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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Track day tyres (tires) and wheels

Hi,

I have an MGB V8, 3.9 that now has the Frontline conversion front and back. I would like to give my car a more sporty look and try the new suspension out on a couple of track days. My current wheels/tyres are 185/65 R15 on 15x 5.5JJ Minilite type wheels. Please can anyone advise on either, the best modern tyres for this size of wheel (sticky rather than long life) and/or a replacement wheel make/size and tyre combination I can keep for the track (road legal). There are old posts on this topic but with new tyres coming out all the time the archives might be out of date.

Assuming wider is better for the track, what is the largest/optimal size wheel/ tyre I can fit without interferance (rear wheel lips removed)?

Thanks for any advice

Richard
R Weston

Richard,
The experts here may need a bit more info from you - starting with width, many of us with more or less standard suspension have run with 195 tyres - I was using 50 profiles on 15" wheels and the ride was similar to a modern BMW hatch with skinny tyres which I drove briefly. I found the ride harsh and changed both. The choice of tyres will depend even more on surface and temperature - and what you want to do with them after your track days. If you want to go back on the road you might start with 195x55 Michelins but if you want to retain some comfort (and return to 65s) then look for a V rated budget set for the track and change them when you have got the track out of your system.
Roger
Roger W

Hi Roger,

Thank you for your feedback. I am keeping my options open about whether to just get new tyres or replacement wheels and tyres. With the latter option, I will retain my current wheels and tyres that are OK (although not V rated) and can then afford to be more adventurous with the "track" wheels/tyres. My problem is I am unsure what to look for in replacement wheels and tyres – is 195 the optimum!

If I go for the former option can I fit 195x55 on my current 15x 5.5JJ wheels? Any particular tyre recommendations from track day enthusiasts that also drive on the road?

Cheers

Richard
R Weston

Richard,
It's difficult to advise. You start with the wheels and tyres you have. My advice has to be influenced by the longer term when you might have different wheels/tyres in Winter from Summer. Frontline will tell you which are the biggest wheels to fit for the long haul. On standard suspension, six inch wheels will fit so long as the bushes are in very good condition. 5.5" wheels are the normal long term compromise. The choice of rubber changes from season to season. A trackday visit will tell you what is best now. I suggest 55s for competition. 65s or 70s for normal use.
Good luck with the track days. The MGB has predictable handling at speed. It is also very good on packed snow and ice - with the right tyres.
Roger
Roger W

Thanks very much for your advice, much appreciated.

Richard
R Weston

Richard,
The wheel and tyre choice on our 1980 BGT 3.5 V8 conversion is 6J x15 Minilite with Dunlop Sport 7000 tyres in 195/60 size.The car is lowered 50mm and required professional attention to the rear wheel arches[ slight flare with lips rolled in]to prevent rubbing.The tyres are nicely flat in tread and do a great job on the road and on the occasional track day.Gearing with the 3.9 diff retained is 40kph/1000rpm, with the tuned engine the car will easily pull 6000rpm in 5th gear[LT77 gearbox].
Tony.
TONY FREW

This thread was discussed between 03/02/2014 and 13/07/2014

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