rficalora Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: Tires
Hi Mike. I like the look of my wheels and they don't make a 16" version. Plus, seems like 16" wheels were only common for a short time so guessing performance tires are similarly limited or soon will be.
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302GT Larry Shimp (241 posts) Registered: 11/17/2007 01:13PM Main British Car: 1968 MGB GT Ford 302 crate engine |
Re: Tires
The Tire Rack web site has extensive data on tires, much of it is from their own testing. As you may know, Tire Rack has their own handling course which is much more extensive than just a skid pad, and they also drive on local roads to evaluate noise, ride harshness, etc. Testing is done using a 3 series BMW owned by Tire Rack (at least this was true the last time I checked). Their data incudes both wet and dry performance and is a good starting point to look for tires even if you do not intend to buy them from there.
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rficalora Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: Tires
Good info Larry. Thanks. I've checked with American Racing and they can't do my wheel centers in 17" hoops, plus, I like the 15" look. So, I've contacted Ted to see what I'd need to return my suspension to stock width. I'm assuming it's the control arms that are longer but won't know for sure till I hear back. If I can go back to stock width, I could switch to the Hankook RS3's. If not I need to keep looking for other ideas.
Calvin mentioned heavier springs. Need to double check, but if memory serves I have 250lb 10" springs. Anyone have 10" springs in the 300-400 lb range they'd be willing to let me try out? |
MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4512 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: Tires
Great idea, Rob. I'm pretty certain they don't use two different jigs, so it should be something easy to swap. Expect to put you car back on the alignment rack.
Those Hankook RS3's are the best you will find. While your 7" fronts will work, a 7.5" is better, & an 8" rim is optimal for a 225 (which you do have in the back). Absolutely, Larry. I use the Tire Rack site for tire research quite a bit. Lots of great info. The biggest problem is that extreme performance tires for 14" & 15" wheels are getting scarce. |
rficalora Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: Tires
Noticed on tirerack they have g-Force Rival for the same price as the Hankook RS3's. The gForce come in 205/50/15. Thoughts about using them on the front and the Hankooks on the rear?
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ex-tyke Graham Creswick Chatham, Ontario, Canada (1165 posts) Registered: 10/25/2007 11:17AM Main British Car: 1976 MGB Ford 302 |
Re: Tires
From the TireRack website:
"As a general rule, tires should not be mixed on any vehicle unless specified as acceptable by the tire or vehicle manufacturer. Drivers should avoid mixing tires with different tread patterns, internal constructions or sizes, and use identical tires on all of their vehicle's wheel positions in order to maintain the best control and stability. Additionally, drivers should never mix winter tires with all-season/summer tires, or mix run-flat tires with non-run-flat tires" |
MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4512 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: Tires
Not usually recommended. In this case, though, you are talking about two similar tires in the same category. I don't see it being any worse than running staggered tire sizes. Not sure I would do it since both sizes you need are available in the G-Force Rival. We don't really know for sure that the RS3 is any stickier. Just go with the G-Force on all four corners.
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