I would say that the Pirelli CN36 185 tyres I have give a feel similar to the 165 tyres but with more grip. They have a good compromise in both feel as grip over 165r14 tyres, especially compared to equivalent Vredenstiens.And you can get new Pirelli Cinturatos in the correct 165 R14 (80 profile by default), as originally fitted to most four-cylinder P6s. I've had them on all three of mine. Expensive but right for the car and very effective. Longstone Tyres or Vintage Tyres can supply.
Modern 185/70 R14 have about the same rolling radius, so won't alter the speedo and gearing, but they make the steering heavier and the car just feels clumsier.
I need some new 165 tyres. Does anyone else have experience of Blockleys on a P6? The correct size Pirelli tyres seem to be on back order, and are very expensive. The Blockleys are very attractive on price for a vintage style tyre. Given they seem to come with a money back satisfaction guarantee, I’m tempted to try them.
I fitted Blockleys to my V8 last year, the correct size and speed rating - 185 HR14 (also known as 185/80). I am very happy with them and they have a great vintage look.They have been highly recommended to me for the 5½J's l'm fitting to my Oxford estate. I'm going to give them a go later in the year.
Much less noise than the Nankang tyres that I removed and although I have power steering the Blockleys made the steering noticeably lighter too.They look good. What are they like for noise? My current tyres generate a lot of road noise which transmits into the bulkhead and somewhat spoils the refinement of the car.
Is there a mandated throw away age there? There isnt one here I am told.
Not for cars, there's some law about buses etc, but not sure what it is.
My wife bought an old Polo, as she liked the Mk 1, and found that all the tyres were over 15 years old, and one of them was 4 years older than the car!
I bit the bullet and purchased 4 Blockley tyres to replace the age expired Uniroyal tyres that were fitted. So far so good. They look the part.
I’ve not gone far yet, but they do seem slightly quieter than the old tyres. The noise hasn’t gone completely, so a bit more investigation needed there. The steering is light, and the car feels stable under braking. I’ve not tried throwing the car round, driving in the wet yet, so can’t comment on grip.
the Uniroyals I took off barely looked worn after 18k miles. I wonder if the Blockleys will last as long.