max tyre width

stuthegasman · Post by **stuthegasman** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:10 pm

I am wanting to fit some wider tyres to my mk3 as it only has 145's on at the moment and they look shall we say skinny to say the least so I was wondering what would be a sensible size to go to with those wheels 41/2j I presume or would I be better getting some wider wheels 5j + any experiences??

cheers
stu

stuthegasman · Post by **stuthegasman** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:28 pm

are the 165's on the 4 1/2 j rims
cheers
stu

XER905L · Post by **XER905L** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:37 pm

I have normal 1974 TC rims on my car fitted with Good Year Grand Prix 175SR13 tyres (new in 1993 but still great shape)which were only specified new on Triumph 2000/2500 Mk2s but really give a good grip as marinas have bags of torque. Of course the speedo is now 10% out but the improved look of the car with meaty rubber & bonus of improved fuel economy with no loss of performance compared to the el cheapo spec standard 165/70 R13 series makes remembering the fact a minor chore. I dont like low profile tyres (had loads of problems with them when I ran an MG Montego - great car!).
If you want the speedo to be accurate 185/70 R13 give the most surface contact with the road without rubbiing the inner arches

JIM73 · Post by **JIM73** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:03 pm

I wouldnt go above 165s on 4.5j and your tyres should be replaced at about 5 years old irrelavent of remaining tread !!! Rumour has it in the trade this will soon become law anyway due to blow outs at speed !!!

Kilroy · Post by **Kilroy** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:04 pm

My choice for standard rims are the 175/70.
They certainly give a good amount of road contact but are very close to original radius, so no significant changes to gearing.

XER905L · Post by **XER905L** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:32 am

eloues wrote:185s catch on the front put spacers on and you F**K the barings.
175s need 5j min or thay look like baloons and role.
165x80 not 70 give the best all round on 4 1/2j and are the widest with out looking like baloons.
Good brand tyers are garented for 5 years, and fit for upto 8 years depending on ther treatment. After this they start to degrade.

EXR your highvalue for money tyers at 14 years old are like playing with death. Dont be (el chepo) and buy some moor!!!!!!!!!

The tyres on my Toyota last about 2 years apeice (30,000 miles) but the Marina lives in an underground garage and only sees sunlight a maximum of 6 days each year (only once in 2007 so far) so the tyres still look very fresh,naturally rubber black without any crazing and have no flat spots.I dont think they look like balloons, but each to his own - for me the Mk2 bumpers and plenty of rubber fill up those wheel wells making the car look just the way I want it to in my eyes - this car is my most treasured possession