives with the same rim diameter
14'' 155/80 R14 -1.8% 165/75 R14 -1.9% 165/80 R14 0.8% 175/75 R14 0.6% 195/65 R14 -0.9% 215/60 R14 -0.2%

[flying farmer]

205s will roll off the rims when you are cornering and provide less grip than a 185 when used on a 5.5 inch rim.

My Triumph estate has 195 tyres fitted on 5.5 inch minilites (they used to be fitted to my Stag) and that is distinctly wobbly on the bendy bits compared to when it had 185s fitted so I will be going down a size when I replace the tyres.

Neil

[DJT]

If standard size 185 70 14

Alternatives with the same rim diameter
14'' 155/80 R14 -1.8% 165/75 R14 -1.9% 165/80 R14 0.8% 175/75 R14 0.6% 195/65 R14 -0.9% 215/60 R14 -0.2%

Standard size was 185HR14, which are 80 or 82 profile, not 70. The last year of production were fitted with 175HR14, again 80 or 82 profile.

[stag8manod]

I have recently replaced the Stag tyres. Same as before, Michelin 195/70/14 on Stag alloys, very happy with them and the speedo is spot on at 100k according to TomTom.
Cheers Ian A

[youngy72]

Many thanks for the replies
I’m leaning towards 195 as a compromise of looks and practicality.
Regards
Andy

[StagJonno]

205s will roll off the rims when you are cornering and provide less grip than a 185 when used on a 5.5 inch rim.

My Triumph estate has 195 tyres fitted on 5.5 inch minilites (they used to be fitted to my Stag) and that is distinctly wobbly on the bendy bits compared to when it had 185s fitted so I will be going down a size when I replace the tyres.

Neil

I had similar experience going from 185/70 - 14 to 195/70 -14. Less of a pleasure nipping along B roads. As Neil, I'll be reverting to 185 at next change (cheaper too).

Jonno

[bullstarz]

Standard size was 185HR14, which are 80 or 82 profile, not 70. The last year of production were fitted with 175HR14, again 80 or 82 profile.

Thats why I said "if" as theres loads of different fitments mentioned but for the 185 80 14.

7.3"
25.7"
80.6"
14"
5.8"
787 Revs/Mile

235/60R14	-2.3%25.1"	9.3"	14 x 6.5-8.5"
205/70R14	-1.6%25.3"	8.1"	14 x 5-7" (LT 5-6.5")
195/75R14	-0.8%25.5"	7.7"	14 x 5-6.5" (LT 5-6")
245/60R14	-0.4%25.6"	9.6"	14 x 7-8.5"
215/70R14	+0.8%25.9"	8.5"	14 x 5.5-7"
205/75R14	+1.6%26.1"	8.1"	14 x 5-7"
225/70R14	+2.7%26.4"	8.9"	14 x 6-7.5"

As a few others have mentioned rim width is a major concern with the standard wheels but keep the rolling radius the same to maintain speedo readings and gear ratio.

We/I always use this site https://tiresize.com/calculator/

[sunnystag]

mk1 steel wheels as far as i recall were only 5j. u need later alloys for 5.5j rims. I would not go to 205 on a 5 inch rim if it was me.

[sunnystag]

Even though 185s and 175s were fitted when new. one of the period articles i have somewhere definantely lists 195. for what reason dont know. I run my mk 1 on later alloys with 195/70 fitted. That will slightly resuce gearing. dont know if i would reduce the rolling radius if the car has a 3 speed auto though

[jbuckl]

195/70/14 seem fine & close to correct radius . Never saw them listed as period though. Tried 205 , work / fit but not right for the rims.
nearest period tyres are 185/80/14 vredstein or Dunlop sport classic spendy though. Michelin mxvp appears no longer available but was the closest original fit. (£200 each)
avoid 8 ply commercial tyres which are readily available in the correct size.

[DJT]

https://www.vintagetyres.com/shop/tyres/triumph-stag