V8 Tyres - Confused

[roverman]

I use Dunlop SP200s @ 195/70HR14 on my 3500S. They give excellent grip and cost about £65. The 70 profile reduces the rolling radius although this is partially compensated by the 195 width. The overall effect is to lower the gearing by 3.5%, which is just noticeable. You can calculate the effect on gearing of various tyre sizes using a tyre calculator - there are several free on the net, just type 'tyre calculator' in Google search.

When my rear tyres are worn I plan to try some 195/80s - currently not available in SP200s rating but available from a couple of manufacturers in a T rating (118mph). These will raise the gearing by 2.5% - there is plenty of torque available to pull this and it should make the rather low first gear feel a bit 'leggier'.

I note the cautions posted about insurers and tyre ratings, and will either consult my insurer or take a considered risk. Whatever the small print in a policy, a clause has to be 'reasonable' to be legally upheld. I would argue whether it is reasonable to void insurance based upon 130 mph tyre ratings when an accident occurs at a far lower speed. Also, I doubt whether there are many 3500S around today that will top 118mph unless their engines have been newly rebuilt or modified. Mine gives up about 110. Any P6-driving lawyers out there to comment?

 

[zebedee37]

Original Dunlops were not an option for me - Id rather spend the vast cost of those on restoration. I settled on Uniroyal 480's 195/70 14 H which I got for 60€ each fitted (around £45) All 4 for only a fraction more than the cost of 1 Dunlop from a classic tyre specialist

A T rated was not an option for me as in Belgium your car will not pass the MOT equivelant if the tyre speed rating is less than original spec.

 

[malreid]

@zebedee37, I've run Michelin 205/70R14's of various types, (MXL, MXV etc) for 3 years on my 3500S and before that 185/70R14's on a 2200TC, and also on a SD1 vdp. Always thought they had a reasonable ride (running at 33-35psi), but not an overly good tyre in the wet when worn. Noise increased with wear too.

I've recently put Toyo T330 195/70R14's on the S at 38psi and the difference between these and the Michelin's even when new is quite marked. Even at the higher pressure smooth riding, very good in the wet as would be expected from a new tyre, noticeably sharper handling too even with the slight loss of width (really must look at sway bar and spring kit now), and little road noise eben on our corse chip.

And half the cost of the Michelin's!

Reason for the change? Was recommended by a man who race preps a number of classics and runs his own 3500S racer as they have stiffer sidewalls, so less squirm when pushing on.

 

[p6jpe]

With ref to earlier message standard profile for V8 tyre is 80 ie 80% of width of 185mm. A higher profile is more likely to be a van tyre which being 8 ply will be very harsh on a car.

Having checked on net there are a lot of 195/70 tyres available which is as good if not better a combination for the P6 - it is certainly more readily available!
[see website www.mytyres.co.uk]

Interestingly when comparing the best brand of summer tyre (Dunlop SP sport) to the best winter tyre (Goodyear ultra grip 5) the latter is far better all round although the Dunlop is obviously a little (but not significantly) better in dry conditions (according to posted test results).

The Goodyear scores not just in the wet but also snow (here's hoping for a white Xmas to try that one out!) and in terms of noise and wear.

A local supplier (Hounslow tyres) quoted £47ea fitted and balanced.