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MG MGA - What size tires

My Mga Coupe currently uses 165/80/15 radial tires. I need to change them. After searching in all the web and local locations, I have not found any. It seems they are , out of stock....discontinued....or I cannot afford the asking price.

What would be the nest ALTERNATE size that I should look for? I am not to worried about tach and speedo not running exactly as it is not a highway speeders. I drive it daily and mostly secondary roads.
Gordon Harrison

Hi Gordon

If you want chapter and verse on tyres for MGAs, or any other classic car, go to the web site of Longstone classic tyre in uk

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/

They have several options. I don’t know whether they export but it will tell you what look for.

Paul
Paul Dean

I think Tire Rack has what you need
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?message=singleSize&tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Sprint+Classic&cameFrom=selectOE&partnum=5SR5SC
That's where I bought mine but I don't know if they ship to Canada.

Jud
J K Chapin

Gordon. Are you sure you got the exact size correct? Mine have always been 165-78-15, which was the same size tire that the Volkswagon "Bug" or "Beetle" of the same era used. Coker Tires used to have tires available in this size. In any event, it is hard to believe that a common tire for the old VW is not available from someone.

Les
Les Bengtson

I just checked Discount Tire. They do show the profile height (aspect ratio) as being 80%. They also show tires for $101 apiece as the inexpensive option and Coker tires, at about twice that price, as the only other option. The price of the Coker tire, slightly over $200 (US) each is slightly less than I am currently paying for tires on daily driver truck. Les
Les Bengtson

Vredstein Sprint Classic are one of the best tires you can buy in that size, and are only a bit more than the cheap option at Tire Rack. Currently about $140 each with free shipping.

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/165hr15-vredestein-sprint-blackwall-tire.html
Steve Simmons

I presume you don’t get Pirelli or Michelin on your side of the Atlantic?

On the subject of correct size the original tyres were cross ply not radial but everyone fits ‘nearest fit’ radials these days but the nearest size is 155 although 165 are a common alternative. I was on 165s but have now gone for 155 Pirelli Cinturartos for slightly lighter steering.

Paul
Paul Dean

We do get those tires here also. I just fit a set of XZX on my TD.
Steve Simmons

Following on discussion about sizes, I have been making enquiries as I need to change my tyres. They are 165/15 and in great condition but 18 years old!

Longstone, who Paul referred to, told me that I need (for my Mk 2) 155/15- he said that 165/15 are only for the twin cam, and 155/15 will give me lighter steering.

But elsewhere I was told (by MWS tyres who also has a very good site with lots of detail www.mwsint.com) that with my wire wheels that have 60 spokes, I need 165/15 due to the width of the wheel. Bit confused!

Graham V

Graham I have Continental CT22 tyres 165/80 R15s on my wire wheels as recommended by Bob West many years ago. The steering is really only heavy at v low speeds. £93 from RAC fitted. Somewhat cheaper than Longstone. Next think is finding a decent garage who can fit them to your spoked wheels and balance them. A local ETB shop did it for me although the apprentice first put on the job scratched a wheel. He was soon replaced when the boss saw what had happened. Good time to change your tires, long overdue!
John Francis

John
That’s good to know, Thank you. If Bob West recommended them, they must be right.
Did they use inner tubes? My local tyre shop says that they don’t always need them but Lonsdale said they are essential. But I’m beginning to lose confidence in what they are telling me.
Graham V

Hi Graham

No I don't think mine have inner tubes. It does depend on the wheels you have. Your fitter should be able to advise you I expect. John
John Francis

Tubes are required if the wheels aren't sealed. Without them, air will escape through the spoke holes in the rim. Also, wheels this narrow usually don't have a safety lip that is legally required for tubeless tires. So it depends on your particular wheels whether or not you need the inner tubes.
Steve Simmons

Original MGA tires were 5.60/15 bias ply tires and the Twin Cams came through with a slightly larger 5.90/15 tire. The width of of the original tire corresponds most closely to a 145 or 155 metric tire. But the bias plys were about a 100 series profile and the tire that most closely matches the original is an 80 series metric. A 165R15 (80 series) tire most closely matches the original diameter, although it will be slightly wider and at low speed steering is a bit harder, but this disappears once driving at a reasonable clip. This tire will also allow your speedometer to run true as compared to the originals. Some folks like the look of a narrower tire, some prefer the wider look. For basic daily use a 155R15 or 165R15 works well; my tires of choice are Michelin 165R15 from Longstone on 4.5 60 spoke rims and prior to that I had 155's on the standard 4 in rim. If you're running wire wheels and they are not sealed at the nipples, make sure you use a rim band and a quality, name brand tube.
Nick Kopernik

All very helpful. Thanks
Graham V

I have 165/80/15 Khumo Power Star on the recommendation of Mr. Gaylord. They were installed in 2006 and now its time to change. Kumho no longer makes PS. Online websites have tires but will not confirm the age of the tire . The best they can say is the tires are no older than 4-5 years old.

So lets keep it simple
WHAT BRAND
WHAT SIZE
Do you have on your Mga NOW.

Gordon

Gordon Harrison

Vredstein Sprint Classic 165R15

It's unlikely you would get old tires, as they are popular and so stock is constantly rotating. I've bought them from Tire rack, Coker and a couple other places and never got one more than about a year old.
Steve Simmons

Well my new Continental Pro Contri 165/60/R15 are being installed on Thursday.
Thanks everybody for your help.
Gordon Harrison

This thread was discussed between 03/07/2024 and 24/07/2024

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